International Thyroid Day: understand the impact on health

Celebrated on May 25, International Thyroid Day aims to raise awareness among the population about the importance of this small gland located at the base of the neck, responsible for producing hormones that are essential for the functioning of the body.

Although discreet, the thyroid exerts influence on practically the entire body. Its hormones help control metabolism, regulate heartbeat, interfere with body temperature, intestinal functioning, memory, sleep, mood and even weight control.

When the gland works less than it should, a condition known as hypothyroidism, symptoms such as excessive tiredness, drowsiness, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin and difficulty concentrating can gradually appear. In hyperthyroidism, when there is excessive production of hormones, it is common to observe accelerated weight loss, anxiety, tremors, insomnia and palpitations.

Continue lendo

27/05/2026

'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd', 100 years old: why was Agatha Christie's novel voted the best whodunit of all time?

The crime writer Agatha ChristieAlamyIn 2013, the British Crime Writers Association (CWA) met to choose, as part of it...

27/05/2026

Divers try to bring food to survivors trapped in cave in Laos: 'Getting them out won't be easy'

Watch the moment rescue team finds 5 of the missing in cave in LaosDivers taking part in the rescue of five survivors...

27/05/2026

'I thought he was having a stroke', says Joe Biden's wife, about her husband's performance in the debate with Trump in 2024

Former US President, Joe Biden, in a photo with his wife, Jill Biden, and the couple's cat, in an image released on Ma...

In addition to hormonal changes, the thyroid can also develop nodules, a very common condition in the population. The majority are benign, but some cases require investigation to rule out thyroid cancer, the incidence of which has been increasing in recent years, especially among women.

According to data from INCA (National Cancer Institute), thyroid cancer is among the most common endocrine tumors in Brazil. Even so, when diagnosed early, it tends to have high cure rates.

The symptoms are not always clear
One of the main challenges related to thyroid disease is that the symptoms are often confused with signs of everyday life, aging or even stress.

Top Cifras

Toque agora.

1 Careless Whispers George Michael

2 Quarta Feira Tatá Weber

3 Ek Wag Op U Retief Burger

4 Ainda te amo Banda Calypso

Many people live for years with fatigue, mood swings, weight changes and memory difficulties without imagining that the origin of the problem could be in the gland.

Therefore, clinical evaluation, laboratory tests and, in some cases, neck ultrasound are important for adequate investigation.

Be careful with biotin before exams
A detail little known by the population - but extremely important - involves the use of biotin, a vitamin widely present in supplements aimed at hair, skin and nails.

The substance can interfere with the results of laboratory tests related to the thyroid, generating falsely altered results and even confusing diagnoses.

For this reason, medical societies and experts recommend informing the doctor and laboratory of the use of these supplements before collecting the tests. In many cases, it is advised to temporarily suspend biotin a few days before hormonal dosing, according to individual medical assessment.

The recommendation gained prominence in recent years following international warnings about laboratory interference caused by the vitamin.

Prevention and monitoring make a difference
Although not all thyroid diseases can be prevented, adequate medical monitoring and early diagnosis help to avoid complications and significantly improve quality of life.

Persistent changes in weight, excessive tiredness, changes in heart rate, significant hair loss, prolonged hoarseness or the presence of lumps in the neck deserve professional evaluation.

More than a gland linked only to metabolism, the thyroid participates directly in the body's balance. And understanding its signs can make an important difference to your health throughout your life.

*Text written by Dr. Maurício Yagui Hirata, endocrinologist and National Head of Endocrinology at Brazil Health

Thyroid Month: cancer is 3 times more common in women than men

Source: CNN