The thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ located at the front of the neck, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, heart rate and body temperature.

Yet thyroid disorders often go undetected, especially among women, whose symptoms are frequently mistaken for stress, ageing or normal hormonal changes.

Speaking with PT Health Watch, reproductive endocrinologist Oladapo Ashiru said women are far more likely than men to develop thyroid disorders, citing Nigerian studies that reported female-to-male ratios ranging from 6.3:1 to as high as 98:1.

According to Mr Ashiru, recognising the warning signs early is important because untreated thyroid disorders can affect fertility, pregnancy and overall quality of life.

Symptoms often overlooked

Mr Ashiru explained that thyroid disorders generally occur in two forms: hypothyroidism, where the gland is underactive, and hyperthyroidism, where it is overactive.

An underactive thyroid commonly causes unexplained weight gain, sensitivity to cold and hair thinning, while an overactive thyroid may lead to unexplained weight loss, heat intolerance and a faster metabolism.

“If the thyroid is underactive, there will be increased weight or unexplained weight gain. If it is overactive, there will be unexplained weight loss. The person may feel too cold in a normal environment if it is underactive, or too hot in a cool environment if it is overactive,” he said.

Beyond these symptoms, women may experience irregular menstrual cycles, mood changes, anxiety, depression, constipation or frequent bowel movements.

Mr Ashiru, who is the Chairman and Chief Medical Director of Medical Art Centre, said women are also more likely to experience neck tightness caused by an enlarged thyroid gland, excessive tearing and persistent symptoms even after treatment.

By contrast, men more commonly present with heart palpitations.

He explained that because many thyroid symptoms resemble those associated with stress, menopause and other everyday conditions, thyroid disorders in women are often overlooked or diagnosed late.

Effects on fertility and pregnancy

Mr Ashiru said women between the ages of 30 and 49 face the highest risk of thyroid disorders, although younger women can also be affected.

He warned that untreated thyroid disease can interfere with ovulation, increase menstrual bleeding, raise the risk of miscarriage and contribute to complications after childbirth.

Women planning pregnancy, he advised, should consider thyroid screening to detect and treat any underlying condition before conception.

The endocrinologist also highlighted postpartum thyroiditis, an inflammation of the thyroid gland that can occur after childbirth.

According to him, new mothers should not dismiss persistent exhaustion as simply part of caring for a newborn, as it may signal an underlying thyroid disorder.

Screening and healthy habits

Mr Ashiru said thyroid disorders can be diagnosed through simple hormone tests available in many Nigerian hospitals and laboratories.

He recommended routine screening, particularly for women aged 35 years and above, pregnant women and people with a family history of thyroid disease.

Although some thyroid conditions are hereditary, he said healthy lifestyle habits may help support thyroid function.

These include getting adequate sleep, managing stress, eating a balanced diet with appropriate amounts of iodine and selenium-rich foods such as eggs, fish and beans, and engaging in regular physical activity.

He also encouraged stress management through family support, prayer and relaxation techniques, including deep-breathing exercises.

Some of his recommendations, including limiting processed foods, genetically modified foods and environmental toxins, reflect his clinical opinion on factors that may influence thyroid health.

READ ALSO: PT Health Watch: Persistent fatigue, weight changes may signal thyroid disorder Expert

Early diagnosis improves outcomes

Mr Ashiru said treatment depends on the type of thyroid disorder, with many patients responding well to thyroid hormone replacement therapy or other appropriate medications.

He stressed that early diagnosis remains the most effective way to prevent complications and improve quality of life.

Describing the thyroid as a vital organ, he said it regulates reproductive hormones and supports the proper functioning of the heart, skin and other body systems.

He also warned that exposure to environmental toxins may affect thyroid function and urged people to minimise avoidable environmental risks.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO) and appointed Obi Adigwe as its pioneer National Coordinator.

The agency will be domiciled in the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

The NHTDAO will serve as a meta-level national platform for coordinating the country’s digital health agenda.

It will reinforce, not replace, the existing statutory functions of relevant departments and agencies.

It will also harmonise and empower the public and private institutions across the health system, set the standards that connect them, and operationalise the National Digital Health Architecture, approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.

The National Coordinator, Mr Adigwe, as Director General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, has leveraged science to catalyse interventions in artificial intelligence, translational research, and technology transfer.

He coordinated major projects, including the ¥300m Nanotechnology grant and the AFREXIMBank grant for Africa’s first API Training Facility. He led the roadmap development that underpinned an €18 million EU grant, the largest in Africa for the thematic area.

During the last pandemic, Mr Adigwe showcased African science globally by conducting the world’s first analysis to debunk claims about the Covid Organics preparation.

The Office’s Steering Committee, which will provide strategic direction and oversight, comprises:

• Muhammad Ali Pate, CON, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare (Co-chair)
• Olaniyi Yusuf, Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (Co-chair)
• Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare (Alternate Co-chair)
• Kachollom Daju, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
• Idris Alubankudi Saliu, Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy
• Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, National Coordinator, SWAp Coordination Office
• Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator, Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain
• Muyi Aina, Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency
• Kelechi Ohiri, Director General, National Health Insurance Authority
• Director, Health Planning, Research and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
  National Information Technology Development Agency
• Six representatives of State Commissioners of Health, one from each of the six geopolitical zones
• Pharm Hamza Buhari, stakeholder representing industry and community

President Tinubu expects the NHTDAO to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a secure, interoperable and data-driven health system that improves health outcomes for all citizens, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)

26 June, 2026