St George’s University Calls for Early Detection and Education During Thyroid Awareness Month

By Steve El Sabai 

Lagos, Nigeria

St George’s University School of Medicine is urging Africans to prioritize early detection and education as part of Thyroid Awareness Month, highlighting a silent health challenge that continues to affect millions yet remains widely undiagnosed.

As the global health community marks the month, the Grenada based institution emphasized the growing burden of thyroid disorders across Africa. Thyroid diseases, particularly hypothyroidism which involves an underactive thyroid, and hyperthyroidism which is caused by an overactive thyroid, are among the most overlooked medical conditions worldwide. Globally, an estimated 200 million people are living with thyroid related illnesses, with Africa accounting for more than a quarter of this burden.

Despite their prevalence, thyroid disorders often go unnoticed for years. This is largely due to symptoms that are subtle and easily mistaken for everyday health concerns. Persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, hair thinning, mood changes and irregular heart rates are some of the common warning signs that many people dismiss or fail to associate with thyroid dysfunction.

Medical experts warn that delayed diagnosis can lead to serious long term complications. Untreated thyroid disease has been linked to infertility, cardiovascular conditions and metabolic disorders, all of which can significantly affect quality of life. Early diagnosis, however, allows patients to manage the condition effectively and avoid severe outcomes.

Healthcare professionals recommend that adults, particularly those over the age of 35 or individuals with a family history of thyroid disease, undergo regular thyroid function testing. These simple blood tests help measure hormone levels and can detect abnormalities before symptoms worsen.

Preventive measures that can support thyroid health include regular medical screening, maintaining a balanced iodine intake, monitoring persistent or unusual symptoms, managing stress, eating a healthy diet, staying physically active and avoiding excessive or unregulated supplement use.

St George’s University noted that its School of Medicine plays a critical role in preparing future doctors to address such conditions through a strong focus on preventive care. The institution’s curriculum blends classroom learning with hands on clinical training, equipping medical students with the skills needed to recognize early and often overlooked signs of endocrine disorders, including thyroid disease.

The university encouraged communities across Africa to embrace a culture of preventive healthcare, stressing that increased awareness and proactive health choices can significantly reduce the risk of thyroid disorders. By adopting healthy lifestyles and remaining attentive to their own health, individuals can build lasting habits that promote long term wellbeing.

St George’s University reaffirmed its commitment to advancing medical education and public health awareness, calling on individuals, healthcare providers and policymakers to work together in addressing the growing challenge of thyroid disease across the continent.