Thyroid disorders are highly prevalent among women, and can affect them from puberty to pregnancy to menopause, said doctors on Tuesday emphasising the importance of regular checkups.

Thyroid disease affects the functioning of the thyroid gland -- resembling the shape of a small butterfly at the front of the neck. It plays a vital role in producing essential hormones such as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) -- that help in weight management, boosting energy levels, maintaining internal temperature, skin, hair, nail growth and metabolism, among others.