Thyroid Disorders: When the Master Gland Misbehaves
The thyroid gland, often called the "master gland of metabolism," plays a crucial role in regulating virtually every cell, tissue, and organ in the body. When the thyroid doesn't function properly, it can affect your energy, weight, mood, and overall health. Thyroid disorders are common worldwide, including in the Philippines, yet many cases remain undiagnosed.
What is the Thyroid?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck, just below the Adam's apple. Despite its small size (about 2 inches), it has enormous influence over your body's functions.
The thyroid produces two main hormones:
- Thyroxine (T4): The main hormone produced by the thyroid
- Triiodothyronine (T3): The more active form, converted from T4
These hormones regulate:
- Metabolism (how your body uses energy)
- Heart rate
- Body temperature
- Breathing
- Cholesterol levels
- Muscle strength
- Menstrual cycles
- Nervous system function
- Bone maintenance
How the Thyroid Works
The thyroid is controlled by a feedback loop involving:
- Hypothalamus (brain): Releases TRH (thyrotropin-releasing hormone)
- Pituitary gland (base of brain): Releases TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)
- Thyroid gland: Responds by producing T3 and T4
When thyroid hormone levels are low, the pituitary releases more TSH to stimulate the thyroid. When levels are high, TSH decreases. This feedback system normally keeps hormone levels balanced.
Types of Thyroid Disorders
Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
The thyroid doesn't produce enough hormone. This is the most common thyroid disorder.
Causes:
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis: An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid (most common cause)
- Iodine deficiency
- Thyroid surgery or radiation
- Certain medications
- Pituitary disorders
- Congenital hypothyroidism (present at birth)
Symptoms:
- Fatigue and sluggishness
- Unexplained weight gain
- Cold intolerance
- Constipation
- Dry skin and hair
- Hair loss
- Depression
- Slow heart rate
- Muscle weakness and aches
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Memory problems
- Elevated cholesterol
Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
The thyroid produces too much hormone, speeding up metabolism.
Causes:
- Graves' disease: An autoimmune condition causing excess hormone production (most common cause)
- Toxic nodular goiter
- Thyroiditis (temporary hyperthyroidism)
- Excessive iodine intake
- Overmedicating with thyroid hormone
Symptoms:
- Unexplained weight loss despite increased appetite
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Heat intolerance and excessive sweating
- Nervousness, anxiety, irritability
- Tremor in hands
- Frequent bowel movements
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Light or missed menstrual periods
- Protruding eyes (in Graves' disease)
Goiter
An enlarged thyroid gland, which can occur with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or normal thyroid function.
Causes:
- Iodine deficiency
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis
- Graves' disease
- Thyroid nodules
- Thyroid cancer
Thyroid Nodules
Lumps in the thyroid gland. Most are benign, but some can be cancerous.
Thyroid Cancer
Though relatively rare, thyroid cancer is highly treatable when detected early.
Thyroid Disorders in the Philippines
Iodine Deficiency: Historically, the Philippines had significant iodine deficiency due to the country's geography and diet. The mandatory iodization of salt (ASIN law, 1995) has reduced but not eliminated this problem, particularly in remote areas.
Goiter Belt: Mountainous and landlocked areas where seafood is less accessible have higher rates of goiter.
Underdiagnosis: Many Filipinos with thyroid disorders remain undiagnosed because symptoms are often attributed to stress, aging, or other conditions.
Women's Health: Women are 5-8 times more likely to develop thyroid disorders than men, making this a significant women's health issue in the Philippines.
Diagnosis
Thyroid disorders are diagnosed through:
Blood Tests:
- TSH: The most important screening test; elevated in hypothyroidism, low in hyperthyroidism
- Free T4 and Free T3: Measures actual hormone levels
- Thyroid antibodies: Detects autoimmune thyroid disease
Imaging:
- Thyroid ultrasound: Evaluates nodules and gland structure
- Radioactive iodine uptake scan: Assesses thyroid function and identifies hot or cold nodules
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): Biopsy of suspicious nodules to check for cancer
Treatment
For Hypothyroidism:
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Euthyrox): Synthetic T4 hormone replacement
- Take daily, usually in the morning on an empty stomach
- Dosage adjusted based on regular TSH monitoring
- Usually a lifelong treatment
- Avoid taking with calcium, iron, or antacids (interfere with absorption)
What to Expect:
- Symptoms typically improve within weeks
- It may take several months to find the optimal dose
- Regular monitoring required (every 6-12 months once stable)
For Hyperthyroidism:
Anti-thyroid Medications:
- Methimazole or propylthiouracil (PTU)
- Block hormone production
- May achieve remission in some patients
Radioactive Iodine Therapy:
- Destroys thyroid cells
- Often results in permanent hypothyroidism, requiring thyroid hormone replacement
Thyroidectomy (Surgery):
- Removes part or all of the thyroid
- May be needed for large goiters, nodules, or cancer
- Results in hypothyroidism, requiring hormone replacement
Beta-Blockers:
- Control symptoms like rapid heart rate and tremor while awaiting definitive treatment
For Thyroid Nodules:
- Most benign nodules are monitored with periodic ultrasound
- Suspicious or growing nodules may require biopsy
- Cancerous nodules require surgery
Living with Thyroid Disorders
Taking Thyroid Medication:
- Take at the same time daily
- Take levothyroxine on an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before eating
- Don't stop or change dose without consulting your doctor
- Inform all healthcare providers about your thyroid condition
- Carry medication when traveling
Lifestyle Tips:
For Hypothyroidism:
- Ensure adequate iodine intake (but don't overdo it)
- Exercise regularly to combat fatigue and weight gain
- Manage constipation with fiber and fluids
- Be patient—improvement takes time
For Hyperthyroidism:
- Limit caffeine (can worsen symptoms)
- Eat enough calories to prevent excessive weight loss
- Manage stress, which can worsen symptoms
- Protect eyes if affected (use sunglasses, lubricating drops)
Pregnancy Considerations:
- Thyroid disorders can affect fertility and pregnancy
- Proper management is crucial for mother and baby's health
- Medication dosing may need adjustment during pregnancy
- Newborns should be screened for thyroid problems
When to Seek Medical Attention
For Hypothyroidism:
- Symptoms not improving with treatment
- Significant mood changes or depression
- Severe fatigue affecting daily life
- Signs of myxedema (severe hypothyroidism): extreme fatigue, confusion, low body temperature, slow heart rate
For Hyperthyroidism:
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Severe weight loss
- Difficulty breathing
- Signs of thyroid storm: high fever, extreme agitation, rapid heartbeat, confusion (medical emergency)
Prevention and Monitoring
Screening Recommendations:
- Newborn screening (mandatory in the Philippines)
- Adults with symptoms or risk factors
- Women over 35 every 5 years
- During pregnancy
- Those with family history of thyroid disease
Ensuring Adequate Iodine:
- Use iodized salt
- Eat seafood regularly
- Be cautious of very restrictive diets
Hope for Thyroid Patients
Thyroid disorders, while chronic, are among the most manageable conditions in medicine. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people with thyroid disorders can lead completely normal lives. The key is early detection, consistent treatment, and regular monitoring.
If you've been experiencing unexplained fatigue, weight changes, or mood disturbances, ask your doctor about thyroid screening. A simple blood test could be the first step toward feeling like yourself again.
"Ang maliit na glandula, malaki ang tungkulin." (A small gland with a big responsibility.)
