The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland weighing approximately 20 grams, is discreetly located at the front of the neck. It has a great influence on human health because its hormones, T3 and T4, regulate vital functions such as metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, fertility, and brain and intestinal function, covering memory, attention, reasoning, and emotional balance.
When the gland deregulates hormone production, whether producing in excess or in deficiency, signs can appear in unexpected places and are often not associated with the thyroid as the main cause. In the case of hypothyroidism, the gland operates slowly, generating progressive symptoms such as continuous fatigue, difficulty focusing and reasoning, forgetfulness, excessive drowsiness, and depression. Other signs include dry skin, hair loss, brittle nails, constipation, and a constant feeling of cold.
Helton Ramos, a thyroidologist and professor at the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), points out that due to the non-specific nature of these symptoms, patients tend to ignore them, which can delay diagnosis. However, hypothyroidism does not always present obvious signs; subclinical hypothyroidism can only be detected by hormonal changes in tests, while the individual feels well. Ramos emphasizes that this condition can be linked to increased cholesterol, higher cardiovascular risk, worsening heart function, and a greater chance of progressing to overt hypothyroidism, underlining the need for medical monitoring even without symptoms.
Regarding weight gain, specialists report that it is usually modest, in the range of 2 to 5 kg, and is not the primary cause of obesity. In hyperthyroidism, however, overproduction of hormones accelerates bodily processes. Although many people associate the problem with weight loss, specialists warn that this is just a possible symptom. More common symptoms include irritability, insomnia, slight tremors in the hands, sporadic palpitations, and constant agitation.
Danielle Macellaro, an endocrinologist at Einstein Israelite Hospital, describes that in the elderly, the hyperthyroid state can be more subtle, manifesting as fatigue, muscle weakness, or cardiac changes. In certain cases, the eyes serve as a warning sign. Graves' disease, the main autoimmune cause of hyperthyroidism, can cause redness, excessive tearing, eyelid swelling, light sensitivity, and, in severe cases, exophthalmos. Ramos emphasizes that early recognition of these eye signs is crucial, as thyroid eye disease can seriously affect quality of life and, rarely, threaten vision if not treated correctly.
Although thyroid disorders are more prevalent in women, affecting menstrual cycles, sexual desire, and pregnancy, men also suffer consequences. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can decrease libido, impair sperm quality, make erection difficult, and compromise fertility. A 2024 scientific review in the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders confirmed the link between thyroid diseases and a higher incidence of male sexual dysfunction, although these issues improve with appropriate treatment, according to the Einstein physician.
Thyroid nodules or hormonal changes often do not cause visible symptoms. When the gland volume increases, goiter occurs, which can generate a protrusion at the front of the neck, noticeable during swallowing. Hardened, rapidly growing nodules should attract attention if accompanied by persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or swollen cervical lymph nodes.
Most of these changes are not related to cancer, according to Macellaro, since between 90% and 95% of thyroid nodules are benign. Furthermore, she states that even when cancer is diagnosed, the most common thyroid tumors have high cure rates with appropriate treatment. Despite this, the incidence of thyroid cancer has been increasing drastically in several countries. In Brazil, the National Cancer Institute (INCA) estimates about 16,000 new annual cases, making it one of the most common cancers in women. This increase is attributed both to greater access to imaging exams and the detection of small tumors, but recent studies point to environmental, metabolic factors, and lifestyle changes as contributors.
Tea and supplements do not treat the thyroid
Not all thyroid diseases can be prevented, especially those of genetic or autoimmune origin. However, it is possible to promote gland health through a balanced diet, avoiding supplementation without medical guidance, and maintaining follow-up if there is a family history. It is important to note that there is no proof that teas, supplements, or formulas sold online cure thyroid diseases. Nutrients such as selenium and iodine are crucial, but excess can be as harmful as deficiency; for example, one or two Brazil nuts per day provide sufficient selenium.
Early identification of any change in the area remains essential. Self-examination does not replace a doctor's consultation but can help observe visible changes. To perform it, the individual should stand in front of a mirror, slightly tilt the chin up, and observe the area under the Adam's apple and above the collarbones. After taking a sip of water and swallowing, they should gently palpate the area, checking for bulges, asymmetries, or unusual movements. Any persistent change requires evaluation by an endocrinologist.
Diagnosing thyroid dysfunctions involves blood tests to measure free TSH, T3, and T4 levels, as well as thyroid antibodies to screen for autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's Thyroiditis or Graves' Disease. Ultrasound investigates the size and presence of nodules. Treatment for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is mainly pharmacological, aiming to normalize hormone levels. However, patients with hyperthyroidism may require radioactive iodine therapy or surgery. Danielle Macellaro concludes that the earlier the change is identified, the greater the chances of preventing complications and maintaining the patient's quality of life.
Kuwait has introduced an extensive set of new regulations governing the sale and distribution of tobacco and nicotine products to individuals under the age of 21. These rules were approved by Ministerial Decision No. 237 of 2026, issued by the Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadi.
According to local Kuwaiti media, the new norms include a ban on selling tobacco and nicotine products in grocery stores to anyone who has not reached the age of 21. These measures are being taken as part of efforts to strengthen public health and reduce the harm associated with the use of these products—both in terms of health and in economic and social aspects.
