Paraguay’s thyroid health is getting a national spotlight. From May 18 to 25, the Sociedad Paraguaya de Endocrinología y Metabolismo (SPEM), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, will hold the Semana de la Tiroides — a week of free educational talks, medical consultations, thyroid ultrasounds, and specialized procedures at hospitals and health centers nationwide.
According to Noticias CDE, the campaign aims to promote early diagnosis of thyroid diseases, which are common in Paraguay but often go unnoticed. The thyroid gland, located in the neck, regulates metabolism, energy, fertility, and overall well-being. When it malfunctions, symptoms can include persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, hair loss, palpitations, anxiety, tremors, menstrual irregularities, and lumps in the neck.
Congenital hypothyroidism is one of the most frequently detected conditions in newborns through the mandatory heel-prick test (test del piecito), performed before seven days of life. Since 1999, more than 600 Paraguayan newborns have been diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism thanks to this screening, allowing them to receive timely treatment and avoid irreversible intellectual or physical disabilities, the outlet reports.
Participating institutions include the Hospital de Clínicas – FCM UNA, IPS Central, IPS Ingavi, IPS Boquerón, Hospital General de Barrio Obrero, Hospital Materno Infantil San Pablo, Hospital Reina Sofía de la Cruz Roja, Hospital Nacional de Itauguá, Hospital General de Luque, Hospital General de Coronel Oviedo, Hospital General de Itapúa, Hospital Distrital de Areguá, Hospital Regional de San Juan Bautista, and Fundación Tesãi in Ciudad del Este.