By Evans Matthews
Thyroid disorders are increasingly affecting Nigerian women, yet many remain undiagnosed due to lack of awareness, misdiagnosis, or stigma. The thyroid—a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck—plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, heart rate, and reproductive health. When this gland malfunctions, it can significantly impact a woman’s physical and emotional well-being.
Common Thyroid Disorders
The two most common thyroid disorders are:
- Hypothyroidism – when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones.
- Hyperthyroidism – when the thyroid produces too much hormone.
Women are up to 8 times more likely than men to develop thyroid problems, according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA).
Why Nigerian Women Are at Risk
Several factors increase vulnerability among Nigerian women:
- Iodine Deficiency: Though Nigeria has made strides in universal salt iodization, rural areas still face low access to iodized salt. Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production.
- Autoimmune Conditions: Conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease are more prevalent in women and often go undiagnosed.
- Pregnancy and Hormonal Fluctuations: Pregnancy and postpartum changes can trigger thyroid dysfunction. According to Dr. Olufunmilayo Oladipo, an endocrinologist in Lagos, “Many women suffer from thyroiditis after childbirth but mistake it for stress or depression.”
Recognizing the Symptoms
The symptoms are often misinterpreted, especially in communities where routine blood tests are uncommon.
Hypothyroidism symptoms: fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, irregular periods, depression.
Hyperthyroidism symptoms: weight loss, palpitations, anxiety, heat intolerance, frequent bowel movements, irregular menstruation.
“I thought I was just stressed from work and family life,” says Amina, a 38-year-old banker in Kano who was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after years of chronic fatigue and depression. “It wasn’t until I visited a specialist that I learned it was my thyroid.”
Impact on Reproductive Health
Thyroid hormones are closely tied to menstrual cycles, ovulation, and pregnancy. Disorders can lead to infertility, miscarriage, and preterm birth.
According to a study published in the Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice (2020), thyroid dysfunction was found in 17.6% of women being investigated for infertility in Lagos. Early diagnosis could have prevented years of emotional and financial strain for many of these women.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Testing thyroid function requires a simple blood test that measures Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), and sometimes Free T3 and Free T4. Yet, many hospitals in Nigeria do not routinely offer these tests unless specifically requested.
Treatment often includes:
- For hypothyroidism: Daily use of synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine).
- For hyperthyroidism: Antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, or surgery in extreme cases.
The Way Forward
- Awareness Campaigns: There is a need for community-level education. Churches, mosques, and market associations can be platforms to share information.
- Training for Health Workers: Many primary care workers mistake thyroid symptoms for malaria, typhoid, or “general body weakness.” As Dr. Adebayo Johnson of UCH Ibadan notes, “Proper differential diagnosis is critical, especially in female patients complaining of vague but persistent symptoms.”
- Affordable Testing: Thyroid function tests should be made more affordable and accessible. Government and NGOs can partner to provide subsidized testing, especially in rural areas.
Final Thoughts
Thyroid disorders may be silent but are deeply impactful. For Nigerian women, who often shoulder multiple roles and responsibilities, the consequences can be life-altering. Increased awareness, proper diagnosis, and timely treatment can restore health and quality of life.
As Dr. Ngozi Okezie, a consultant endocrinologist at UNTH Enugu, puts it: “The thyroid may be small, but when it goes wrong, it can disrupt a woman’s entire life. Early detection saves futures.”
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