By Balancing Hormones, Boosting Health: Understanding Your Thyroid
Thyroid Awareness Week, observed annually from May 25 to 31, is an opportunity to educate the public on one of the most essential—but often misunderstood—glands in the human body. The thyroid plays a central role in regulating our metabolism, energy levels, growth, and even our mental health. This article explores what the thyroid does, why it’s important, who is at risk for thyroid disorders, and how these conditions can impact both physical and mental well-being—especially in the Philippine setting.
What Is the Thyroid?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It produces hormones—primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)—that regulate the body’s metabolism. These hormones affect virtually every organ in the body, influencing heart rate, body temperature, digestion, and mood (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases).
Why the Thyroid Matters
Despite its size, the thyroid has a profound impact on health. A properly functioning thyroid helps maintain:
- Healthy metabolism for energy and weight management
- Cognitive function and emotional stability
- Heart health and body temperature regulation
- Skin and hair health, menstrual cycles, and fertility
When the thyroid underperforms (hypothyroidism) or becomes overactive (hyperthyroidism), the effects ripple throughout the body and mind.
Common Thyroid Disorders
- Hypothyroidism – An underactive thyroid that slows down body functions. Common causes include Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and iodine deficiency.
- Hyperthyroidism – An overactive thyroid that accelerates body functions. Often caused by Graves’ disease.
- Goiter – An enlarged thyroid, often due to iodine deficiency or autoimmune disorders. Goiter cases are especially prevalent in areas of the Philippines where iodized salt is not widely used.
- Thyroid nodules – Lumps in the thyroid that can be benign or cancerous.
- Thyroid cancer – A rare but increasingly diagnosed form of cancer. Recent Philippine data suggests increasing incidence, possibly due to better diagnostics and awareness (Philippine Thyroid Association).
Global and Philippine Statistics
- According to the 2025 Department of Health advisory, about 9 million Filipinos are affected by goiter, with women three times more likely to suffer from thyroid disorders than men (BusinessMirror, 2025).
- The Philippine Thyroid Diseases Study (PhilTiDeS 1) reported a thyroid function abnormality prevalence of 8.53% among Filipinos, with most cases being subclinical disorders (JAFES, 2013).
- According to the World Health Organization, over 750 million people globally have some form of thyroid disorder.
- The American Thyroid Association (ATA) reports that an estimated 20 million Americans have thyroid disease, and up to 60% are unaware of their condition (ATA).
- In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) notes that thyroid disorders affect an estimated 8 to 10 million Filipinos, with women more commonly affected than men.
- A DOH initiative launched under the National Salt Iodization Program aims to reduce goiter and iodine deficiency, especially in rural communities. Despite this, awareness and regular screening remain low in many regions.
Thyroid and Mental Health: A Hidden Link
Thyroid hormones influence brain function. Disruption can lead to mental health issues that are frequently misdiagnosed:
- Hypothyroidism may lead to depression, fatigue, and cognitive slowing.
- Hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety, restlessness, and mood swings.
A 2021 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found a significant association between thyroid dysfunction—particularly hypothyroidism—and increased risk of depression, reinforcing the value of thyroid hormone monitoring in patients with psychiatric symptoms (PubMed)). In the Philippines, where access to mental health services remains a challenge for many, it is crucial to recognize the physical causes of emotional and cognitive struggles.
What You Can Do
- Know the symptoms: Watch for unexplained weight changes, fatigue, mood shifts, or neck swelling.
- Visit your local health center: Barangay health units and city health offices sometimes offer free or subsidized thyroid screening during health awareness campaigns.
- Choose iodized salt: One of the simplest ways to prevent iodine deficiency and related thyroid problems is by using iodized salt.
- Promote awareness: Share information during Thyroid Awareness Week to help others recognize potential signs of thyroid issues, especially in communities with limited health education.
Your thyroid may be small, but its role in your overall health is mighty. From metabolism to mental wellness, this tiny gland affects nearly every function in the body. During Thyroid Awareness Week and beyond, take time to learn about thyroid health, advocate for testing and early diagnosis, and appreciate the advances—including AI—that are making care better and more personalized. In the Philippines, increased community awareness and support for accessible diagnostics can make a major difference in managing thyroid health.
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