You’ve been tired for weeks. Your weight keeps fluctuating. Your heart races, or maybe it drags. Your periods are irregular, or your skin feels dry no matter how much lotion you use.
It’s easy to chalk these things up to stress, age, or “just life”, but what if they’re not? Behind the scenes, your thyroid, a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck may be struggling. And when your thyroid isn’t working right, almost every part of your body feels the effects.
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. At LECC’s Endocrinology Clinic in Lagos, we help people every week who didn’t realize their symptoms were linked to their thyroid. This blog will walk you through the basics of thyroid disorders, warning signs you shouldn’t ignore, and when to see an endocrinologist in Lagos for proper care.
What Exactly Is the Thyroid, and Why Does It Matter?
The thyroid gland produces hormones, mainly T3 and T4 that regulate your metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, digestion, and body temperature. Think of it as your body’s internal thermostat.
When this system is out of balance, your body may slow down or go into overdrive. The two most common thyroid issues are:
• Hypothyroidism: when your thyroid doesn’t make enough hormones
• Hyperthyroidism: when your thyroid makes too many hormones
Both conditions can cause a range of frustrating symptoms that often go unrecognized for months or even years.
Common Signs of Thyroid Trouble
Thyroid issues are sometimes called “the great imitators” because their symptoms mimic those of many other conditions. Here’s what to watch for:
- Signs of Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid): Constant fatigue and sluggishness, 2weight gain (even when eating normally), cold sensitivity, depression or mood swings, constipation, dry skin and thinning hair, irregular or heavy periods and slowed heart rate.
- Signs of Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid): Sudden weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness or anxiety, tremors or shakiness, increased sweating and heat intolerance, more frequent bowel movements, difficulty sleeping and Light or irregular periods
If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms, it’s time to consider that your thyroid might be out of balance and you may need thyroid treatment in Lagos.
Who’s Most at Risk?
Thyroid conditions can affect anyone, but the risk is higher in:
• Women (especially over age 35)
• People with a family history of thyroid disease
• Those with autoimmune conditions like Type 1 diabetes or lupus
• Recent pregnancy or childbirth (postpartum thyroiditis)
• People who have received radiation to the neck or chest
At LECC, our endocrinologists in Lagos work closely with patients who fall into these groups to catch problems early and create a proactive plan.
Real-Life Story: Bimbo’s Wake-Up Call
Bimbo, a 39-year-old business owner in Lekki, kept brushing off her weight gain and exhaustion. She thought she was just overworked. When she started forgetting things and sleeping 10+ hours without feeling refreshed, her friend urged her to get tested.
Bloodwork revealed hypothyroidism. Within weeks of starting medication and adjusting her nutrition, her energy came back and so did her focus. “I didn’t even know what a thyroid was,” she says. “Now I tell everyone to listen to their body.”
Getting Diagnosed: It Starts with a Simple Test
Thyroid disorders are typically diagnosed using blood tests, including:
• TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone)
• Free T3 and Free T4
• Thyroid antibodies (especially for autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease)
At LECC’s Endocrinology Clinic in Lagos, we offer fast, accurate diagnostic tests with same-day results and expert follow-up.
Treatment Options at LECC
The good news? Thyroid disorders are manageable and often reversible with the right treatment.
- For Hypothyroidism: Daily thyroid hormone replacement therapy (typically levothyroxine), regular blood tests to adjust dosage, nutritional support and follow-up with an endocrinologist in Lagos
- For Hyperthyroidism: Anti-thyroid medications to reduce hormone production, beta-blockers for rapid heart rate, Radioactive iodine therapy or, in some cases, surgery and ongoing monitoring to prevent long-term complications
We also offer counseling on lifestyle changes that can support thyroid health such as reducing stress, improving gut health, and avoiding endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Why Early Detection Matters
Left untreated, thyroid disorders can lead to serious complications, including:
• Infertility
• Heart disease
• Goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland)
• Osteoporosis
• Mental health issues
• Pregnancy complications
That’s why getting an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment from an experienced endocrinologist in Lagos is essential.
Your Thyroid Is Small but Mighty
You don’t have to live with unexplained fatigue, mood swings, or weight changes. Your body may be trying to tell you something and it’s time to listen.
At Lagos Executive Cardiovascular Centre, we understand how overwhelming hormonal health can feel. Our endocrinologists, lab team, and nutritionists work together to make your thyroid journey smooth, informed, and empowering.
📞 Call us on +234 817 365 1737 🌐 Visit: www.thelecc.com
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