Persistent Fatigue May Signal Thyroid Disorder, Health Advocate Princess Akawor Dolor Educates Women

Health advocate Princess Akawor Dolor has called for greater awareness of thyroid disorders among women, warning that the condition is often overlooked because its symptoms closely resemble those of stress, hormonal imbalance and other common health conditions.

Drawing from her experience in thyroid health advocacy, Dolor said delayed diagnosis remains one of the biggest challenges facing people living with thyroid disorders, as many sufferers spend months or even years treating the wrong condition before receiving appropriate medical attention.

The founder and Chief Executive Officer of Luxe by Glamoholic explained that the thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland located at the front of the neck.

She said although it is small, the gland performs one of the body's most important functions by producing hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, body temperature, digestion, brain function, menstrual health, fertility and overall growth and development.

According to her, when the thyroid produces too much hormone, a condition known as hyperthyroidism, or too little hormone, known as hypothyroidism, the body's normal functions become disrupted, affecting almost every organ and significantly reducing a person's quality of life if left untreated.

She noted that because the symptoms often develop gradually, many women mistake them for the effects of stress, ageing, pregnancy, menopause or the pressures of everyday life.

"Too many women normalise symptoms that should never be ignored.

"Persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, mood swings, hair loss, sensitivity to cold or heat, neck swelling, difficulty concentrating, dry skin, rapid or slow heartbeat, sleep disturbances or irregular menstrual cycles should not simply be dismissed as stress or a busy lifestyle," she said.

According to Dolor, thyroid disorders are frequently overlooked because no single symptom confirms the condition, making proper laboratory investigations and professional medical assessment essential for an accurate diagnosis.

She urged women to pay close attention to persistent changes in their health, avoid self medication and seek medical evaluation whenever symptoms fail to improve or continue for an extended period.

"Early diagnosis can make a significant difference.

"The earlier a thyroid disorder is identified, the better the chances of effective treatment, preventing complications and restoring a healthier quality of life," she said.

Dolor stressed the need for greater public education, saying awareness remains one of the biggest gaps in addressing thyroid related illnesses across Nigeria.

She noted that women are significantly more likely than men to develop thyroid disorders, making awareness, routine medical check ups and early testing especially important.

She also called for stronger collaboration between healthcare professionals, policymakers and advocacy groups to improve access to screening, public education and specialist care, particularly in underserved communities.

"We need to move thyroid health from the background to the forefront of public health conversations.

"Awareness saves lives because informed people are more likely to recognise the warning signs, seek medical help early and receive the treatment they need," she said.

Dolor maintained that strengthening primary healthcare services, expanding access to diagnostic testing and encouraging routine health checks would significantly reduce the burden of undiagnosed thyroid disorders.

She added that early intervention not only improves treatment outcomes but also enables more women to live healthier, more productive and fulfilling lives.