Mega Doctor News
The thyroid may be relatively small, but the butterfly-shaped gland in the neck produces a hormone that influences every cell, tissue and organ in the body.
“The thyroid gland is a master regulator of numerous bodily functions,” says Luis M. Reyes, MD, FACS, FASMBS, ABOM, a board-certified general and bariatric surgeon who serves as the medical director of the South Texas Health System Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Center. “The thyroid produces hormones that control metabolism, growth, development and body temperature, impacting energy levels, heart rate and even brain function.”
Unfortunately, more than 12% of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition, according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA), with women five to eight times more likely than men to experience thyroid problems like overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
Confounding matters, up to 60% of individuals with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition, per the ATA.
“Thyroid issues typically develop gradually over months, even years, which can make it difficult for individuals to determine the exact cause of their symptoms and credit them to a specific health issue,” says Dr. Reyes. “Additionally, when experiencing symptoms like weight gain, fatigue and depression, patients may misguidedly attribute them to stress, lifestyle factors or other common health problems, which can lead to self-diagnosis and delayed medical evaluation.”
Left untreated, thyroid issues can lead to a wide range of serious health complications, including heart problems, reproductive issues, nerve damage and even life-threatening conditions.
“Understanding the symptoms of thyroid disease and seeking prompt medical attention is essential for preventing severe health complications and improving overall well-being,” says Dr. Reyes. “Early diagnosis and treatment can help a patient manage symptoms, prevent long-term health issues and empower them to actively participate in their health management plan.”
To help educate Rio Grande Valley residents on the causes and risk factors of thyroid issues and their impact on a person’s quality of life, South Texas Health System will dedicate the latest episode of its monthly “South Texas Healthy Living” television program to the potentially life-threatening condition.
Broadcast live on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. on KVEO-TV NBC 23, the program will feature a sit-down interview with Dr. Reyes on the early warning signs and symptoms of thyroid issues, the complications associated with them and the treatment options available for those living with poor thyroid health.
Additionally, STHS System Director of Marketing & Public Relations and “South Texas Healthy Living” host Tom Castañeda sits down with a local Air Force veteran who experienced symptoms of thyroid issues for years before being officially diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease to learn more about the impact of thyroid problems on her quality of life, find out how doctors treated her condition and get her advice for others living with thyroid problems.
The program will also feature a special cooking segment led by Patrick Woodin, South Texas Health System McAllen’s director of dietary & nutrition services, a demonstration of beneficial exercises that can improve thyroid health with a member of the STHS McAllen Rehabilitation Services team and important strategies to help prevent issues with the gland.
“While thyroid problems, especially those stemming from genetic or autoimmune factors, aren’t often preventable, there are certain lifestyle modifications you can make to help maintain a healthy thyroid and potentially reduce the risk of some types of thyroid issues,” says Castañeda. “By adopting lifestyle modifications like managing stress, getting regular exercise and prioritizing sleep you can support your thyroid’s function and potentially reduce the risk of developing certain thyroid issues. So, in this latest episode of ‘South Texas Healthy Living,’ we’ll help you be proactive about your health and well-being by providing essential education and simple strategies to help you maintain your thyroid health and ensure a healthier, more energetic life. It’s all about helping you get healthy and stay healthy!”
To learn more about thyroid disease and its impact on your overall health, don’t miss the latest episode of “South Texas Healthy Living” on Sunday, July 27 at 9:00 a.m. on KVEO-TV NBC 23.
To watch previous episodes of “South Texas Healthy Living” and the system’s South Texas Health Updates, one minute videos offering education on various health issues, visit South Texas Health System’s Medical Minute page on ValleyCentral.com.
