It is estimated that approximately 22% of the Polish population suffers or has
suffered from thyroid diseases. The thyroid disease concerns women almost
10 times more often than men. For example, hypothyroidism affects as many
as 1-6% of people under 60 years of age, and the incidence of this disease
increases with age. Up to 50% of patients are unaware of their condition,
which is not surprising, as thyroid diseases develop slowly and insidiously.
Symptoms are often mild at the beginning and in many cases they are neglected
by patients. Meanwhile, untreated thyroid diseases can cause a range of health
complications – so it is worth consulting an endocrinology specialist to rule out
the possibility of disease or to start treatment.
WHAT IS THE THYROID GLAND?
The thyroid gland is a small but highly important gland located at the base of
the neck. It is responsible for hormone management by producing the
hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Thyroid activity is controlled
by the pituitary gland, which releases thyrotropic hormone (TSH) to stimulate
the thyroid gland to T3 and T4 hormone production. To produce these
hormones, the thyroid gland needs an adequate supply of iodine which is
absorbed from the air and from food.
The thyroid gland is essential for the proper functioning of the reproductive
system, nervous and digestive systems, as well as for metabolism. The thyroid
gland influences among others, body temperature, mood, muscles, heart and
bowel function.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON THYROID DISEASES?
The most common thyroid diseases are those associated with abnormal
production of hormones, namely hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism involves insufficient production of hormones whereas its
hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of hormones. A dangerous pathology of
the thyroid gland is cancer. It should be born in mind that if detected early, there
is a 90% chance of a full recovery, hence the importance of preventive measures.
Thyroid cancer most frequently occurs in women between the third and sixth
decade of life. The basis for diagnosis is an ultrasound examination and possibly
a biopsy.
WHAT SYMPTOMS SHOULD PROMPT A CONSULTATION WITH
ENDOCRINOLOGIST?
▫️fatigue, drowsiness
▫️fainting
▫️nervousness, depression
▫️hair loss, brittle nails
▫️frequent hot flashes or frequent feeling cold
▫️excessive sweating
▫️tingling limbs, trembling hands
▫️infertility, irregular periods
▫️reduced libido
▫️voice change
▫️chronic hoarseness
▫️palpable or visible lumps on the neck
▫️swollen lymph nodes
▫️enlarged neck circumference
WHAT CAN BE THE CONSEQUENCES OF UNTREATED THYROID DISEASE?
Untreated thyroid disease can lead to a number of health complications,
including weight gain, menstrual disorders, osteoporosis, hair loss, skin
problems, lipid disorders, heart disease, etc. Untreated hyperthyroidism can
lead to thyrotoxic storm, i.e. a rapid increase in thyroid hormone levels, which is
a serious threat to the patient’s health and life. In addition, fertility and libido
problems may also occur.
In case of pregnant women, untreated thyroid disease poses a risk to the life
and health of both mother and foetus – these can cause miscarriage, premature
birth or abnormalities in the development of the child’s nervous system. It is
worth bearing in mind that the diagnosis of even very mild hypothyroidism in a
pregnant woman requires treatment to prevent foetus’ developmental
disorders.
CHECK WHETHER THE PROBLEM OF THYROID DISEASES CONCERNS YOU TOO
We kindly encourage you to register for consultations with a specialist in the
field of endocrinology, Jarosław Jendrzejewski, MD, PhD habilitatus, lecturer and
researcher at the Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland, professionally
connected with the Thyroid Cancer Treatment Centre at the University Clinical
Centre in Gdańsk. The consultation can be performed in the Polish or English
language.
Ultrasound examination may be performed during the endocrinological
consultation if medically necessary.
We look forward to seeing you!
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
+48 58 380 24 25