The Second Wave of the National Information and Screening Campaign dedicated to thyroid diseases begins. The initiative, which is on the occasion of the International Thyroid Week, is being held for the sixth year in a row in Bulgaria. Organizers are the National Patient Organization (NPO) and VIOM (Association of those affected by thyroid diseases), with the support of Merck. The face of the campaign is the actress Anya Pencheva, who has been suffering from thyroid disease for many years. As part of the campaign, free ultrasound screening examinations will be carried out in several cities of the country (Sofia, Varna, Shumen, Stara Zagora, Ruse). Hypothyroidism is the most common disorder in the functions of the thyroid gland, in which it synthesizes a smaller amount of hormones. The disease affects five times more women than men, and at certain times in life women may be more vulnerable. Menopausal women who have symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbances may be suffering from undiagnosed hypothyroidism, even though these symptoms are typical of menopause. Data indicate that about 5% of women develop the disease during pregnancy, and 7% of young mothers develop hypothyroidism in the first year after giving birth. Hypothyroidism during pregnancy is a very serious condition and can cause miscarriage, growth retardation of the fetus in the womb, premature birth and increased blood pressure in the mother. Untreated maternal hypothyroidism during pregnancy can affect the child’s mental and physical development, as well as his social and cognitive skills later in life. NEWS_MORE_BOX Hypothyroidism affects millions of people around the world, but some do not suspect it because its symptoms often come on gradually and are non-specific or similar to those of other diseases. The manifestations of the disease are different for individuals, but are usually associated with the simultaneous presence of some of the following symptoms: depression, fatigue or sleepiness, increased sensitivity to cold, muscle and joint pain, weight gain, constipation, disturbances in the menstrual cycle, problems getting pregnant, thinning and brittle hair or nails and/or dry, scaly skin, swelling of the face, hands and feet, decreased libido. Doctors are adamant that early detection and treatment of hypothyroidism reduces the risk of disease progression and potentially serious or life-threatening consequences. That is why they recommend periodic screening ultrasound and hormonal tests. This is especially true for people with a hereditary burden of thyroid and autoimmune diseases, for women planning a pregnancy, pregnant women and women in the postpartum period. You can find more about the dates in individual cities and the possibility of recording an examination at www.rec.econet.bg.