One in ten Peruvians suffers from some type of thyroid disorder

60% of affected patients are unaware of their condition, according to WHO.

Every May 25th, ‘World Thyroid Day’ is commemorated, a date whose mission is to raise awareness among the population about the importance of thyroid function and its impact on health.

The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the front of the neck and is responsible for producing hormones that influence the regulation of growth and development, body temperature, heart rate and energy used by the body.

Thyroid disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. Some of the most common problems are hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer.

Symptoms can vary depending on the type of disorder, but generally include fatigue, weight gain or loss, concentration problems, irritability, and changes in heart rate.

It is estimated that around 1.5 million Peruvians suffer from hypothyroidism, an illness caused by the deficient secretion of hormones from the thyroid gland.

According to the Peruvian Society of Endocrinology, one in ten Peruvians suffers from some type of thyroid disorder, with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and nodules being the thyroid problems that occur most frequently in the population.

Thyroid dysfunction is very common throughout the world, especially in women. It is still unknown why women are more at risk than men, and even to have thyroid problems and develop them earlier in life.

Certain times in a woman’s life make her more vulnerable to developing thyroid problems, including:

– Recent pregnancy

– Experiencing hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth or during menopause.

Regardless of gender, you are at risk for thyroid dysfunction if you:

– You have a family history of thyroid problems.

– You have an autoimmune disease such as type 1 diabetes.

– You are over 60 years old.

– You have a history of thyroid disorders or have had thyroid surgery.

– You have Down or Turner syndrome.

– Do you have a history of lithium use?

– You have ingested significant amounts of iodine through food or medication.

Main causes of the disease

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), some 750 million people in the world have a thyroid disorder, of which 60% are unaware.

The human body possesses the thyroid gland, which has the vital function of regulating the body’s energy production and metabolism. Located in the center of the neck, it produces, releases, and stores thyroid hormones that are secreted into the blood and then carried to all body tissues.

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