KARACHI, June. 28: Hormonal disorders, are on the rise in the country due to various reasons including lack of awareness in the public.

Diabetes mellitus, the commonest of the condition has effected 12 per cent of the total population of the country, while another 12 percent could be categorised prone to become diabetic.

Second of the most common hormone problem witnessed among locals is the thyroid disorder. The condition refers to both under-activity and over-activity of the said hormone, manifested through nonspecific ways as lethargy, weakness, mental retardation, psychosis, obesity, joint pains and even coma or unconsciousness.

“Awareness as well as proper diagnosis of the thyroid disorders is thus essential in early stages,” Dr Zaman Sheikh, secretary of the Pakistan Endocrine Society (PES), said.

The cushing syndrome, another hormonal disorder quite common among Pakistanis is generally attributed to the rampant misuse of steroids quacks.

People suffering from the condition are vulnerable to be inflicted with diabetes, obesity and bleeding peptic ulcer.

Short stature is another major problem effecting significant number of children with serious psychological repercussions. This is despite the fact that its scientific treatment is available but lack of information continues to leave many in adequately attended, often even unattended.

Moreover, acromegaly, infertility, menstrual problems, hirsutism (excess hair growth in women) are among the hormonal disorders increasingly witnessed in the country.

Keeping in view the growing vulnerability of locals to hormonal disorders.—APP