Growing Burden of Thyroid Disorders: The Need for Greater Awareness

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu – Today marks the 17th World Thyroid Day 2025. With the theme “Embrace innovation, but don't skip the basics—know the signs, act early, and prioritize your thyroid health,” various awareness programs are being organized across Nepal this Sunday.

Since 2008, the World Health Organization (WHO) has led global thyroid awareness campaigns every year on May 25. According to healthcare professionals, although thyroid issues may seem minor at first, if ignored, they can affect the body’s entire system.

A Small Gland with a Big Impact

The thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It produces two key hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones regulate metabolism, body temperature, digestion, and heart rate.

Senior endocrinologist Dr. Anshumali Joshi explains, “Imbalance in thyroid hormones can weaken an individual both physically and mentally. This issue is particularly prevalent in women, but most are not tested in time.”

Two Main Types of Disorders: Hyper and Hypo

When the thyroid produces more hormones than needed, it causes hyperthyroidism, and when it produces too little, it leads to hypothyroidism. Both conditions can significantly impact the body.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism:
Fatigue, sleepiness, weight gain, feeling cold, hair loss, irregular menstruation, fertility issues, and facial puffiness.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism:
Increased heart rate, weight loss, increased appetite, irritability, anxiety, excessive sweating, and tremors.

The Situation in Nepal: What the Data Shows

According to a recent report by the Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), the number of people suffering from thyroid disorders in Nepal is on the rise. Hypothyroidism is especially common in women over the age of 35.

In 2023, a thyroid screening of 5,000 individuals at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital revealed abnormalities in 13% of participants. Most cases were seen in women residing in the Kathmandu Valley and hilly regions. Goiter (thyroid gland enlargement) due to iodine deficiency is still present in some areas.

Higher Risks for Pregnant Women and Newborns

It is crucial to screen adolescent girls and pregnant women for thyroid disorders. Public health expert Dr. Apsara Adhikari states, “If a pregnant woman has hypothyroidism, it can severely affect the baby’s intellectual development. Therefore, the Government of Nepal must adopt a policy of screening newborns for thyroid disorders within the first week of life.”

Although routine newborn thyroid screening has not yet started nationwide in Nepal, some private hospitals do offer this service.

Iodine: A Small Element with a Big Effect

For a long time, iodine deficiency led to widespread goiter in Nepal. In the 1990s, a national campaign to promote iodized salt was launched through a collaboration between UNICEF and the Ministry of Health. Today, over 95% of Nepalese households use iodized salt, which has helped reduce goiter cases.

However, experts caution that thyroid issues are not only caused by iodine deficiency. Autoimmune diseases, genetics, hormonal imbalances, stress, miscarriages, and menstrual irregularities are also significant contributing factors.

Is Thyroid Treatable?

Senior endocrinologist Dr. Jyoti Bhattarai says, “Thyroid disorders may not be completely curable, but they can be effectively managed with medication, proper diet, and regular check-ups.”
For hypothyroidism, the drug levothyroxine is taken regularly. Hyperthyroidism may require medication, radioiodine therapy, or sometimes even surgery.

Lack of Awareness Still a Major Issue

Most women in Nepal are still unaware of the key symptoms of thyroid disorders. Dr. Bhattarai explains, “Fatigue, laziness, weight gain, and mental stress are often dismissed as normal. But they could be signs of thyroid problems. Due to this lack of awareness, people often seek medical help very late.”

What Can Be Done?

• Get a thyroid test if you have irregular menstruation or fertility issues.

• Test your thyroid if you notice unexplained weight changes, sleep issues, or mood swings.

• Be cautious if thyroid issues run in your family.

• All pregnant women should undergo thyroid testing early in pregnancy.

• Newborns should ideally be screened within the first week of birth.

In conclusion, the thyroid may seem like a small gland, but it has a major impact on health. The best long-term approach is to stay informed and develop the habit of regular health check-ups.