Mega Doctor News
A small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, the thyroid affects a person’s mind, body and function in big ways. Part of the endocrine system, the thyroid plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, energy levels and overall well-being by producing hormones that influence the body’s various functions.
The gland’s main function is to control the speed of one’s metabolism, which is the rate of how the body transforms food into energy.
All cells in the body require energy to function so, when the thyroid isn’t working properly, it can take a toll on the entire body.
Thyroid disease, a general term for a medical condition keeping the thyroid from making the right amount of hormones, can affect people of all ages. Disorders of this crucial gland, like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones, affecting the body’s essential processes.
An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, per the American Thyroid Association, with 60 percent of those unaware of their condition. Undiagnosed thyroid issues can put patients at risk for serious conditions, like cardiovascular problems, osteoporosis and infertility.
“The causes of thyroid problems are largely unknown as most symptoms are wide-ranging, not specific and happen gradually over time,” says Ramiro Tovar III, MD, a family medicine physician with STHS Clinics. “There are a variety of symptoms a person may experience as a result of thyroid disease, but unfortunately symptoms of a thyroid condition are often similar to those of other medical conditions and stages of life.”
Treatment for thyroid disease depends on the type of condition and the cause. Being aware and knowing what to look for can help a person spot thyroid issues early and make it easier to get treatment which can relieve symptoms and improve overall well-being.
This Thyroid Awareness Month, South Texas Health System is dedicating its latest Let’s Talk Your Health webinar to educating the community on the importance of thyroid health on Tuesday, January 21, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Meant to better help Rio Grande Valley residents understand the significance of the thyroid and how it affects one’s overall health, the webinar will stream live via STHS’ Facebook page. A healthcare expert will discuss the functions of the thyroid as well as how thyroid disease can take a toll on our physical and mental well-being.
For more information on the webinar, visit the STHS Facebook Events page. To watch previous Let’s Talk Your Health Seminars, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.
| Who: | South Texas Health System |
| What: | FREE virtual seminar entitled “Let’s Talk Your Health – Thyroid Health” |
| When: | Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. |
| Where: | Online via STHS’ Facebook page |
