Endocrine diseases are not uncommon today. When the thyroid gland begins to produce hormones in excess, hyperthyroidism develops . Symptoms, treatment, signs, and also the causes of this pathology in women will be considered in the materials of this article.
Thyroid function
The endocrine system includes endocrine glands that continuously produce hormones. With the help of blood, they are carried through the human body. Each hormone performs a specific function, thereby regulating the functioning of the organs and ensuring their interconnection.
The endocrine glands are interconnected with the central nervous system in such a way that each hormone is synthesized at a specific time of day and in the required volumes. Thanks to such a streamlined system, the body functions in accordance with all changes in the external and internal environment.
If at least one gland begins to synthesize insufficient or excessive amounts of hormones, a malfunction occurs. The thyroid gland produces several hormones, the main ones are: T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). One of the conditions for the full functioning of the gland is the intake of at least 150 micrograms of iodine per day.
What is hyperthyroidism?
It belongs to the category of endocrine syndromes, the development of which is due to hyperfunction of the thyroid gland. The cells of this organ begin to produce thyroid hormones (thyroxine, triiodothyronine) in excessive quantities, which affects the metabolic processes in the body, accelerates their course many times over.
Hyperthyroidism is not a disease that most people think. This is a whole symptom complex that characterizes the violation of the gland. Usually, this pathology is a sign of concomitant diseases (cancer, thyroiditis, diffuse toxic goiter).
Causes of Hyperthyroidism
A third of the world's population suffers from thyroid disorders. Most pathologies occur in hyperthyroidism. In women, the symptoms and signs of pathology are instantly reflected in their appearance. Since the thyroid gland is the main producer of hormones, it has a direct effect on all processes in the body. Increased production of thyroxine and triiodothyronine is reflected in the weight, performance and mood of the patient. However, many prefer not to seek professional help from a doctor, attributing the primary symptoms of the disease to heredity or commonplace fatigue.
What can cause hyperthyroidism? Among its main causes, various thyroid disorders should be distinguished . These include: diffuse toxic goiter, Plummer's disease .
Uncontrolled use of hormonal drugs leads to the development of artificial hyperthyroidism. Also, the disease can be caused by excessive consumption of iodine with food. This element has a direct effect on the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
The most rare causes of hyperthyroidism include the following:
- ovarian tumors;
- side effects of medications;
- pituitary tumors.
Pathology can be preceded by stress and anxiety, various diseases (rheumatism, tuberculosis), pregnancy. In rare cases, the functioning of the gland is disrupted due to a previous illness of an infectious etiology.
How does hyperthyroidism affect a woman’s body?
Symptoms of thyroid hyperthyroidism in women indicate a violation of the central nervous system and metabolic disorder. Overly emotional, sick people can report increased tearfulness, poor sleep, and mood swings. Among other signs of this pathology in women, a deterioration in appearance can be distinguished: hair loss and brittleness, stratification of nails. However, the most characteristic symptom is an enlarged gland. Even a slight swelling should be an occasion for a visit to the doctor. Consider how pathology manifests itself on the part of various organ systems.
- CNS disorder. Insomnia, increased irritability, panic attacks, poor coordination of the thought process - all this allows us to suspect hyperthyroidism.
- Symptoms in women from the cardiac system are manifested by persistent sinus tachycardia, rapid pulse, increased blood pressure.
- The pathology of vision is characterized by limited mobility of the eyeball and its simultaneous displacement forward. Patients complain of double vision, constant tearing.
- Violations in metabolic processes. There is a sharp decrease in body weight against a background of excellent appetite. Women also show signs of excessive sweating.
- Muscle weakness. Patients look emaciated; walking becomes difficult. Muscle discomfort and weakness make it difficult to perform basic movements.
- Reproductive system and hyperthyroidism. In women, symptoms of pathology often begin to appear with menstrual irregularities. They cannot become pregnant for a long time, and each successful conception usually ends in a miscarriage. Menstruation is scarce, accompanied by bloating and severe pain.
How else does hyperthyroidism manifest itself? Symptoms in menopausal women are practically no different from the clinical picture in young girls. Hot flashes, heat intolerance, tachycardia, heart palpitations - all these signs usually accompany the ailment.
Hyperthyroidism can lead to secondary diabetes. The patient gradually displays characteristic signs of hyperglycemia: thirst, dry mouth, and excessive urination. The treatment of such a pathology is carried out using a strict diet and drugs. Insulin is usually not required.
Subclinical hyperthyroidism
Symptoms in women with this form of pathology are absent, so it is difficult to identify it at the initial stages of development. Especially often subclinical hyperthyroidism is diagnosed in women in old age, for a long time suffering from multinodal goiter. Sometimes the disease occurs in people with thyrotoxicosis who have undergone complex therapy. There are no clinical manifestations of the pathology, and changes at the hormonal level are preserved.
Hyperthyroidism and pregnancy
Doctors warn that pregnancy combined with hyperthyroidism can be dangerous. Women with such a diagnosis usually develop severe toxicosis, and with it, the likelihood of spontaneous abortion and the occurrence of congenital malformations in the baby increases. That is why, even at the planning stage, each representative of the fair sex should undergo a comprehensive examination, paying particular attention to the state of the thyroid gland. With the progression of pathology during pregnancy, the ability of doctors to eliminate it is very limited. Most used treatment regimens involve the use of drugs hazardous to the fetus.
Medical examination
If hyperthyroidism is suspected, symptoms in women play an important role in making a diagnosis. At the initial stages, the pathology proceeds without obvious signs, so patients are in no hurry to consult a doctor.
The final verdict is determined by the doctor on the basis of patient complaints and examination results. When a diagnosis is made, the content of thyroid hormones in the blood is assessed. To determine the size of the thyroid gland, ultrasound is used. The localization of nodular formations can be determined using computed tomography. If necessary, a biopsy of the gland is additionally prescribed in order to conduct a cytological examination.
Treatment methods
If hyperthyroidism is suspected, symptoms and treatment in women should be determined as soon as possible. Lack of adequate therapy can lead to life-threatening complications.
There are three treatment options: conservative, surgical, radioiodine therapy. In each case, either one of them or a combination can be used. The choice of the final option depends on the doctor. The specialist must take into account several factors at the same time. First of all, it is the age of the patient, the presence of other diseases, the individual characteristics of the body.
Choosing a conservative treatment option, the patient is prescribed thyreostatic drugs (Metamizole, Propylthiouracil). Medicines prevent the accumulation of iodine in the body, reduce the production of thyroid hormones.
Surgical treatment involves excision of a part of the gland that is characterized by increased secretion. If it is necessary to remove the entire organ, the patient is prescribed hormone replacement therapy until the end of life.
Very often, a radioiodine is combined with a conservative treatment option. The patient is prescribed a single dose of a capsule with radioactive iodine. The drug is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women. As a result of such treatment, iron is reduced in size, hormone secretion is reduced.
Conservative and surgical methods of therapy can cure hyperthyroidism. Symptoms in women become less pronounced if they use the radioiodine method of combating the disease.
Prevention
To prevent hyperthyroidism, doctors recommend following simple rules:
- Regularly undergo an ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland, take blood tests to determine the level of hormones.
- Eat right. The diet should be balanced. Preference should be given to foods that are rich in iodine.
- Refuse to visit the solarium, and sun exposure should be dosed.
Now you know what hyperthyroidism is. Symptoms and treatment in women of this pathology are two interrelated issues that require qualified medical help. If timely necessary measures are taken to eliminate this problem, the development of dangerous complications can be avoided.