Since 2009, May 25 has been marked annually as World Thyroid Day. This date was established on the initiative of the European Thyroid Association, which studies thyroid diseases and related conditions.
In Azerbaijan, World Thyroid Day has been observed since 2013. The purpose of this day is to draw the attention of scientists, healthcare professionals, and the general public to thyroid-related disorders.
According to statistics, around one-third of the world’s population suffers from various diseases associated with impaired thyroid function. Approximately 30% of adults have nodules in the neck region.
In the modern era, stress, improper nutrition, iodine deficiency, and lifestyle changes have contributed to the increasing prevalence of thyroid diseases. In many cases, these conditions present with subtle symptoms in the early stages, and people often interpret them as simple fatigue or everyday stress. However, timely diagnosis and proper treatment play a crucial role in preventing serious complications.
On the occasion of World Thyroid Day, we spoke with endocrinologist Dr. Shabnam Alirzayeva of the Central Customs Hospital about the symptoms, risk factors, modern diagnostic methods, and prevention of thyroid diseases. In this interview, Dr. Shabnam discusses the most common patient misconceptions, stereotypes about hormone medications, and the importance of early medical consultation.
— Ms. Shabnam, what is the thyroid gland and what function does it perform in the body?
— The thyroid gland is located on the anterior surface of the neck, just below the larynx. It secretes the T3 and T4 hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, heart rate, and body temperature. This gland acts as the “control center of the body,” and its dysfunction affects all systems. In thyroid diseases, both an increase and a decrease in hormone levels in the blood can disrupt normal bodily functions. The main cause of these diseases is often iodine deficiency, which is a vital element for the human body.
— What symptoms usually indicate thyroid diseases?
— In the early stages, symptoms are often non-specific and are perceived as ordinary fatigue. Patients may experience unexplained weight gain or loss, rapid heartbeat, sleep disturbances, excessive sweating or, conversely, feeling cold. Emotional changes such as irritability or depression are also common.
— How widespread are these diseases?
— Thyroid diseases are quite common worldwide, and about one in five people may encounter this problem at some point in their lives. Women are in a higher-risk group due to hormonal changes.
— What are the main risk factors?
— The main factors include iodine deficiency, autoimmune diseases, genetic predisposition, stress, and radiation exposure. It is also important to note that hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect thyroid function.
— How is the diagnosis made and how complex is the process?
— Diagnosis is relatively simple and includes blood tests (TSH, T3, T4), ultrasound examination, and, if necessary, biopsy. However, the main problem is that patients often seek medical help too late. Early detection is essential, as treatment is much more effective at that stage.
— What misconceptions do patients have about hormone medications?
— Many patients have an unfounded fear of hormone medications. These drugs replace the hormones lacking in the body and are as essential as insulin. When taken in the correct dosage, this treatment is not dangerous; on the contrary, it is life-saving.
— Can thyroid diseases affect psychological well-being?
— Thyroid dysfunction directly affects emotional and psychological health. Hypothyroidism may lead to depression, fatigue, and memory problems, while hyperthyroidism may cause irritability, anxiety, and panic symptoms. For this reason, patients are sometimes mistakenly referred for psychiatric treatment.
— What should be done to prevent these diseases?
— The use of iodized salt, regular medical check-ups, stress management, and periodic hormone testing for individuals in risk groups are extremely important.
— Finally, what message would you like to give to readers?
— The thyroid gland is a small organ, but its dysfunction can disrupt the balance of the entire body. People should not consider fatigue, weight changes, or mood swings as normal. If such symptoms occur, they should seek medical attention in a timely manner. Early diagnosis significantly improves quality of life.
— Thank you for the interesting interview.
Interview conducted by
PR Specialist of the Central Customs Hospital
Dilara Zamanova
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