Welcome to Bahamas Local, Your Bahamas Online Search Engine

Understanding Thyroid Health

Mon, Jan 19th 2026, 11:52 AM
Health

As January is Thyroid Awareness Month, Dr. Ossama Lashin, PhD, an Endocrinology expert at Cleveland Clinic, OH, is sharing clear, easy-to-understand information to help the public better understand thyroid health, common thyroid problems, and when to seek medical care.
 
“The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck, but it plays a major role in keeping the body healthy,” said Dr. Ossama Lashin. “It produces hormones that help the body use energy, regulate temperature, and support the normal function of the heart, brain, muscles, and many other systems.”
 
Thyroid problems are common and can affect people in different ways. An underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism, occurs when the gland does not produce enough hormone. The most common cause is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition. People with hypothyroidism may experience symptoms such as tiredness, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, feeling cold, low mood, and heavier or irregular menstrual periods. In contrast, an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, happens when too much hormone is produced. Common causes include Graves’ disease, toxic thyroid nodules, and thyroiditis. Symptoms may include a fast or irregular heartbeat, weight loss despite a normal appetite, anxiety, shaky hands, feeling overheated, excessive sweating, frequent bowel movements, and difficulty sleeping.
 
Dr. Lashin also highlighted that thyroid nodules, which are small lumps in the thyroid, are very common. With modern ultrasound technology, up to 60 to 68 percent of adults may have one or more nodules, and most of these are not cancer. Another condition, thyroiditis, refers to inflammation of the thyroid and can occur after pregnancy, known as postpartum thyroiditis. In some cases, people experience a brief period of high thyroid hormone levels followed by low levels before eventually recovering.
 
Certain groups are more likely to develop thyroid problems, including women, older adults, people with a family history of thyroid disease or other autoimmune conditions, and those with iodine imbalance in their diet. Risk is also higher in people who have received radiation to the head or neck, especially during childhood, those taking certain medications such as amiodarone, lithium, or some cancer treatments, and women in the first year after giving birth.
 
While autoimmune thyroid diseases cannot be fully prevented, Dr. Lashin notes that people can lower their risk and detect problems early. Using iodized salt at home, eating iodine-rich foods such as seafood, dairy products, and eggs, avoiding unnecessary iodine supplements unless prescribed, and limiting unnecessary radiation exposure are all helpful measures. Anyone with symptoms or known risk factors should discuss them with a healthcare professional.
 
Routine thyroid testing is not recommended for people who feel well and have a low risk of thyroid disease. However, testing may be appropriate for individuals with symptoms or increased risk. Routine screening for thyroid cancer is also not recommended in people without symptoms. Dr. Lashin advises seeking medical attention if a lump is felt in the neck or if there are persistent problems with swallowing or changes in the voice.

For people in Latin America and the Caribbean, iodine intake can vary by country. Dr. Lashin recommends checking whether household salt is labeled as iodized. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should speak with their doctor to ensure their prenatal vitamins contain adequate iodine.
 
About Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. Cleveland Clinic is consistently recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 82,600 employees worldwide are more than 5,786 salaried physicians and researchers, and 20,700 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,728-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, 280 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2024, there were 15.7 million outpatient encounters, 333,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 320,000 surgeries and procedures throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 112 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at x.com/CleClinicNews. News and resources are available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.

As January is Thyroid Awareness Month, Dr. Ossama Lashin, PhD, an Endocrinology expert at Cleveland Clinic, OH, is sharing clear, easy-to-understand information to help the public better understand thyroid health, common thyroid problems, and when to seek medical care.
 
“The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck, but it plays a major role in keeping the body healthy,” said Dr. Ossama Lashin. “It produces hormones that help the body use energy, regulate temperature, and support the normal function of the heart, brain, muscles, and many other systems.”
 
Thyroid problems are common and can affect people in different ways. An underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism, occurs when the gland does not produce enough hormone. The most common cause is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition. People with hypothyroidism may experience symptoms such as tiredness, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, feeling cold, low mood, and heavier or irregular menstrual periods. In contrast, an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, happens when too much hormone is produced. Common causes include Graves’ disease, toxic thyroid nodules, and thyroiditis. Symptoms may include a fast or irregular heartbeat, weight loss despite a normal appetite, anxiety, shaky hands, feeling overheated, excessive sweating, frequent bowel movements, and difficulty sleeping.
 
Dr. Lashin also highlighted that thyroid nodules, which are small lumps in the thyroid, are very common. With modern ultrasound technology, up to 60 to 68 percent of adults may have one or more nodules, and most of these are not cancer. Another condition, thyroiditis, refers to inflammation of the thyroid and can occur after pregnancy, known as postpartum thyroiditis. In some cases, people experience a brief period of high thyroid hormone levels followed by low levels before eventually recovering.
 
Certain groups are more likely to develop thyroid problems, including women, older adults, people with a family history of thyroid disease or other autoimmune conditions, and those with iodine imbalance in their diet. Risk is also higher in people who have received radiation to the head or neck, especially during childhood, those taking certain medications such as amiodarone, lithium, or some cancer treatments, and women in the first year after giving birth.
 
While autoimmune thyroid diseases cannot be fully prevented, Dr. Lashin notes that people can lower their risk and detect problems early. Using iodized salt at home, eating iodine-rich foods such as seafood, dairy products, and eggs, avoiding unnecessary iodine supplements unless prescribed, and limiting unnecessary radiation exposure are all helpful measures. Anyone with symptoms or known risk factors should discuss them with a healthcare professional.
 
Routine thyroid testing is not recommended for people who feel well and have a low risk of thyroid disease. However, testing may be appropriate for individuals with symptoms or increased risk. Routine screening for thyroid cancer is also not recommended in people without symptoms. Dr. Lashin advises seeking medical attention if a lump is felt in the neck or if there are persistent problems with swallowing or changes in the voice.
For people in Latin America and the Caribbean, iodine intake can vary by country. Dr. Lashin recommends checking whether household salt is labeled as iodized. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should speak with their doctor to ensure their prenatal vitamins contain adequate iodine.
 
About Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. Cleveland Clinic is consistently recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 82,600 employees worldwide are more than 5,786 salaried physicians and researchers, and 20,700 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,728-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, 280 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2024, there were 15.7 million outpatient encounters, 333,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 320,000 surgeries and procedures throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 112 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at x.com/CleClinicNews. News and resources are available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.
 Sponsored Ads