Patients can access complimentary thyroid screening every Thursday at Medcare Hospital Al Safa, helping detect thyroid screening needs early and support timely treatment.
DUBAI: Medcare Hospital Al Safa is offering complimentary ultrasound-guided thyroid screening every Thursday through its Expert Thyroid Clinic, giving residents an opportunity to assess their thyroid health and identify potential concerns early. The initiative aims to increase awareness of thyroid screening, particularly because thyroid disorders often develop gradually and may remain undetected for years.
According to specialists at the clinic, the thyroid gland plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, heart rhythm, sleep, mood, digestion, fertility and cholesterol balance. When the gland produces too much or too little hormone, symptoms can vary significantly and are often mistaken for stress, ageing or lifestyle-related changes.
Dr Yasmeen Ajaz, Consultant Endocrinology, explained that many people fail to recognise warning signs such as fatigue, weight fluctuations, anxiety, feeling unusually cold, sleep disturbances or heart palpitations. She noted that blood tests supported by ultrasound assessment, when required, can help detect changes in the thyroid gland at an early stage.
Dr Ghaida Kaddaha, Consultant Endocrinology and Diabetology, highlighted that thyroid disease can be particularly difficult to identify because symptoms are often mild or overlooked. Older adults may experience weakness, memory changes, low mood or palpitations, while women after pregnancy may assume fatigue, hair loss or emotional changes are simply part of motherhood. She added that people with a family history of thyroid disease, autoimmune conditions, diabetes, fertility concerns, irregular periods, neck swelling or unexplained cholesterol problems may also have an underlying thyroid imbalance without obvious symptoms. In such cases, thyroid screening can help identify thyroid nodules, enlargement or structural abnormalities that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Dr Abdul Jabbar, Consultant Internal Medicine-Endocrinology, said untreated thyroid disease can contribute to fatigue, weight changes, fertility concerns, mood disturbances and, in some cases, long-term heart health complications. He emphasised that most thyroid disorders are manageable when detected early. The complimentary Thursday programme encourages residents to prioritise thyroid screening and seek professional evaluation when symptoms, family history or risk factors are present.
