Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the most common thyroid pathologies. According to statistics, more often than not, women after 30 years suffer from these conditions. In the early stages of the disease, they are treatable, while late diagnosis can lead to serious complications. It is important to be able to distinguish between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Features of the course are characterized by a vivid clinical picture, knowing which you can identify the disease in time and maintain your health.
Anatomy
The thyroid gland is located at the level of the thyroid cartilage on the front of the neck. The trachea, larynx, carotid arteries and nerves are closely adjacent to it. The thyroid gland consists of the left and right lobes, which can extend up to the 6th cartilage of the trachea. There is also an isthmus connecting the lobes. It is located at the level of the 3rd cartilage of the trachea. Blood supply is via the upper and lower thyroid arteries. Penetrating into the stroma of the organ, they are divided into numerous branches, nourishing each cell. On its posterior surface are another gland, parathyroid. That is why, during removal operations, they are extremely attentive to their separation. After all, the removal of such parathyroid hormone stations can lead to human death.
What is the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism? Comparison of the location of the thyroid gland in these conditions is useless - both in the first and in the second case, it will be increased.
Thyroid function
The main workhorse and structural unit of the thyroid gland is thyrocyte. It is this cell that traps negatively charged iodine ions from the blood and forms a protein, thyroglobulin, with the help of a special enzyme. And he, in turn, is involved in the synthesis of two main hormones: triiodothyronine and thyroxine, which are subsequently excreted in the blood.
The targets for their action are absolutely all the cells of our body. Triiodothyronine and thyroxine are involved in the regulation of the body's metabolism, promote muscle development and protein building, and are responsible for the exchange of vitamins A and B12.
In addition to thyroid cells, the thyroid gland contains two more types of cells. Some produce calcitonin, and the second serve as a kind of reserve to replace lost workers who produce two major hormones. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, their symptoms depend not only on the amount of thyroxine and triiodothyronine in the blood, but also on the presence of specific receptors on the tissues to them.
Feedback principle
In the human body, there is a king of all endocrine glands - the pituitary gland. It is he who, with the help of his hormones, controls the work of the adrenal glands, ovaries, and thyroid gland.
But the function of the pituitary gland is also controlled. The hypothalamus with the help of its hormones liberins and statins can inhibit or activate the secretion of the pituitary gland. The latter, in turn, secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone, which stimulates the thyroid gland.
In the case of a decrease in the content of thyroxine and triiodothyronine in the blood, a signal enters the pituitary gland and thyrotropin synthesis is activated. It increases the activity of the thyroid gland, and the level of hormones returns to its original norm. If the level of thyroxine and triiodothyronine rises in the blood, then the hypothalamus secretes statins, which inhibit the secretion of the pituitary gland. Thyroid-stimulating hormone is not secreted, and the thyroid gland ceases to secrete hormones. Thus, the level of thyroxine and triiodothyronine returns to its original level.
Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism of the thyroid gland are conditions in which the occurring hormonal disruptions reverse the principle of feedback against the human body.
Hyperthyroidism: definition, forms and first symptoms
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The differences between these syndromes will help to quickly diagnose pathology. First of all, consideration should be given to the excessive functions of thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Hyperthyroidism is a condition of the body associated with an overabundance of thyroid hormones. This disease can be primary in the pathology of the thyroid gland, secondary - in case of disruption of the pituitary gland - and tertiary - in case of failure of the hypothalamus.
Three forms of the course of hyperthyroidism are distinguished: asymptomatic, manifest, complicated. The first form is characterized by erased manifestations of the disease, and the diagnosis can be made only by laboratory and instrumental studies. The manifest form is distinguished by vivid clinical symptoms. Hyperthyroidism is considered complicated when attaching pathological disorders from other organs and systems. For example: the occurrence of arrhythmias, the appearance of edema.
The first symptom that you should pay attention to is a sharp decrease in body weight. Patients also experience occasional flashing, increased heart rate, big eyes, sweating, a constant feeling of thirst and episodes of overeating. Insomnia and irritability become constant companions. In women, menstrual irregularities occur.
Hypothyroidism: the first symptoms
Hypothyroidism is a condition of the body associated with a lack of thyroid hormones. This disease can also be primary, secondary and tertiary in nature. According to clinical symptoms, it is also divided into subclinical, manifest and complicated forms. Patients noted a decrease in mood, fatigue, drowsiness, weight gain. Dry skin, brittle hair, constipation, slow heartbeat, lowering blood pressure - all this should prompt the idea of hypothyroidism and become the reason for an early visit to a doctor. What is the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?
Differences
The clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, their symptoms are polar different. It is not difficult to distinguish them in diagnostics, with the exception of subclinical forms, which can only be detected with the help of laboratory texts. For diagnosis, the determination of the level of free thyroxine, triiodothyronine and thyroid stimulating hormone is used.
Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism: symptom table
Sign | Thyroid hypothyroidism | Thyroid hyperthyroidism |
Body mass | Is increasing | Is decreasing |
Skin and hair | Dry skin, brittle hair | Wet skin, sweating, greasy hair |
Emotional sphere | Apathy and depression | Hyperactivity, Hyperactivity |
Nervous system | Reduction of all reflexes | Boost All Reflexes |
The cardiovascular system | Slow heart rate, lowering blood pressure | Increased heart rate, increased blood pressure |
Digestive system | Constipation | Diarrhea, vomiting |
Hyperthyroidism treatment
Therapy of thyrotoxicosis is a complex and multicomponent process that requires a scrupulous approach and careful monitoring. Let's analyze its basic principles. With hyperthyroidism, patients have increased energy metabolism, which means that they spend an increased amount of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, which leads to weight loss. That is why it is necessary to adjust the power. The first task will be to increase the total calorie content of the daily diet. It must be maintained at the level of 3,500 kilocalories. More dairy products, fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats. From the diet should exclude coffee, spices, strong tea, mushrooms and foods with high fat content. Medication for hyperthyroidism depends on the age of the patient and the presence of concomitant diseases or complications. Antithyroid drugs act on thyroid cells and block the synthesis of thyroxine and triiodothyronine.
The effectiveness of such therapy is quite high and amounts to 50%. It is necessary to take drugs for about 8 weeks until the signs of hyperthyroidism completely disappear. This therapy is suitable for patients under the age of 50 without comorbidities. Radioactive iodine treatment is used in patients older than 50 years with advanced disease and nodular degeneration of the thyroid gland.
This therapy destroys the thyroid cells and the symptoms disappear. Treatment with radioactive iodine is strictly contraindicated for pregnant, lactating and patients under 20 years of age. If drug therapy does not produce an effect, then resort to surgical treatment, consisting in the radical removal of the thyroid gland. This method is also used for an unspecified process or for suspected cancer.
Hyperthyroidism Prevention
Given the many reasons for the development of this condition, it is difficult to prevent this disease. But if you follow the general principles, you can reduce the likelihood of hyperthyroidism or identify it at the earliest stages. It is recommended to undergo an ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland once every six months and donate blood to hormones. It will also be useful to control your emotional background, add more fruits and vegetables to the diet.
Hypothyroidism Treatment
Drug therapy and diet are designed to eliminate hypothyroidism. Eat well-digestible and low-calorie foods. After all, with hypothyroidism, metabolic reactions are disrupted and oxidative processes in the tissues suffer. Seafood must be present in the diet. After all, they are rich in iodine. Raw vegetables and fresh herbs are also welcome. The rich content of fiber will help to improve bowel function. Natural coffee is also recommended. It contains magnesium and B vitamins.
With drug therapy for hypothyroidism, patients will receive lifelong use of replacement therapy drugs. The treatment uses drugs L-thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These are analogues of the natural hormones of the human thyroid gland. It must be remembered that these drugs do not cure hypothyroidism, they only make up for iodine deficiency in the body. If you stop taking the medicine, the symptoms of hypothyroidism will surely return. Treatment begins with minimal doses. In people over 50 years of age, the dosage is halved from the starting one with conventional treatment.
Hypothyroidism Prevention
In Russia, regions with a low iodine content in water have been recorded. It is in these territories that the so-called endemic goiter is common. By following simple nutritional principles, you can protect yourself from endemic hypothyroidism. It is important to include iodine rich foods in your diet. These include: fish oil, seaweed, kefir, cranberries, cod, white bread, bananas.
Transition of one state to another
Can hypothyroidism go into hyperthyroidism? In medical practice, many cases of this situation have been described. This is possible with a violation of drug therapy in the treatment of hypothyroidism. Exceeding the dosage of thyroid hormone analogues can provoke drug hyperthyroidism. If hypothyroidism turned into hyperthyroidism - this is a huge shock for the body. This can lead to a violation in the activity of the cardiovascular, digestive and nervous systems. Clinically, drug hyperthyroidism is no different from the same condition in the pathology of the thyroid gland or pituitary gland. Therefore, in order to avoid diagnostic errors and harm to body systems, it is necessary to strictly observe the therapeutic dosages of replacement therapy in the treatment of hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism turned into hypothyroidism
Such a situation can occur with a violation of the dosage of drugs in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. This is a very rare complication that occurs in the absence of treatment control. Over this case, you need to know the symptomatology exactly. Abrupt weight gain, loss of appetite, depression and lowering blood pressure should alert both the patient and his attending physician. In the case when hyperthyroidism turned into hypothyroidism, it is necessary to urgently adjust drug treatment.