Docs urges vigilance vs thyroid disorders

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Thyroid Association (PTA) will hold its 26th annual convention tomorrow at the Diamond Hotel in Manila with the theme “Thyroid Diseases: Concerns in Clinical Practice.”

“We urge the general public to be vigilant against thyroid disorders. These include hyperthyroidism, which if left untreated can lead to heart failure and even death, and hypothyroidism particularly in pregnant women, which can cause low IQ in babies. Early detection and treatment of thyroid disorders is very important,” said PTA president Dr. Susan Yu-Gan.

Located in the front of the neck, the thyroid gland produces hormones that control metabolism (process by which every cell in the body uses energy).

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland releases too much of its hormones. Many diseases and conditions can cause hyperthyroidism, including excessive iodine or thyroid hormone intake, inflammation of the thyroid due to viral infections or other causes, non-cancerous growths of the thyroid or pituitary gland, and Graves disease, the most common cause. “Hyperthyroidism is often hereditary. There are no known ways to prevent it,” Yu-Gan said.

Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, palpitation (rapid, irregular heartbeat), tremors (often in the hands), heat intolerance, increased sweating, frequent bowel movement, irritability, and goiter (enlarged thyroid gland).

“Around six million Filipinos have goiter,” noted Yu-Gan. She cited the latest nationwide survey done by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) in cooperation with the Philippine Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (PSEM) showing that 5.8 percent of those surveyed had thyroid function abnormality, five percent of whom had subclinical hyperthyroidism (no symptoms) and less than one percent had true hyperthyroidism. 

There are currently four available drugs for hyperthyroidism: methimazole, carbimazole, thiamazole and propylthiouracil.

“These drugs suppress the thyroid gland from producing too much thyroid hormone. Patients usually take anti-hyperthyroidism medication for 18 to 24 months,” said Yu-Gan.

She pointed out that surgery should only be done once the patient is already “euthyroid” or has normal thyroid function.

The third treatment option for hyperthyroidism is radioactive iodine. “Each treatment has benefits and risks so patients should thoroughly discuss hyperthyroid treatment options with their physician,” Yu-Gan said.

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. The most common cause is inflammation of the thyroid gland, which damages the gland’s cells. This is what happens in autoimmune or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland.

Some women develop hypothyroidism after pregnancy (“postpartum thyroiditis”). Drugs and radioactive iodine used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism can also cause hypothyroidism.

Early symptoms include increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, depression, fatigue, heavier menstruation, joint or muscle pain, paleness or dry skin, thin brittle hair or fingernails, weakness, and weight gain (unintentional).

Hypothyroidism treatment aims to replace the thyroid hormone that is lacking. Levothyroxine, the most commonly used medication, is usually taken for life.

“Adequate iodine intake is crucial in preventing hypothyroidism,” said Yu-Gan.

To increase awareness on thyroid disorders, the PTA holds regular lay forums on goiter. It also conducts medical missions where its members provide free consultation, thyroid palpation, thyroid function tests and discounted ultrasonography of the thyroid gland.

In some medical missions, the PTA coordinates with surgeons to perform free thyroid surgery on underprivileged patients.

Global specialized pharmaceutical company Invida is supporting the PTA’s 26th annual convention. Invida improves the lives of patients in Asia by marketing differentiated pharmaceutical products of superior quality.

In support of government initiatives to increase access to quality medicine and to help save more Filipino lives, Invida voluntarily reduced by 35 percent the price of its brand of methimazole, a prescription drug that should be taken only under the supervision of a physician.