Did you know that women are 5 - 8 times more likely than men to suffer from hypothyroidism? This has important implications for women since the symptoms mimic other conditions and may be left untreated which may cause irreversible consequences for their children, especially for pregnant women. Today we are observing World Thyroid Day which aims to spread awareness on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of common thyroid disorders that people may be experiencing which may also have negative effects in childhood, during pregnancy and throughout adult life.
The Thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped, unpaired endocrine gland with two lobes located at the front of the neck. It is responsible for producing thyroid hormones which are essential for regulating metabolism and growth. It also contains specialized cells that produce a hormone called calcitonin which is needed for balancing calcium levels in the body. Thus, maintaining good thyroid health is essential in maintaining optimal body function. The following are tips on how to take care of your thyroid and prevent common thyroid disorders:
1. Ask if any of your family members or relatives have a thyroid condition.
Some autoimmune thyroid conditions are hereditary and may run among families. Autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a condition where the body’s immune system attacks its own thyroid gland - causing it to be dysfunctional and produce hypothyroid symptoms such as cold intolerance, depression, and weight gain. Thus, being aware of your family history can help guide you in initiating preventive practices earlier and possible symptoms to watch out for.
2. Limit radiation exposure.
Radiation exposure of the thyroid during childhood is one of the clear risk factors in developing thyroid tumors or cancers depending on the type and amount of exposure and age of the individual. The younger the exposure, the greater the risk and it persists throughout life. Radiation exposures may be from diagnostics such as Xrays, CT scans and even radiotherapy. Some can be accidental exposure to radioactive substances near nuclear power plants or accidental ingestion of contaminated food or liquid. Thus, it is important to note possible childhood exposures such as having parents who work in or live near a nuclear power plant or a facility that uses radioactive materials. If there is a history of exposure and the individual experiences thyroid-related symptoms, consult your doctor for early evaluation.
3. Eat foods rich in Iodine and have a balanced varied diet.
One of the most common thyroid conditions is Hypothyroidism where the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough Thyroid hormone due to the dietary deficiency of Iodine - a mineral needed for its production. Iodine is found mostly in seafood, seaweeds, and iodized salt. Thus, by eating a varied diet consisting of 1 -2 serving fish or seafood per week and switching to Iodized salt in cooking - your daily Iodine needs are more likely to be satisfied.
4. Do an annual physical exam.
Having an annual physical exam can help in general maintenance of health and screening for treatable conditions. If you have a family history of thyroid conditions or are experiencing symptoms, an annual physical exam can be an opportunity for monitoring your health status and for early screening such as Thyroid function tests or ultrasound. This is important especially for growing children, adolescents, and women planning to get pregnant to ensure that they have adequate thyroid function needed for the optimal growth of their future child.
5. When you start experiencing thyroid-related symptoms, consult your doctor.
Thyroid-related symptoms may be due to under or overproduction of the thyroid hormone. The most common presenting feature is having a goiter or enlarged thyroid gland but a goiter can be seen in both hypo or hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is the condition when there is underproduction of thyroid hormone which manifests as:
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dry skin
- Cold intolerance
- Hair loss
- Difficulty concentrating or poor memory
- Constipation
- Weight gain with poor appetite
- Dyspnea
- Hoarse voice
- Irregular or missed menses
- Tingling or numbness of arms or feet
- Impaired hearing
Hyperthyroidism is the condition when there is an overproduction of thyroid hormone which manifests as:
- Hyperactivity, Irritability
- Heat intolerance and sweating
- Palpitations
- Fatigue and Weakness
- Weight loss with increased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Frequent urination
- Irregular or missed menses
- Loss of libido
When you are experiencing most of these symptoms, it is important to identify the underlying cause of having an under or hyperactive thyroid so that the cause may be addressed and treated properly. Note that iodine-rich foods are not recommended for those having a hyperactive thyroid because it may exacerbate their condition. Thus, when you start experiencing thyroid related symptoms, consult your doctor.
/AET
References
[1] Ross, D.S. (2022). Diagnosis of and screening for hypothyroidism in nonpregnant adults. UpToDate. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/diagnosis-of-and-screening-for-hypothyroidism-in-nonpregnant-adults?search=hypothyroidism&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H2
[2] Australian Thyroid Foundation (2021). May is Thyroid Awareness Month. Australian Thyroid Foundation. Retrieved from https://thyroidfoundation.org.au/World-Thyroid-Day#:~:text=World%20Thyroid%20Day%20(WTD)%2C,treatment%20of%20thyroid%20diseases%20worldwide.
[3] Amboss (2022). Thyroid Gland and Parathyroid Glands. Amboss. Retrieved from https://next.amboss.com/us/article/i60JkS?q=thyroid#Za09b3ec4cbcf889fc4f7b34cecb45f4d.
[4] Bickley, L. S., Szilagyi, P. G., & Bates, B. (2013). Bates' guide to physical examination and history taking, 12th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
[5] Schneider, A.B. & Tuttle, R.M. (2022). Radiation-induced thyroid disease. UpToDate. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/radiation-induced-thyroid-disease?search=thyroid&source=search_result&selectedTitle=12~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=12#H879756
[6] Aherrera, J.A.M., Abrahan IV, L.L., Tiongson, M.D.A., Gauiran, D.T.V., Yu, M.G.Y. & Banzuela, E.P.C. (2021). IM Platinum, 4th ed. Quezon City: Top Practice Medical Publishing Corp.
