Hypothyroidism — the most common diagnosis among teenagers — can cause dryness, puffiness, brittle nails and sluggishness, which families often overlook.
Published May 25, 2025 | 3:00 PM ⚊ Updated May 25, 2025 | 3:00 PM
Face acne. (iStock)
Synopsis: A growing number of Indian teenagers are being diagnosed with thyroid disorders by dermatologists. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and hormonal balance, both of which significantly affect the skin, scalp, and often cause mood swings.
Of late, a growing number of Indian teenagers are being diagnosed with thyroid disorders. Interestingly, most of them are being diagnosed by dermatologists! Skin and hair complaints such as sudden acne flares, excessive hair fall, dry skin, and even skin pigmentation have led dermatologists to uncover underlying hormonal imbalances, particularly hypothyroidism.
“This was not the trend a decade ago. Now, in a week, there are at least three to four teenage girls with signs that point towards thyroid dysfunction,” Dr Gopal G, a senior dermatologist at a Bengaluru-based skin clinic, told South First. “They usually come in for facial acne or thinning of hair. However, blood tests often reveal abnormal thyroid levels,” he added.
In an interview with India Today, Dr Preeti Kabra, Senior Chief of Lab, Neuberg Diagnostics, cited a report and said, “With one in four teens already affected and young girls showing significantly higher risk, this silent disorder could have long-term consequences if ignored.”
She said that according to a report analysing thyroid testing patterns from June 2023 to April 2025, one in four teens had abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, showing potential thyroid dysfunction.
The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and hormonal balance, both of which significantly affect the skin, scalp, and often cause mood swings.
Dr Gopal said hypothyroidism — the most common diagnosis among teenagers — can cause dryness, puffiness, brittle nails and sluggishness, which families often overlook.
Many parents initially mistake these changes as a result of stress or dietary changes. “We thought our daughter’s hair fall and fatigue were due to exam stress,” said Asha Raja, the mother of a 17-year-old who was diagnosed with hypothyroidism two months ago. “
We didn’t expect the skin doctor to ask for a thyroid test!” explained Sreesha Raja, another parent.
Speaking to South First Dr Girish MS, a senior specialist at ESIC Hospital in Bengaluru, said, “When patients with skin disorder are investigated for thyroid hormone dysfunction, around 10 to 20 percent of them have underlying thyroid disorder (could be hyper or hypo).”
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It produces thyroid hormones (mainly T3 and T4), which regulate metabolism —the way the human body uses energy. These hormones affect nearly every organ, including the heart, brain, skin and muscles.
Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid, which doesn’t produce enough hormones. Dr Girish said it could lead to dryness of skin, cool, pale, skin, round, swollen face around eyelids and mouth, slowly healing wounds, pigmentary skin changes with melasma, dry brittle nails, warm, diffuse alopecia, depression or low mood, constipation, irregular or heavy periods, puffy face or swelling in the neck.
Meanwhile, in hyperthyroidism, the thyroid produces high levels of hormones. Some of the common symptoms are sweating of either palms, soles or whole body, urticaria (hives, protruding eyes), alopecia areata (round patchy hair loss), vitiligo, weight loss, rapid heartbeat or palpitations, anxiety or irritability, low heat tolerance, tremors in hands, frequent bowel movements or diarrhoea, sleeping troubles and irregular or light periods.
Endocrinologists who normally detect thyroid cases agree that dermatologists are increasingly becoming the first point of detection. “The skin is a mirror of internal health,” explains Dr Abhi Gundubarthi, an endocrinologist from Bengaluru. “Thyroid disorders don’t show up with dramatic symptoms early on, but subtle changes in the skin, nails or hair can alert a vigilant dermatologist,
Some dermatology clinics are now routinely asking for thyroid profiles when symptoms suggest a hormonal imbalance. “Especially if a teenage girl presents with acne that is resistant to treatment, or hair loss that is not explained by lifestyle alone. Dr Gopal says, “especially if a teenage girl presents with acne or hair loss that’s not explained by lifestyle alone, I prefer to screen for thyroid, PCOS and Vitamin D levels,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Aishwarya Radhakrishna, Senior Consultant dermatologist at MS Clinical Research Institute, told South First, “These days, we, as dermatologists, come across a lot of children and teenagers, adolescents and school-going children. They come with complaints about skin and hair. Usually, further investigations reveal thyroid or other endocrine disorders.”
Experts point out multiple factors driving the spike: Environmental pollution, increased exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in food and skincare products, poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle and stress.
While junk food and a sedentary lifestyle may be one of the reasons for the increase, processed food and irregular sleep cycles could also be stressing the endocrine system.
When asked if all children must be tested for thyroid issues, Dr Aishwarya said, “It is not necessary or mandated but we look at the scenarios in which we should do the examination; children who are suddenly having hair loss, hair fall, dry skin, putting on weigh, complain of darkness around neck, underarms or inner thighs, delayed menarche or earlier onset of menarche.”
Interestingly, doctors claim that girls seem to be more frequently diagnosed, although boys are not immune. Doctors also caution that the rise may be partly due to more frequent screening in urban centres, while rural teens may still be underdiagnosed.
However, Dr Divya Sharma, renowned dermatologist and founder of Dr Divya’s Skin and Hair Clinic, told South First that there could be cases of false positive case of high TSH levels.
“I don’t think there is an increase in thyroid issues among teenagers. Sometimes, we diagnose thyroid issues when excessive dry skin or excessive hair fall is present. There are also lot of false high TSH cases these days. False high TSH can be seen when patients use hair supplements or are low on vitamins. There is a word of caution that one should interpret the results with the help of an endocrinologist,” she said.
“As obesity is getting higher in teenagers and adolescents, thyroid and PCOD issues will defenitely rise,” Dr Sharma noted.
Doctors are calling for greater awareness among parents, school counsellors, and general practitioners. Simple screening tests can catch thyroid dysfunction early and avoid long-term complications, including fertility issues and mental health issues later in life.
Doctors explain that even though there could be permanent damage in some cases, it can be well-managed and symptoms would vanish completely with the right treatment.
“One good thing about skin and hair is that the first symptoms, though mild, are easily visible, along with slight mood changes. When we, as dermatologists, identify it at this early and mild stage, it can be reversed,” she added.
Some common blood tests, such as TSH, T3, T4, and anti-TPO antibodies, are conducted to check for autoimmune causes. An ultrasound of the thyroid is also advised if nodules are suspected.
Meanwhile, it is important to monitor thyroid medication, as dosages may need adjustment after four to six weeks. Regular blood tests are key to managing the condition.
According to Apollo Hospitals, diet can help restore thyroid function and minimise some of the symptoms. Certain goitrogenic foods, such as kale, soy, and cabbage, should be consumed with caution when dealing with hypothyroidism.
These include:
Soya products: Tofu, soy milk, etc.
Certain vegetables: Cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, spinach, etc.
Fruits and starchy plants: Sweet potatoes, cassava, peaches, strawberries, etc.
Nuts and seeds: Millet, pine nuts, peanuts, etc.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
