“In case of poor functioning, the thyroid is one of the organs where we hold all the weapons” to apply the adequate treatment, highlighted Francisco Sobral do Rosário , director of the Endocrinology Department of Hospital da Luz, in an interview to RTP1, on May 26, in the scope of the International Thyroid Awareness Week . Guest of the TV show “Portugal em Direto”, the specialist described the causes and symptoms of thyroid disorders, that are estimated to affect between 5 to 10% of the Portuguese population, mostly women. The thyroid is a small gland of about 20 mm, located in the neck, whose function is to produce a hormone that is fundamental to regulate body functioning. “The thyroid hormone can be produced in excess (hyperthyroidism) or in shortage (hypothyroidism), causing different problems. Besides, nodules can be developed in the thyroid, which are benign in 95% of cases”, explained Francisco Sobral do Rosário. Thyroid diseases are often silent, but when they cause symptoms , they can consist in: drowsiness and overweight, indicative of hypothyroidism ; excess of energy and irritability, accompanied of weight loss, indicative of hyperthyroidism . In women, thyroid disorders can cause infertility and “have serious consequences in the development of the foetus, during the first trimester of pregnancy ”. The treatment or control of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism is achieved through medication or hormone replacement therapy, added the specialist. University professor and researcher, Francisco Sobral do Rosário practices endocrinology in the units of Lisboa and Oeiras of Hospital da Luz network. Francisco Sobral do Rosário on RTP1 (starting at minute 11:30)
