Hypothyroidism: symptoms, causes, treatment

What is hypothyroidism

HypothyroidismHypothyroidism - Symptoms and causes - This is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough so-called thyroid (from lat. thyreoidea - "thyroid gland") hormones.

These hormones play a critical role in metabolism and regulate a wide variety of processes, from heart rate to intestinal motility. If hormones are not enough, the processes slow downHypothyroidism. The body starts to malfunction.

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism

The lack of thyroid hormones makes itself felt gradually. The first and most common signs are constant fatigue and weight gain. The problem is that people often ignore them - write them off for laziness or, let's say, for natural age-related changes.

Most often, hypothyroidism affects women over 40. Up to 60% of people with thyroid disease have no ideaGeneral Information / Press Room | American Thyroid Associationthat the cause of the malaise lies in hormones.

But changes in the body accumulate and, in addition to the first two, other symptoms appear.Hypothyroidism - Symptoms and causes. Here they are:

• chilliness, increased sensitivity to cold;
• muscle weakness, fatigue;
• swelling of the face, legs and arms;
• regular constipation;
• slow pulse (decreased heart rate compared to the norm);
• dry skin;
• brittle nails and hair;
• more frequent and seemingly unreasonable pain in muscles and joints;
• irregular or painful menstruation;
• memory and concentration disorders;
• depressed mood up to the development of depression;
• high cholesterol levels, in older people this is often the onlyHypothyroidism symptoms and signs in an older person a clear sign of hypothyroidism;
• hoarseness - occurs when the thyroid gland, which cannot cope with the production of hormones, begins to grow and squeezes the trachea;
• an increasing swelling in the neck - goiter.

Where does hypothyroidism come from?

It is believed that disorders in the thyroid gland are associated with a lack of iodine. Sometimes it really isHypothyroidism - Symptoms and causes So. But if you suspect you have hypothyroidism, do not try to take supplements with this trace element without the appointment of an endocrinologist. With reduced activity of the thyroid gland "vitamins" will not improve, but worsen your condition.

However, it is hardly a matter of iodine deficiency. If you eat well, then, most likely, you get a sufficient amount of this trace element, which means you should not sin on it.

Most often, hypothyroidism occursHypothyroidism - Symptoms and causes due to autoimmune processes: when your body, for some reason, begins to produce antibodies that attack its own organs and tissues. Why this happens, scientists have not yet fully figured out.

Pregnancy, certain medications, and other causes of thyroid disorders radiation therapy, pituitary tumors (this gland in the brain controls the thyroid gland) and even heredity. Which of the reasons led to hypothyroidism in your case can only be determined by a qualified doctor.

How to treat hypothyroidism

The first and important point - in no case do not self-medicate. The first signs of hypothyroidism may also hide other diseases, such as diabetes. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the most effective treatment.

If you suspect you have hypothyroidism, see your doctor. The doctor will examine you, ask you about your health, lifestyle, symptoms, family conditions, medications you are taking, and give you a referral for blood and urine tests. If the test result shows that the level of thyroid hormones is really not all right, you will receive a referral to an endocrinologist.

Do not try to decipher the test results yourself - this is a difficult task that requires experience and qualifications.

The thyroid gland produces two types hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). However, their reduced level is not enough to make a correct diagnosis. To assess the condition of the thyroid gland, together with the thyroid hormone test, an analysis is made for the pituitary hormone (thyroid stimulating hormone, TSH). Diagnosis is based on a combination of T4, T3, TSH levels.

If hypothyroidism is confirmed, your doctor will prescribe synthetic thyroxine tablets. They are available in different dosages: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg. The endocrinologist will select the daily dose that is right for you. Do not experiment with the drug: exceeding the T4 level is no better than a deficiency. This often leadsHypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) to insomnia, nervousness, irritability, increased appetite, heart palpitations.

In some cases it is requiredGoiter & Thyroid Nodules surgical removal of the thyroid gland - one of its lobes or completely. It is recommended if the goiter has reached such a size that it interferes with breathing, or if the doctor suspects the development of a tumor (benign or malignant). After the operation, you will again be prescribed thyroxine to bring your hormone levels back to normal.