Hypothyroidism
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
- Chronic fatigue and drowsiness
- Unexplained weight gain
- Dry and pale skin
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Depression or mood disorders
- Slow heart rate
- Brittle hair, hair loss
- Heavy or irregular menstrual periods in women
- Swollen face and hoarse voice
Treatment of Hypothyroidism
- Hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine (synthetic T4)
- Regular monitoring of TSH levels (thyroid-stimulating hormone)
- Dosage adjustment according to patient needs
- Lifelong medical follow-up in most cases
- Patient education on the importance of treatment adherence
📌 Summary
Definition: Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. This slows down the body's metabolism and can affect many bodily systems.
Affected population: Mainly women over 40 years old, but it can occur at any age, including in newborns.
Common causes: Autoimmune disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis), thyroid removal, radioactive iodine treatment, iodine deficiency, side effects of certain medications (lithium, amiodarone).
Prevention of Hypothyroidism
- Adequate iodine intake (iodized salt, seafood)
- Medical monitoring in case of family history of thyroid diseases
- Regular thyroid function checks for at-risk individuals (women, elderly, postpartum)
- Avoid prolonged nutritional deficiencies
- Inform patients about side effects of certain medications affecting the thyroid
Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
- Weight loss despite normal or increased appetite
- Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
- Restlessness, nervousness, or irritability
- Excessive sweating and heat intolerance
- Hand tremors
- Fatigue, often with insomnia
- Increased bowel movements (mild diarrhea)
- Irregular menstrual cycle in women
- Hair loss and thin skin
- Exophthalmos (protruding eyes), especially in Graves' disease
Treatment of Hyperthyroidism
- Antithyroid medications (carbimazole, propylthiouracil)
- Radioactive iodine treatment to partially destroy the thyroid gland
- Thyroid surgery (partial or total thyroidectomy)
- Beta-blockers to control symptoms (palpitations, tremors)
- Regular medical follow-up and treatment adjustment based on response
📌 Summary
Definition: Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormones, thereby accelerating the body's metabolism and causing various symptoms.
Affected Population: Mainly women between 20 and 50 years old, although men and older adults can also be affected.
Common Causes: Graves' disease (the most frequent autoimmune cause), functioning thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, iodine excess, excessive intake of thyroid hormones.
Prevention of Hyperthyroidism
- Monitoring individuals at risk (family history or autoimmune diseases)
- Avoiding excessive iodine intake from diet or uncontrolled supplements
- Monitoring side effects of medications that may stimulate the thyroid
- Early diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules
- Regular thyroid function check-ups in pregnant or postpartum women
Metabolic syndrome
Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome
- High waist circumference (abdominal obesity)
- High blood pressure
- Elevated fasting blood sugar levels
- High triglyceride levels
- Low HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) levels
- Frequent fatigue
- Progressive weight gain, especially around the abdomen
- Signs of insulin resistance (e.g., acanthosis nigricans)
Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome
- Weight loss through an appropriate diet
- Regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes per day)
- Treatment of high blood pressure
- Management of diabetes or elevated blood sugar levels
- Correction of lipid disorders (triglycerides, cholesterol)
- Comprehensive medical follow-up to prevent cardiovascular complications
📌 Summary
Definition: Metabolic syndrome is a group of associated metabolic disorders that significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. It includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
Affected population: Mainly overweight or obese adults, especially those over 40. The risk increases with age and a sedentary lifestyle.
Common causes: Poor diet, lack of physical activity, insulin resistance, family history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease, and chronic stress.
Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome
- Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet
- Avoid ultra-processed foods high in sugar and fat
- Engage in regular physical activity
- Monitor blood pressure, weight, and blood sugar regularly
- Reduce alcohol and tobacco consumption
- Undergo regular metabolic check-ups for at-risk individuals
Morbid obesity
Symptoms of Morbid Obesity
- Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40
- Shortness of breath with minimal effort
- Chronic fatigue
- Joint pain (knees, back, etc.)
- Difficulty moving or performing daily activities
- Snoring or sleep apnea
- Digestive issues or acid reflux
- Psychological problems: isolation, low self-esteem, depression
Treatment of Morbid Obesity
- Medically supervised weight loss program
- Personalized diet plan by a dietitian
- Regular and appropriate physical activity
- Behavioral or psychological therapy
- Appetite or metabolism control medications (under medical supervision)
- Bariatric surgery (gastric band, sleeve, bypass) in selected cases
- Long-term medical follow-up
📌 Summary
Definition: Morbid obesity is a severe form of obesity defined by a body mass index (BMI) over 40, or over 35 with associated complications. It poses a major risk to both physical and mental health.
Affected population: Adults and adolescents, mainly in urban or high-income areas. Women are sometimes more affected depending on cultural and socioeconomic contexts.
Common causes: Unbalanced diet, sedentary lifestyle, genetic factors, hormonal disorders, chronic stress, eating disorders, and obesogenic environments.
Prevention of Morbid Obesity
- Nutritional education from an early age
- Balanced diet with portion control
- Limit intake of sugary, fatty, and processed foods
- Maintain regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week)
- Monitor body mass index (BMI) regularly
- Address overweight issues early to prevent progression to severe obesity
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