Thyroid is a metabolic disorder in the body its is usually come to highlands places far from water or riverine areas where they have little access to fish and iodine rich food substnaces. The Thyroid gland is situated in the neck like a butterfly shaped gland, the thyroid weight varies, it averages 25-30 g in adults (it is slightly heavier in women). The gland enlarges during menstruation and pregnancy. Sonogram of a normal right lobe of the thyroid gland through the hormones it produces, the thyroid gland influences almost all of the metabolic processes in your body. Thyroid disorders can range from a small, harmless goiter (enlarged gland) that needs no treatment to life-threatening cancer. The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones. There are two major types of Thyroid, which can be explained as too much thyroid hormone results in a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Insufficient hormone production leads to hypothyroidism. Although the effects can be unpleasant or uncomfortable, most thyroid problems can be managed well if properly diagnosed and treated. TASI is an acronym for Thyroid Awareness And Support Initiative for In Nigeria, the event took place on the 29th of January where erudite Professor And seasoned Doctors took part to educate Nigerians about it, The keynote Speaker of the occassion was Professor Fasanmade delivering his lectures on “Thyroid Health and socio-economic well being of Nigerians “. The event took place at Lagos State Ministry of Commerce And Trade event center {LCCI} Ikeja, Alausa Lagos. Here are some of the things discussed during the lecture with in-depth analysis which is being reported below about thyroid in Nigeria and in the world.
Epidemiology Of Thyroid Disease In Nigeria
- Most studies highlight that goitres commonest in adult Females, 80-90%, most of these are simple goitres in 60-70% followed by 20-30% toxic goitres, the diagnosis of malignancy and Thyroiditis rarely being made.
- Okosleme et al however discovered high prevalence rates in normal patients with graves disease, toxic nudular goitre and up 4 and 7% having TgAb AND TPOAb
 Spectrum Of Thyroid Disease In Nigeria
- Simple (Colloid) goitres, diffuse and nodular
- Thyroiditis: Acute, Sub Acute and Chronic (Hashimoto)
- Toxic goitres (Grave’s disease, Plummer’s Disease)
- Thyroid Cancer (Very often under diagnosed) this is the Least rare form of cancer
 Unusual Presentations
- Obesity, Weight loss, Dyslipidaemia, Hypertension
- Cardiac arrhythmias, heart Failure
- Delayed development milestones in children, prolonged neonatal jaundice
- Menorhagia, subfertility or infertility, miscarriages
- Constipation, Anorexia, Diarrhoea
- Poor memory, excessive sleep, Mental ill Health
- Hair Loss, Hyperthidrosis
Types Of Thyroid Diseases and Their Clinical FeaturesÂ
- Hypothyroidism:Â By contrast, stems from an underproduction of thyroid hormones. Since your body’s energy production requires certain amounts of thyroid hormones, a drop in hormone production leads to lower energy levels. Causes of hypothyroidism include:
- Hashimoto’s Thyroid: In this autoimmune disorder, the body attacks thyroid tissue. The tissue eventually dies and stops producing hormones.
- Exposure to excessive amounts of iodide: Cold and sinus medicines, the heart medicine amiodarone, or certain contrast dyes given before some X-rays may expose you to too much iodine.You may be at greater risk for developing hypothyroidism if you have had thyroid problems in the past.
Clinical Features Of Hypothroidism:
Symptoms: Fatigue, Lethargy, Arthralgia, Cramps, Cold Intolerance, Constipation, Dry skin, Menorrhagia signs, include anaemia, hoarse voice, reduced attention, memory loss, weight gain, bradycardia, diastolic hypertension with a narrow pulse pressure. “Hung up Reflex” due to hypo and bradyreflexia. Patient may be depressed or in extreme cases have “Myxedemia Madness”.
2. Hyperthyroidism:
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Hyperthyroidism is a condition of the thyroid. The Thyroid glands produces tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are two primary hormones that control how your cells use energy. Your thyroid gland regulates your metabolism through the release of these hormones. A variety of conditions can cause hyperthyroidism.
- Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder, is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It causes antibodies to stimulate the thyroid to secrete too much hormone. Graves’ disease occurs more often in women than in men. It tends to run in families, which suggests a genetic link.
- Raised basal metabolic rate due to excess thyroid hormones
Clinical Features Of Hyperthyroidism:
- Symptoms:Â Weight loss, hyperdefecation, pruritus, hyperpigmentation, palpitation, hyperhidrrosis, itchy eyes, eyes protrusion, etc
- Signs: Exophthalmos, agitation, anxiety, onycholysis, palmar erythema, tremors, smooth, velvety skin, pretibial myxedema, diffuse soft goitre…
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