Is Your Thyroid the Missing Piece?

International Thyroid Awareness Week, held annually from 25 – 31 May, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness of thyroid health and the significant effects that undiagnosed or inadequately treated thyroid disease can have on a person's quality of life. The theme for this year, chosen by global, non-profit network, Thyroid Federation International, is ‘Thyroid and Artificial Intelligence’.

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Worldwide, 1.6 billion people are thought to be at risk of thyroid disorders, and 1 in 8 women will develop a thyroid disorder in their lifetime.1a “At Merck, we’re committed to raising awareness of thyroid disorders, which are often overlooked because their symptoms can be mistaken for other common conditions. Our global awareness website, 'Thyroid Aware', which supports the early detection of a possible thyroid disorder, is available in 25 countries and has been visited over 10 million times in three years,” says Dr Darshni Naicker, the Healthcare Medical Director at Merck. “To show just how easily these signs can go unrecognised, this year’s awareness campaign includes using AI-generated images that visualise some of the most frequent symptoms, for example, unexplained weight gain, digestive problems and excessive tiredness, to name a few. Knowledge is key to helping people identify, diagnose, and manage thyroid disorders early and effectively.”

There are two types of functional thyroid disorders: hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid condition; and hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroid condition.1b In South Africa, 10% of men and 16% of women between the ages of 65 – 74 years old will experience hypothyroidism, with that percentage increasing after the age of 74.1c

“Your thyroid may be small, but it plays a big role in your health,” says Dr Ankia Coetzee, Endocrinologist in Cape Town and former president of the National Society of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes in South Africa (SEMDSA). “This butterfly-shaped gland in your neck controls your metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, and even your mood. When it’s not working properly, the symptoms can creep in quietly, which is why we refer to this as ‘the missing piece of the puzzle’.”

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid. It is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone, leading to a slowdown in the body’s metabolism.1d

Symptoms include tiredness, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, dry hair and skin, constipation, depression, memory problems, irregular periods, and low libido.1e

A common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and reduced function.1f

Other causes can include:

• Environmental toxins (chlorine, mercury, lead)

• Stressful life events

• Genetic factors and conditions like Down’s Syndrome

• Certain medications (e.g. lithium which is often used for mood disorders)

• Viral infections (like glandular fever)

• Surgery to the neck/thyroid

• Radiation therapy to the head or neck1f

  
  

“Hypothyroidism is usually treated with medication that replaces the hormone your thyroid isn’t making enough of,” says Dr Coetzee. “It is an effective treatment that helps restore your energy, mood, and overall health. With the right treatment, most people with hypothyroidism can live healthy, active lives.”

What is hyperthyroidism?

“Another thyroid disorder is hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, speeding up your metabolism,” says Dr Coetzee. “It’s most common in younger women and often runs in families, although the exact cause isn’t always clear.”

Symptoms include a fast heart rate (often over 100 beats per minute), nervousness, anxiety or irritability, weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite, trembling hands or muscle weakness in arms and thighs, increased sweating, digestive, menstrual, skin or hair problems and bulging eyes (linked to Graves’ disease).2a

These symptoms may come on slowly and be dismissed as stress, ageing, or lifestyle related. But if they persist, they shouldn’t be ignored.

How these disorders are diagnosed

Diagnosing hypo- and hyperthyroidism is straightforward. Based on your symptoms, your doctor can order a blood test to check your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).3a If your TSH is outside of the reference range, then your doctor will order a further blood test to confirm the treatment for you.

“Treatment depends on your age, overall health, and how severe the condition is,” says Dr Coetzee.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it might be time to check your thyroid. Merck’s online Symptom Checker can help you assess your risk for a thyroid disorder. If you’re concerned, speak to your doctor – a simple test can determine whether your thyroid is functioning as it should.

“This International Thyroid Awareness Week, we encourage all South Africans to be more aware of their health. If you’ve been feeling like something is not quite right with your health for a while, your thyroid could be the missing piece to solve your concern,” concludes Dr Naicker.

For more information, visit: www.Thyroidaware.com

References1. Nature’s Relief. Thyroid disorders. Accessed May 2025. Available from: https://naturesrelief.co.za/2020/11/10/thyroid-disorders/2. Harvard Health Publishing. Hyperthyroidism and your heart. Accessed May 2025. Available from: Hyperthyroidism and your heart - Harvard Health3. Patient.info. Accessed May 2025. Available from: http://patient.info/doctor/hyperthyroidism