Timely diagnosis is key to managing hypothyroidism

One in every 40 Filipino adults may have hypothyroidism — most without knowing it. This finding from the Philippine Thyroid Diseases Study by the Philippine Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism underscores a quiet but significant public-health concern. Hypothyroidism is a common, treatable condition that often goes undetected for years.

Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid disease, occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones to meet the body’s needs. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck, but its impact is far-reaching. It produces hormones, mainly thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), that regulate metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, digestion, and even mood. When hormone levels are low, many body systems slow down.

According to endocrinologist Dr. Erick Mendoza, president of the Philippine Thyroid Association, women are more prone to developing hypothyroidism than men. The most common cause is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition in which the body mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s typically develops during a woman’s reproductive years but can begin as early as adolescence. Other causes include thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid), congenital hypothyroidism present at birth, surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid, radiation treatment involving the thyroid, and certain medications.

A less common but still important cause of hypothyroidism is iodine deficiency. Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production. To address this, the Department of Health and the National Nutrition Council promote adequate iodine intake through the ASIN Law (Republic Act 8172), which mandates the use of iodized salt. Experts advise using iodized salt in cooking, consuming iodine-rich foods such as seafood (for those without allergies), and consulting a doctor early when symptoms appear or when there is a family history of thyroid disease.

One of the biggest challenges in diagnosing hypothyroidism is that its symptoms are often vague and develop gradually. Many people dismiss them as part of aging, stress, or a busy lifestyle. Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, feeling cold more than usual, unexplained weight gain, constipation, difficulty concentrating, mood changes or depression, dry skin, hair loss, hoarseness, and irregular or heavy menstruation. Because these symptoms overlap with those of many other conditions, hypothyroidism is frequently overlooked.

“Many hypothyroidism symptoms are the same as those of other diseases,” Dr. Mendoza explained. “This is why doctors may request thyroid blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. Patients diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders, as well as women who have difficulty getting pregnant, should undergo thyroid testing.”

There are several blood tests used to assess thyroid function, including the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test, T4 test, T3 test, and thyroid antibody tests. Among these, the TSH test is the most important and is relatively inexpensive. In many cases, this single test is enough to detect hypothyroidism early before serious complications develop.

Once diagnosed, hypothyroidism is highly manageable. Treatment involves lifelong hormone replacement therapy using a prescription medication that restores thyroid hormone levels to a healthy range. When taken correctly and monitored regularly, treatment allows most people to live normal, active lives.

However, correct dosing is crucial. The American Thyroid Association cautions that taking too little medication may leave symptoms unresolved, while taking too much can cause side effects such as palpitations, nervousness, heat intolerance, and unintended weight loss. Regular follow-up and blood tests help ensure safe and effective treatment.

If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to serious health consequences. These include an increased risk of heart disease, heart failure, and bone disorders such as osteoporosis. In rare but severe cases, untreated hypothyroidism may progress to myxedema coma which is a life-threatening emergency that occurs more often in older adults and requires immediate hospital care.

The risks are especially high for pregnant women. Untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy increases the likelihood of complications such as pre-eclampsia, miscarriage, premature birth, and impaired brain development in the baby, which can result in lower IQ and developmental delays. Early diagnosis and treatment protect both mother and child.

Beyond individual health, hypothyroidism also has broader social and economic implications. Fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and mood changes can affect work productivity, learning, and overall quality of life. The research-based pharmaceutical industry continues to address hypothyroidism as part of its broader commitment to tackling non-communicable diseases and improving access to essential medicines worldwide.

Hypothyroidism may be silent, but its impact is profound. Raising awareness, encouraging early testing, and ensuring access to affordable treatment can spare countless Filipinos from years of unnecessary suffering. Awareness begins with simple steps: telling your doctor about persistent symptoms, sharing family history of thyroid disease, and encouraging loved ones to seek evaluation when needed.

By talking more openly about thyroid health, we can transform a commonly overlooked condition into one that is recognized early, treated effectively, and managed well, improving lives one diagnosis at a time.