The new provisions will come into effect on January 1, 2027. The ban covers all types of tobacco and nicotine goods, as well as nicotine delivery systems, including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and devices, nicotine liquids and cartridges, nicotine pouches, as well as oral and smokeless tobacco products, and any newly developed goods.
The sale, display, and distribution of these products will be prohibited in kindergartens, nurseries, schools, institutes, universities, colleges, and other public and private educational institutions. Furthermore, the ban extends to medical facilities, both public and private, ministries and institutions, sports clubs, wellness centers, youth centers, theaters, cinemas, and facilities for children and youth.
Sales will also be banned in grocery stores, mobile carts, temporary kiosks, at exhibitions, entertainment events, and in vending machines. Local Kuwaiti media indicates that the rules also prohibit sales through websites, applications, social media platforms, and delivery services, as well as at points of sale located within a 200-meter radius of educational institutions.
In cooperative societies and parallel markets, products may only be sold in specially designated areas under supervision, and they cannot be displayed in a way that allows customers direct access without staff assistance. The decision also prohibits the import, manufacture, distribution, sale, or storage of goods of unknown origin or those that do not meet approved specifications.
It is forbidden to promote products designed, packaged, or advertised to attract the attention of children and youth, as well as those that exceed approved limits for nicotine content, ingredients, or emissions. All goods must undergo registration and approval by the Ministry of Health; manufacturers and suppliers are required to provide information, including composition, nicotine concentration, country of origin, and batch data.
According to local sources, health warnings, including text and images, must occupy at least 50% of the main packaging area. Additionally, the decision prohibits advertising, promotion, sponsorship, free samples, gifts, and discounts on the specified products. E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products will be subject to the same restrictions as smoking in public and enclosed places where it is prohibited.
The Ministry of Health, in conjunction with relevant authorities, will oversee, monitor, and ensure compliance with the rules, including documenting violations.
A nine-year-old girl from Brazil, residing in the metropolis of Belo Horizonte, experienced an episode of uncontrollable laughter that lasted for more than three hours. Concerned about her daughter's condition, the mother took her to the hospital, where a very unexpected situation was discovered.
According to information published by the Brazilian publication Metrópoles, it all started during playtime at home. Eduarda Barbosa, whom relatives call Duda, was at home with her mother Aline Barbosa, who is a photographer and nursing student, as well as her sisters. At some point, Duda began laughing uncontrollably. Aline and her sisters also laughed, but the girl could not stop, even when everyone around her fell silent.
Duda remained conscious and responded with gestures, but she could not control her laughter or speak. Noticing the dilation of her daughter's pupils and changes in her gaze, Aline decided to take her to the Municipal Hospital Contagem.
The medical team providing assistance initially considered this case to be isolated. Duda was not diagnosed with epilepsy, as previously suspected. Instead, she was diagnosed with 'gelastic seizure'—a rare 'epileptic manifestation characterized by involuntary episodes of laughter.'
Before realizing it might be a medical problem, Aline thought her daughter was just 'joking.' She recalled: 'I asked if she had gotten dirty or if she had drawn a clown on my face, and she kept laughing.' However, she now knows it was much more serious.
After a series of examinations, the pediatrician treating Duda explained that this episode was 'isolated' and 'caused by anxiety or stress, because as a child, she could not express her feelings or explain what was happening.'
In an interview with the Brazilian website, neurologist and clinical neurophysiologist Victor Hugo Castro de Sá explained that 'gelastic seizure is a rare type of epileptic seizure. This condition manifests as involuntary episodes of laughter. The person laughs without feeling joy, as the laughter is triggered by an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain associated with a benign lesion called hypothalamic hamartoma.'
He emphasized: 'Among possible causes is hypothalamic hamartoma, a benign, non-cancerous lesion located in the hypothalamus. This is a classic link to gelastic seizures in childhood,' he noted.
According to the doctor, in such cases, 'the laughter is purely mechanical and neurogenic (caused by an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain), without the patient actually experiencing joy.'
One of the main signs of a 'gelastic seizure' is the absence of a situation that could justify the laughter. The attack can start suddenly, without a joke, a comedic stimulus, or an apparent reason. The doctor also pointed out that the laughter may look different than usual—it might seem forced, artificial, or even robotic, without the emotional expression usually associated with fun.
Typically, the 'seizure' is brief, lasting from a few seconds to less than a minute. Another important feature is the inability to stop the episode independently. In addition to laughter, according to the specialist, other signs may be observed, such as slight changes in consciousness, a fixed gaze, facial redness, rapid heartbeat, and automatic movements, such as lip tapping. Other brain changes may also be related to this condition: benign or malignant tumors, cortical dysplasias, and vascular malformations localized in the temporal or frontal lobes.
In a case like Duda's, it is recommended to focus on the 'person's safety,' 'remain calm and place them in a safe environment, such as on a soft chair or on the floor, removing nearby objects that could cause injury.' One should not try to restrain the person or forcibly stop the laughter. It is also important not to put fingers or any objects in their mouth. Time the seizure, record changes, loss of consciousness, etc. If possible, record a video to show the doctors. After the seizure ends, Victor Hugo Castro de Sá reminded that the person may feel confused, tired, or embarrassed. At this moment, one should 'offer calmness and support.'
