Manila, Philippines—Do you often experience feelings of fatigue, being unusually
tired or sluggish? Sadness and low mood or anxiety? Have difficulty
concentrating or remembering things, or an unexplained increase or decrease in
weight? Together, these symptoms are known to be associated with thyroid
disease. If you have these symptoms, you should consult your doctor.
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Dr. Daveric Pagsisihan, Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PCEDM) Board Member and Chair, Advocacy Committee, discusses thyroid disorders in the Philippines.
Thyroid disease is any health condition that affects the
thyroid gland, which is a small, butterfly-shaped organ at the base of the
neck. The thyroid produces, stores and releases hormones that help control how
the body uses energy, regulates metabolism, and contributes to many vital
functions.
When doctors suspect a thyroid problem, they will order blood
tests to measure thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and
sometimes triiodothyronine (T3) levels. These tests assess how well the thyroid
is functioning. Treatment for thyroid disease helps patients return to balanced
thyroid hormone levels, relieving symptoms and improving their overall quality
of life. For hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid, doctors usually
prescribe medication to replace thyroid hormones. For hyperthyroidism or an
overactive thyroid, treatment options may include medications, therapy using
radioactive iodine, or surgery.
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| Dr. Aurora Macaballug, President, Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PCEDM), addresses fellow advocates during the Thyroid Summit, a gathering of thyroid health stakeholders. |
Advocates are concerned about the widespread lack of
awareness regarding thyroid disease, which impacts an estimated 200 million
people worldwide. “Many people remain unaware of the symptoms, risks, and
importance of thyroid health. As a group, we are strengthening our thyroid
health advocacy and commitment. We have had a successful run before the
pandemic and now we are again actively working alongside the Department of
Health and other partners,” said Dr. Aurora Macaballug, President, Philippine
College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PCEDM), speaking at the
Thyroid Summit, which is a gathering of advocates from various sectors across
the country.
Gaps in knowledge can mean delayed diagnoses and inadequate
treatment, but the fundamental lack of data is also hampering the necessary
interventions. People at risk for thyroid diseases include newborns and
pregnant and breastfeeding women, especially those who are deficient in their
iodine intake. “This is where we should focus. Because we know that when a
woman gets pregnant and she has goiter, the impact is on the brain development
of the fetus,” said Dr. Teofilo San Luis, Jr. National Coordinator of the
Iodine Global Network. “We need to rescue the intelligence quotient (IQ) of
these children before they are born. Once they are born, the brain structure is
already there.”
The 2021 Expanded National Nutrition Survey of 48,530 households
showed that only 64.9% were aware of iodized salt. While over half (55.7%)
reported using iodized salt, only about a third of households (33.2%) were
using adequately iodized salt (at least 15 parts per million of iodine).
“Overall, there is not much data available about thyroid
disease in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific region,” explained Dr. Daveric
Pagsisihan, PCEDM Board Member and Chair, Advocacy Committee. For example, the prevalence
of congenital hypothyroidism (0.038%), a cause of developmental delay, is
detected through the Newborn Screening Program. In comparison, data on the
prevalence of thyroid dysfunction (8.53%) is based on the Philippine Thyroid Diseases Study (PhilTiDeS). “In
addition to raising awareness among the public and healthcare professionals, we
need to collect data through surveillance, target screenings for high-risk
groups, and work on standardized clinical guidelines for the region,” Dr.
Pagsisihan said.
The PCEDM Thyroid Advocacy Council is bringing together
advocates, healthcare professionals, and community members in Capiz for “Goiter
Alagaan! Wag Pabayaan.” In observance of Goiter Awareness Week, held every
fourth week of January, this event includes a medical forum and informative lay
lecture aimed at raising awareness about goiter and thyroid health.
“We are still far from the finish line, but at least we have
five ‘P’s to guide us. First is partnership, the importance of collaboration
and communication. Second is profiling, gathering data that will support our
advocacy. Next is policymaking, as our efforts with the government achieve
common goals. Promotion, as we will continue to raise awareness about thyroid
health for all patients. Lastly, a proactive mindset keeps us moving forward,”
said Dr. Erick Mendoza, President, Philippine Thyroid Association.
