Thyroid Awareness Month – January 2025
The thyroid is a small gland with a big impact. Sitting low in the front of your neck, this butterfly-shaped organ controls your body’s metabolism — influencing your heart rate, weight, energy level, temperature regulation, digestion, mood, and even menstrual cycles. When it works well, you hardly notice it. When it doesn’t, the changes can feel overwhelming.
January is Thyroid Awareness Month, a time to understand the early signs of thyroid disease, avoid misinformation, and know when to seek expert help. As an ENT & head–neck surgeon, I regularly meet patients who have delayed evaluation or followed misleading online advice. Clear, reliable information can prevent years of avoidable suffering.
Understanding What the Thyroid Does
The thyroid produces hormones (T3 and T4) that regulate how fast or slow your body functions. Even small imbalances can affect the entire system — from heart rhythm to bowel habits. Because thyroid symptoms mimic many common conditions, diagnosis often requires professional evaluation rather than guesswork.
Common Thyroid Disorders
-Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
When the gland slows down, the body slows with it. Symptoms include tiredness, weight gain, hair fall, dry skin, constipation, low mood, and menstrual irregularities. Diagnosis is straightforward, and treatment with hormone replacement is safe, simple, and highly effective.
– Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
Here, the body works too fast. Symptoms include sudden weight loss, anxiety, palpitations, tremors, heat intolerance, and excessive sweating. Early management is essential to prevent heart strain and other complications.
– Goitre (Enlarged Thyroid)
A goitre may appear as a neck swelling or cause a sense of pressure in the throat. While most are harmless, all persistent neck swellings deserve medical evaluation to rule out hormonal imbalance, autoimmune conditions, or, rarely, malignancy.
– Thyroid Nodules
Nodules are very common. Most are non-cancerous, but some require monitoring or further testing. ENT & head–neck surgeons use ultrasound and FNAC (needle testing) to assess which nodules need treatment.
Why ENT & Head–Neck Surgeons Matter
The thyroid lies close to the voice box, windpipe, food pipe, and important nerves controlling speech. ENT surgeons are uniquely trained to evaluate thyroid disease from both a functional and anatomical standpoint.
Our expertise helps in:
- Accurate diagnosis of neck swellings
- Assessing voice, swallowing, and airway symptoms
- Planning surgeries that protect nerves and voice function
- Managing thyroid conditions with throat or breathing involvement
This integrated approach ensures safe, comprehensive care.
Don’t Trust Social Media “Cures”
The rise of social media has led to a flood of self-proclaimed “thyroid experts”, natural healers, and influencers promising miraculous cures, detox programs, and supplement-based treatments. Many openly discourage prescribed thyroid medicines or claim they can “reverse” thyroid disease through diets or herbs.
These claims are not supported by scientific evidence. Following such advice often delays correct treatment and worsens the disease.
Thyroid disorders must be diagnosed and managed by qualified medical professionals following evidence-based guidelines — not by online personalities selling quick fixes.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Consult a doctor if you notice:
- A new or persistent neck swelling
- Unexplained weight changes or fatigue
- Palpitations or tremors
- Ongoing voice changes or difficulty swallowing
- Family history of thyroid problems
A simple blood test and ultrasound can provide clarity.
Taking Charge of Your Thyroid Health
- Use iodised salt consistently.
- Never start or stop thyroid medication on your own.
- Avoid falling for unverified remedies or online miracle cures.
- Get evaluated early if symptoms persist.
- Follow regular check-ups if you already have a thyroid condition.
Final Note
Thyroid disorders are common, but highly manageable with the right care. This Thyroid Awareness Month, stay informed, stay alert, and rely on trusted medical advice. Early evaluation and timely treatment can protect your long-term health and well-being.
Dr. Kingston S
Consultant ENT & Head-Neck Surgeon,
Kauvery Hospital, Chennai
