Have you been working out and sticking to a strict diet but still struggling with losing weight? Or it could've been the opposite and you noticed a sudden and concerning drop in your weight instead? These are some of the typical symptoms of thyroid disorders. There are several kinds, but the most common are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
In case you’re experiencing these symptoms, don’t go self-diagnosing just yet. Keep in mind that there’s no way to truly know whether you have these conditions unless you consult a doctor and undergo some bloodtests. But if you’re curious to know more about these conditions, keep reading.
What Happens When You Have a Thyroid Disorder?
ICYDK, there's a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck, known as the thyroid, and it's responsible for creating thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones help regulate how your body uses your energy and it affects almost every organ.
People with an underactive thyroid a.k.a. hypothyroidism, produce less thyroid hormones than your body needs. They tend to have slower body functions as a result, such as a slower metabolism, a slower heart beat, and even a slower brain. This can also lead to symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, a lower tolerance for cold temperatures, joint and muscle pain, and even depression.
On the other hand, an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, is when your thyroid gland is producing too much hormones. This usually causes your metabolism to speed up at quite an alarming rate, causing you to lose weight quickly. Your heart tends to beat faster than normal, which can lead to abnormal heart rhythms. You also tend to feel more anxious, get hand tremors, have trouble focusing, and may experience restlessness, among other symptoms.
Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism tend to be more common in women than men. Ahead, we list down some notable Filipina personalities who have been diagnosed with thyroid disorders.
8 Filipina Celebrities Who Are Diagnosed with Thyroid Disorders
1. Angel Locsin
In an exclusive interview with Ogie Diaz back in 2022, Angel Locsin revealed that she has Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder which attacks the thyroid and can lead to an underactive thyroid, a.k.a. hypothyroidism. She mentioned this after being asked if she and her husband Neil Arce are planning on having a baby.
“Wala talaga sa plano namin ‘yun, plus meron din kaming mga konting health issues na kailangan ayusin,” she said, referring to her underactive thyroid. “Kapag okay na siya, tsaka lang pwede mag-baby,” she explained.
2.Miles Ocampo
Last 2022, Miles Ocampo underwent a medical emergency due to having Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. It's a type of thyroid cancer that can affect anybody at any age and have life-threatening effects. This resulted in her having to get a thyroidectomy, or a surgery to remove her thyroid glands, ASAP.
3. Bea Alonzo
In a vlog, Bea Alonzo revealed that aside from having polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), she was also recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism, citing it as the reason behind her weight gain. She went on to say that she has been working out, closely following a diet, and taking medications to get better.
4. Michelle Madrigal
Back in 2018, Michelle Madrigal revealed that she was diagnosed with Hashimotos disease. Since then, she has been focusing on getting her health back on track by dedicating her life to fitness.
5. Shaina Magdayao
In 2014, Shaina Magdayao left ASAP due to health concerns. Eight years later, she revealed to ABS-CBN News that it was due to being diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
“I had to stop it because I got diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I was gaining weight uncontrollably. I did not handle it well. At a very young age, unusual ‘yun. I’ve been payat since I was six years old. I was not taking care of my body. I was not working out. I was not living a fit lifestyle. Hanggang sa siningil ako ng katawan ko,” she said.
“Also, [mayroong] mental damage na nagawa sa akin. Kasi parang feeling ko, okay, pataba na ako nang pataba, hindi ko na ma-control. I was having breakouts also, na never kong naging problema,” she added.
6. Bela Padilla
Aside from hypothyroidism, Bela Padilla is also diagnosed with PCOS, which she attests makes it difficult for her to maintain her weight. In an Instagram story she posted last 2024, she shared her workout routinesthat helped her lose weight after a trip to South Korea. "I was 65 kilograms when I arrived. Working out intensely four to five times a week and eating almost nothing."
"Now I’m at 57.1 kilograms. Still not my usual 50 to 53 but I’ll take it),” she shared. The actress emphasized how important it was for her to stick to her own regimens, saying, "what works for most people might not work for you. I used to tire myself out in the gym but it was stressing me out more which was making me bloat."
7. Carla Abellana
Carla Abellana gets candid about her diagnosis with hypothyroidism, citing it as "the bane of the past five years of my life." The GMA actress details how she struggled to find proper medication to address the disorder, which led to imbalances with her hormonal and cortisol levels.
Mentally, Carla grappled with the "frustration, embarrassment, worry, and desperation" that came with her condition, especially given her line of work. In 2023, she adopted a diet plan that significantly helped in addressing her weight management problems. "I wish weight loss could work like magic, but no, it really doesn't," she said.
"There really is no shortcut. Having hypothyroidism is a pain in the butt because there is no cure for it, but there is a way around it."
8. Cassy Legaspi
Gen Z actress Cassy Legaspi was made aware of her thyroid disorder early in her life, which made its adverse effects all the more apparent. "Fatigued ako, tapos intense falling hair. Sobra talaga! Tapos palagi akong nilalamig, parang may fever ako palagi," she told a news outlet.
Thankfully, Cassy was able to adopt a mature mindset in tackling her diagnosis. She recalls telling herself, "Alam mo, at this point, Cassandra, 'wag ka nang magpapayat, maging healthy ka muna."
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
