[KoK! Health] Persistent Indigestion... Consider Suspecting Thyroid Dysfunction

The number of thyroid patients in Korea is steadily increasing. As of 2020, the number of patients with hypothyroidism reached 562,000, and the number of hyperthyroidism patients also increased to more than 40 per 100,000 people annually. Although the symptoms vary for each patient, a common factor is that abnormal secretion of thyroid hormones makes it easy to experience unusual symptoms. Since thyroid hormones are representative endocrine hormones that help regulate metabolism and body temperature, problems with the thyroid begin to show noticeable symptoms such as fatigue, abnormal body temperature, and changes in heart rate.

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In particular, gastrointestinal symptoms such as indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea, which are easy to overlook, are also typical symptoms caused by abnormal thyroid hormone levels. Dr. Kim Gyu-hyung, head of the Thyroid Center at Gangnam Bedro Hospital, said, “Among those who take gastrointestinal symptoms lightly, there are surprisingly many cases of thyroid dysfunction,” and recommended, “If the hospital finds no special gastrointestinal abnormalities, it is advisable to suspect thyroid dysfunction.”

The thyroid, located inside the neck, is not visible or palpable, making it difficult to notice abnormal symptoms. However, neglecting this can lead to secondary diseases. According to the Korean Thyroid Association, patients with hyperthyroidism have a 7.7 times higher risk of atrial fibrillation and flutter, and a 2.2 times higher risk of heart failure. Osteoporosis and osteopenia are 4.4 times more risky, and fractures are 4.8 times more likely. In hypothyroidism, the risk of ischemic heart disease is 1.8 times higher, cognitive impairment 4.6 times, and dementia 3.5 times greater.

Although the causes and age of onset for the two diseases vary widely, the main reason is an ‘immune system error.’ Hyperthyroidism, characterized by excessive thyroid hormone production, is mainly caused by Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder, and typically appears in people in their 20s to 40s. Conversely, hypothyroidism, where hormone levels are deficient compared to normal, is often caused by primary hypothyroidism due to chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, with a higher tendency to develop in people in their 50s to 60s.

Dr. Kim Gyu-hyung advised, “To quickly recognize abnormal thyroid hormone levels, pay attention to the body’s ‘discomfort signals’ experienced in daily life.” Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have characteristic symptoms, so unusual physical discomfort can serve as a kind of signal.

Hyperthyroidism mainly presents symptoms related to increased metabolism. In particular, gastrointestinal symptoms include increased bowel movements, leading to frequent stools or diarrhea. Appetite increases, but weight loss also occurs. ▲Excessive sweating ▲Increased fatigue ▲Rapid pulse ▲Elevated body temperature ▲Itching ▲Protruding eyes are also noticeably observed. On the other hand, hypothyroidism causes a decrease in basal metabolic rate. Symptoms include bloating and constipation, and in severe cases, the intestines may stop moving, sometimes mistaken for intestinal obstruction. ▲Severe fatigue ▲Lowered body temperature and extreme cold ▲Dry skin ▲Coarse hair and hair loss symptoms may also appear.

Both diseases have a high chance of improvement if detected early and treated appropriately. Primary thyroid abnormalities can be identified through blood tests. In hyperthyroidism, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormone levels are high, but thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is low, whereas hypothyroidism shows the opposite pattern. More precise examinations may be conducted through thyroid scans using radioactive isotopes.

Treatment for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism is mostly medication-based. Hyperthyroidism is generally treated with antithyroid drugs, and depending on the condition, thyroidectomy or radioactive iodine therapy to destroy the thyroid may be performed. Hypothyroidism is treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Afterward, regular follow-up is conducted to monitor the condition and adjust medication dosage. Above all, it is crucial to receive proper examination and treatment from specialists with extensive clinical experience and know-how in thyroid treatment.

Director Kim Gyu-hyung, Thyroid Center, Gangnam Bedro Hospital
[Photo by Gangnam Bedro Hospital]

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Dr. Kim Gyu-hyung said, “Many people consider thyroid diseases as lifelong burdens, but if hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism is treated appropriately in the early stages, symptoms improve quickly and most cases do not significantly interfere with social life,” adding, “If you have experienced various uncomfortable symptoms, rather than ignoring them, I recommend checking your thyroid function.”

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