It is assumed that every fifth woman encounters a thyroid disorder at some point in her life, and the number of affected men is increasing, according to experts.
In addition to genetics, the occurrence of thyroid disease is caused by a stressful life, improper diet and changes in hormonal status such as pregnancy and menopause. Disturbances in the work of this important gland are today the second most common endocrine problem, after diabetes.
The first symptoms of a malfunctioning thyroid gland, which is located in the neck below the Adam's apple, are neck swelling, unexplained weight loss or gain, hair loss, and changes in energy and mood levels.
As the thyroid gland controls the work of metabolism, its disorder can result in problems with fertility, as well as increased blood pressure, heart damage, and psychological problems in the form of depression.
The most common forms of thyroid disease are hypothyroidism, when it secretes too few hormones, and hyperthyroidism, characterized by excessive hormone secretion. As the conditions and causes of the disorder are different, so are the symptoms.
Diagnosing
The most common method of determining the disease is the analysis of thyroid hormones in the blood.
If the hormone level is not optimal, an ultrasound examination of this organ is performed.
In the presence of nodules in the thyroid tissue, nodule puncture and scintigraphy are performed.
In some cases, the problem goes away on its own, while in most cases drug therapy is required.
In the presence of nodules, as well as hyperthyroidism, which cannot be controlled for a long time, thyroid surgery or radiation with radioactive iodine is used.
Hypothyroidism
The most common cause of insufficient thyroid hormone secretion is the autoimmune disease Hashimoto's syndrome, which is confirmed by testing for thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and thyroglobulin (Tg) antibodies.
Autoimmune disease can exist even if there is no hormone disorder, but it is necessary for such a condition to be monitored by a doctor because even in that case there may be symptoms of the disease.
Symptoms:
Gaining weight without increased food intake Water retention in the body Constipation and digestive problems Constant fatigue and lack of energy Menstrual cycle disorders Dry and flaky skin Hair loss Swelling on the neck, i.e. goiters High blood pressure Heart palpitations Feeling cold due to slow metabolism Depression Psychomotor slowness Infertility
The treatment of hypothyroidism usually boils down to the replacement of natural thyroid hormones with synthetic ones, which are taken every morning on an empty stomach, depending on the dose needed by the body.
Hyperthyroidism
In hyperthyroidism, there is an increased production of thyroid hormones, and it is most often the result of an autoimmune process, i.e. Graves' disease. Other causes are nodes and disruption of the pituitary gland. Symptoms are often more pronounced than in hypothyroidism.
Symptoms:
Rapid heart rate Excessive sweating Unexplained weight loss with a large appetite Frequent stools Subjective feeling of heat Trembling of hands and body muscles Hair loss Brittle nails Swelling on the neck Nervousness and mental restlessness Hyperactivity Insomnia problems Menstrual cycle disorder Vision problems and staring eyes High blood pressure
Treatment of hyperthyroidism includes therapy with antithyroid drugs that block the production and release of thyroid hormones, as well as beta-blockers that slow down the heart.
As the therapy can result in side effects such as a decrease in the number of leukocytes, it is not lifelong.
If the disease does not go away, treatment with radioactive iodine, partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland is used.
In this way, the body is brought into hypothyroidism, so it is necessary to continue the treatment with synthetic hormones, reports Express.
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