Feeling lethargic? Gained weight recently for no reason? Do you suffer from hair loss? Then it could be a thyroid issue, and it could be fixed.
Research shows millions of people around the globe suffer from thyroid issues, often without realising. TOAD spoke to Dr Omran Bedir Gatee, an endocrinology, metabolic and diabetes specialist at Burjeel Hospital, to find out how to spot the symptoms of a thyroid problem and what treatment is available.
What is the thyroid?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits in the front of your neck. It is an endocrine gland, which release hormones into the blood. It controls the body’s abilities to turn food into energy and monitors body temperature.
The thyroid also controls the body’s sensitivity to other hormones and makes proteins (nutrients). When the thyroid has problems, it can affect a person’s metabolic rate, ability to control body temperature and energy levels. It can also cause discomfort. A healthy thyroid cannot normally be felt by hand.
Common thyroid problems
Dr Omran explains, ‘Thyroids can be overactive [hyperthyroidism], underactive [hypothyroidism] or form nodules – abnormal growths. These are the three most common problems.
‘Symptoms of an overactive thyroid are palpitations, shakiness, excessive sweating, nervousness, weight loss, heat intolerance and sometimes heart failure – especially if the patient is elderly. An underactive thyroid may cause aches and pains, weight gain, hair loss and puffiness under the eyes, and make the patient feel cold or sleepy. Both are very common, especially underactive thyroids. Many people who come to me, especially ladies, have an underactive thyroid. Almost 60 per cent of the ladies I see suffer hypothyroidism.
‘Nodules make swallowing difficult, cause pain and hoarseness of the voice,’ explains Dr Omran. ‘With nodules, there is always the worry that they could be a sign of cancer. So it’s a relief that 90 per cent of the time they’re benign, so patients can relax.’
Thyroid function is checked in various ways. Nodules or an enlarged thyroid can be detected by hand, while a blood test, ultrasound, X-ray and thyroid scan may also be required. Dr Omran explains, ‘In a thyroid scan, the thyroid is injected with radioactive iodine dye, then a special X-ray camera scans it. As this test is radioactive, we ensure patients take special precautions, such as avoiding physical interaction with family members – particularly children – for three or four days afterwards.’
The causes
So what causes these problems in the first place? Dr Omran explains, ‘It’s quite common to have a family history of thyroid issues. Whether the problem is nodules or inflammation of the gland, thyroid disorders can be genetic. They can also be caused by environmental factors. Laser hair removal, for example, can form nodules, and stress and exposure to X-rays can contribute, too.’
Particular races can also have more problems than others. Dr Omran says, ‘Some races are more susceptible to different thyroid problems. I have seen it most commonly in Filipina ladies who live in Abu Dhabi. They are stressed, so they tend to have an overactive thyroid. They suffer weight loss and feeling cold. Emirati women are more susceptible to an underactive thyroid because of their genetic make-up.
‘Usually there are no preventative measures to take to avoid thyroid problems, as most are genetic.’
The solution
Once a thyroid issue has been diagnosed, often the patient will be prescribed medication. In cases of hyperthyroidism, medication to suppress thyroid hormones is prescribed. For hypothyroidism, medication for thyroid hormone replacement is usually administered. In extreme cases and in cases of nodules, surgery to remove the issue is required.
Who should get checked?
Dr Oman says that though thyroid problems are prevalent, it’s often people’s lifestyle – which causes them to be overweight – that’s the real issue. He says, ‘The most common cause of weight gain is of course, lifestyle. Some people think because they are overweight, it’s their thyroid, yet they don’t have any other symptoms – they’re just eating too much or not exercising. This is the most common cause of weight gain, followed by thyroid issues.’
For the people that do have thyroid issues, it’s the other effects combined with weight changes that are the indicator, Dr Oman says. ‘Initially, patients will go to the doctor because they have gained weight or because they are feeling cold, sleepy or lethargic, have dizzy spells or heart palpitations.
‘Often, many patients are referred to me because doctors will refer complicated patients. Most patients who come to me know there is something wrong with them but they don’t know what.’
If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms, consult your general practitioner.
Dr Omran Bedir Gatee works at Burjeel Hospital, Al Najda Street, www.burjeel.com (02 508 5555).
