Abdi İbrahim Draws Attention to Thyroid Diseases

During Thyroid Week, May 22-29, Abdi İbrahim launched an important project together with the Turkish Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (TEMD). The "Recognize the Butterfly Within You" project, inspired by the butterfly-like structure of the thyroid gland, aims to increase awareness of the disease. Thyroid Week is being celebrated between 22-29 May this year. During this week, efforts are being made worldwide to draw attention to thyroid diseases and raise awareness. Abdi İbrahim, a leader in the Turkish pharmaceutical sector, signed on to a project with TEMD during this week to raise awareness about thyroid disease, which affects a large portion of Turkey's population. In the awareness project inspired by the butterfly-like structure of the thyroid gland, the "Recognize the Butterfly Within You" video campaign highlights the symptoms of the disease and aims to increase awareness.

A Regulatory Effect on Many Organs and Systems

The thyroid gland enables growth and development from infancy and has a regulatory effect on many organs and systems. When this gland does not function properly, it causes changes in the functions of many systems in the body. Despite being one of the widespread diseases in the world, awareness of thyroid diseases is low, and therefore symptoms can be confused with other diseases, and there can be delays in patients meeting with doctors. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Şahin shared information about hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Şahin stated: "In the population, overt hypothyroidism is seen in two out of every hundred people, while approximately 10 percent have subclinical hypothyroidism with uncertain symptoms. Uncontrolled weight gain, fatigue, hair loss at the eyebrows and scalp, increased brittleness of nails, voice deepening, menstrual irregularities, recurrent miscarriages and infertility are some of the complaints and symptoms of hypothyroidism."

Compliance with Treatment is as Important as Personalized Therapy

Şahin noted that hypothyroidism is treated by replacing the deficient levothyroxine hormone and that treatment may continue for life. Emphasizing that compliance with treatment is as important as personalized therapy, Şahin pointed out the necessity of taking thyroid hormones on an empty stomach first thing in the morning upon waking, and noted that concurrent intake of certain foods, beverages such as tea, coffee and milk, acid-suppressing medications, and certain medications such as iron and calcium supplements may affect the absorption of this hormone.

"Hyperthyroidism Can Lead to Many Serious Complications"

Prof. Mustafa Şahin, noting that the primary causes of hypothyroidism in Turkey are Hashimoto's disease and iodine deficiency, shared that new research and status assessments regarding iodine levels are needed in our country. Regarding hyperthyroidism, Şahin used the following statements: "Uncontrolled weight loss, palpitations, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), muscle weakness, debility, irritability, anxiety, sleep problems, tremor, forward protrusion and swelling of the eyes, edema, redness and pain are signs of hyperthyroidism, which is another manifestation of thyroid disease. Hyperthyroidism can lead to many serious complications. Heart problems come first among these. Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis). Patients with complaints and symptoms related to the thyroid should absolutely arrange their treatment process under medical supervision."