The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that controls our metabolism.

The thyroid produces hormones, such as T3, T4, and calcitonin. A delicate balance is necessary for normal metabolism.

The thyroid affects almost all the organs of the body. Too much or too little thyroid hormone can harm you.

You may be at risk for thyroid disorders if you:

  • Have a family history of thyroid problems

  • Have an autoimmune disease such as type 1 diabetes

  • Are over the age of 50, have had thyroid surgery

  • Have Down’s or Turner’s syndrome

  • Have prior history of exposure to radiation, or neck exposure to X-rays

  • Are of Asian or Caucasian descent.

Women are more at risk for thyroid disorders than men. Women develop thyroid problems earlier in life and are at a greater risk during certain stages in life such as puberty, pregnancy, after giving birth and during menopause.

It is estimated that one in 11 Filipino adults will have goiter and that 1 in 12 Filipino adults have some form of thyroid function disorder.

You now know the basic facts about thyroid. Time to take a closer look at one of the most common thyroid disorders: Hypothyroidism.

In hypothyroidism, the thyroid cannot produce enough thyroid hormones slowing down metabolism and other body processes.

Among the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism are:

  • Fatigue

  • Slowed heart rate

  • Cold intolerance

  • Weight gain and Depression

Take note that hypothyroidism symptoms are often variable and may be mistaken for other diseases.

If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to potentially life-threatening complications such as:

  • Hospitalization

  • Higher blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels

  • Infertility

  • Alzheimers disease.

Another common thyroid disorder is hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone causing metabolism overdrive. This results to a speed up of the body processes.

If you notice the following symptoms, you may have hyperthyroidism and should see a physician:

  • Fast heart rate

  • Nervousness and/or irritability

  • Weight loss without dietary changes

  • Increased sensitivity to warm temperatures

  • Muscle weakness

You’ve learned about hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Now, let’s learn about goiter, thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer.

Goiters are most commonly caused by iodine deficiency. When there is not enough iodine in the diet, the thyroid tries to compensate by enlarging.

Over five million Filipinos are affected by goiter, or abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. Are you one of them?

You need sufficient iodine in your diet to keep your thyroid in balance.

Goiter and other thyroid disorders affect one in 11 Filipino adults. You could be one of them.

Did you know that thyroid disorders are three times more common in women than in men?

Did you know that iodine deficiency affects 27 percent of pregnant women, 34.35 percent of lactating women, and 33.6 percent of the elderly population?

There is no single treatment for hyperthyroidism. The appropriate choice will be based on many factors. You may be given anti-thyroid drugs, undergo surgery or radiation therapy.

thyroid nodules occur when there are abnormal growths of thyroid tissue. These can produce toxic nodules and may be malignant.

Thyroid nodules occur when there are abnormal growths of thyroid tissue. These can produce toxic nodules and may be malignant.

You can check for goiter and thyroid nodules by doing the Neck Check. This can be done any time with just a mirror and a glass of water.

The treatment for these depends on the underlying cause. You may be given supplements or you may undergo surgery. Cases with malignancy are treated through the complete removal of the thyroid gland.

Around 1 in 20 pregnant women will develop hypothyroidism during pregnancy. If untreated, this can lead to reduced IQ in the newborn, and increased risk of miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, and other harmful effects to the mother and baby.

Targeted screening is recommended for thyroid disorders in pregnant women. You should be screened for thyroid disorders if you have:

  • Prior history of thyroid disorders or prior thyroid surgery

  • Age > 30 years

  • Symptoms of overt thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)

  • Goiter

  • TPOAb positivity

  • Type 1 diabetes or other autoimmune disorders

  • History of miscarriage or preterm delivery

  • Family history of thyroid dysfunction

  • Morbid obesity (BMI > 40)

  • Use of amiodarone or lithium

  • Infertility

  • Residing in areas of known moderate to severe iodine deficiency

Based on the 2013 National Nutrition Survey, 27% of pregnant women are iodine deficient.

Around 1 in 20 pregnant women will develop hypothyroidism during pregnancy. If untreated, this can lead to reduced IQ in the newborn, and increased risk of miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, and other harmful effects to the mother and baby.

Hypothyroidism in pregnancy, if left untreated, is associated with numerous maternal complications and can affect the development of the fetus.

Hypothyroidism in pregnancy, if left untreated, is associated with numerous maternal complications and can affect the development of the fetus.