THE Philippine Thyroid Association (PTA) will hold its 26th Annual Convention on January 21, 2011 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila, with the theme "Thyroid Diseases: Concerns in Clinical Practice".

"We urge the general public to be vigilant against thyroid disorders. these include hyperthyroidism, which if left untreated can lead to heart failure and even death, and hypothyroidism particularly in pregnant women, which can cause low IQ in babies. Early detection and treatment of thyroid disorders is very important," said PTA President Dr. Susan Yu-Gan.

Located in the front of the neck, the thyroid gland produces hormones that control metabolism (process by which every cell in the body uses energy). Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland releases too much of its hormones. many diseases and conditions can cause hyperthyroidism; these include excessive iodine or thyroid hormone intake, inflammation of the thyroid due to viral infections or other causes, noncancerous growths of the thyroid or pituitary gland, and Graves disease (most common cause). "Hyperthyroidism is often hereditary. There are no known ways to prevent it," Dr. Yu-Gan said.

Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, palpitation (rapid, irregular heartbeat), tremors (often in the hands), heat intolerance, increased sweating, frequent bowel movement, irritability, and goiter (enlarged thyroid gland). "around 6 million Filipinos have goiter," noted Dr. Yu-Gan. she cited the latest nationwide survey done by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) in cooperation with the Philippine Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (PSEM) showing that 5.8% of those surveyed had thyroid function abnormality, 5% of who had subclinical hyperthyroidism (no symptoms) and less than 1% had true hyperthyroidism.

There are currently four available drugs for hyperthyroidism: methimazole, carbimazole, thiamazole and propylthiouracil. "these drugs suppress the thyroid gland from producing too much thyroid hormone. Patients usually take anti-hyperthyroidism medication for 18 to 24 months," said Dr. Yu-Gan. she pointed out that surgery should only be done once the patient is already "euthyroid" or has normal thyroid function. The third treatment option for hyperthyroidism is radioactive iodine. "each treatment has benefits and risks so patients should thoroughly discuss hyperthyroid treatment options with their physician," Dr. Yu-Gan explained.

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