So many people are diagnosed with thyroid issues in India — are we overtesting or catching it early?

I’ve noticed something interesting over the last few years—almost everyone I know has either been *tested* for thyroid or *diagnosed* with some thyroid issue. Especially women. It makes me wonder: 👉 Are thyroid problems actually increasing in India? 👉 Or are we testing more than necessary and labeling people too quickly? From what I’ve read and discussed with doctors, the reality seems a bit more nuanced. **Why thyroid diagnoses seem so common now** * Thyroid disorders (especially hypothyroidism) *are* genuinely common in India, partly due to: * Iodine imbalance (both deficiency and excess) * Autoimmune conditions * Stress, lifestyle changes, and hormonal factors * Symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, hair fall, and mood changes are very common—so doctors often recommend thyroid tests early. **But here’s the catch…** Many people get diagnosed based on **borderline TSH values**, sometimes without symptoms. A mildly high or low TSH doesn’t always mean lifelong thyroid disease. In fact: * TSH levels can fluctuate due to illness, stress, sleep issues, or even the time of testing. * One abnormal report doesn’t always mean treatment is required. * Some cases only need **monitoring**, not medication. **Are we overtesting then?** Not exactly. Testing itself isn’t the problem. The issue is **how results are interpreted**. Thyroid tests are useful when: * Symptoms are persistent * There’s a family history * Pregnancy or fertility issues are involved * Values are clearly abnormal *and consistent* Problems arise when: * Treatment starts after a single borderline result * Follow-up tests (T3, T4, antibodies) aren’t done * Patients aren’t told that levels can normalize on their own **So is early testing bad?** Actually, early testing can be *very helpful*—when done correctly. It helps catch genuine thyroid disorders before complications develop. But awareness is key: * Understand your numbers * Don’t panic over one report * Ask if repeat testing or observation is an option I’m curious Have you or someone close to you been diagnosed with a thyroid issue? Were you advised medication immediately, or asked to monitor it over time? Would love to hear real experiences and medical opinions here.