new delhi are you suffering from unexplained weight loss or gain do you feel lethargic or have problem in concentrating dont blame it entirely on stress it could be due to thyroid malfunction in the last decade doctors say thyroid diseases have emerged as a serious medical condition especially among women dr ambrish mithal chairman and head of endocrinology and diabetes division at medanta medicity says it affects 510 of the population hypothyroidism a condition in which the body is not able to produce enough thyroid hormone is the most common it slows the metabolism and leads to symptoms such as fatigue forgetfulness depression cold intolerance and swelling in the neck said mithal he was delivering a talk on osteoporosis and thyroid in women myths and realities organized by the times of india as part of its initiative delhi for women he said that early detection and treatment can help such patients live healthy hypothyroidism is very dangerous during pregnancy it can affect brain development of the fetus the doctor added one out of three women in india suffers from osteoporosis hip fracture is one of the most common and dangerous consequences said mithal he added that healthy food habits in childhood and an active lifestyle can help prevent the disease women above 50 should get bone density test done and take medication if needed exposure to sunlight for at least 30 minutes daily and balance exercises are helpful mithal advised he said early onset of menopause excessive alcoholism smoking sedentary lifestyle and medications such as steroids can cause osteoporosis