What is thyroid hypothyroidism? Description, symptoms and treatment

The endocrine system in the body plays no less significant role than the nervous system. She exercises control over the work of all organ systems by releasing hormones into the blood. With their lack, violations are observed, especially dangerous consequences can be if hypothyroidism of the thyroid gland develops. Pathology requires immediate treatment, otherwise the consequences can be disastrous.

What is hypothyroidism?

This is a thyroid disease syndrome, which is manifested by a decrease in the production of triiodothyronine and thyroxine and an increase in the level of TSH synthesized by the pituitary gland. A serious pathology develops - hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones perform several important functions in the body:

• Regulate growth processes and promote development.
• They are directly involved in the regulation of all metabolic processes.
• They control the work of almost all organ systems.
• Affect the state of the immune system.
• They have an anti-stress effect.

Regardless of gender, the disease is fraught with serious complications, for example, thyroid hypothyroidism in women can lead to infertility.

Forms of the disease

Most experts distinguish the following forms of hypothyroidism:

1. Primary form. It develops as a result of hereditary disorders of the synthesis of hormones or acquired.
2. Hypothalamic-pituitary. With pathologies of the pituitary gland, secondary hypothyroidism is diagnosed, and the hypothalamus is tertiary.
3. The peripheral form is insensitive to body tissues to thyroid hormones.
4. Subclinical. With this form, thyroxine and triiodothyronine are normal, and TSH is elevated.
5. Transient develops during therapy with certain drugs and some diseases. If this factor is eliminated, then hypothyroidism goes away without treatment.

The most dangerous is the congenital form of thyroid hypothyroidism. Treatment is required almost from the birth of the baby, if this is not done, then there is an irreversible damage to mental and physical development.

Causes of the disease

Among the reasons for the development of the primary form of the syndrome are the following:

• Thyroid resection.
• Autoimmune thyroiditis.
• Therapy with radioactive iodine.
• Congenital defects of the gland.
• Exposure to toxic substances.
• Iodine deficiency.

The central form or hypothalamic-pituitary develops:

• In the presence of neoplasms of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
• If radiation therapy of this area of ​​the brain was carried out.
• Surgery was performed.
• Circulatory disturbance in the brain.
• Congenital defects of brain structures.
• Tuberculosis, abscess and other infectious pathologies of the hypothalamic-pituitary system.

Peripheral hypothyroidism of the thyroid gland develops due to a genetic mutation that provokes the insensitivity of tissue receptors to hormones.

The danger of hypothyroidism to the body

Virtually no organ system escapes the effects of a lack of thyroid hormones. This is manifested in the following:

• The intensity of all metabolic processes is significantly reduced.
• Lack of therapy leads to atrophy of nerve cells and the appearance of foci of degeneration.
• The musculoskeletal system suffers. The processes of bone formation slow down, muscles weaken.
• The heart rate decreases, cardiac output decreases, which leads to a deficiency of nutrients and oxygen in tissues distant from the heart.
• The vital capacity of the lungs decreases, hypoventilation of the alveoli is observed.
• A decrease in metabolic processes leads to a loss of appetite, dyskinesia develops, and the digestive tract is disturbed.
• Blood flow in the kidneys decreases, creatinine levels increase in the blood.
• The production of sex hormones is reduced.
• The process of hematopoiesis is inhibited, anemia develops with all the ensuing consequences.

Given that pathological changes affect almost all organ systems, it is not surprising that the symptomatology of the pathology is quite diverse and extensive.

Manifestations of hypothyroidism

When thyroid hypothyroidism develops, symptoms do not appear immediately. For a long time, the disease can occur without manifesting itself. Signs usually appear gradually, leading to a deterioration in the general condition of a person. Sometimes it’s even difficult to say which symptom appeared first and when.

At the doctor’s appointment, patients complain of:

• General weakness and lethargy.
• Constant drowsiness.
• Memory impairment and intellectual decline.
• The appearance of chilliness.
• Violation of the stool.
• Violation of sensitivity.
• Long and frequent colds.
• Muscle tightening with simultaneous weakness.
• Violation of the monthly cycle, uterine bleeding.
• There are problems with conception.

But not only the symptoms of thyroid hypothyroidism are important: treatment can be prescribed after clarifying and confirming the diagnosis.

A more detailed examination and examination of the patient reveals:

• Dry skin with scaly areas.
• Swelling appears.
• There are bags on the face under the eyes.
• Hair becomes dry and brittle, when combed in large quantities remain on the comb.
• Body temperature is below normal.
• Speech slows down as a result of swelling of the tongue.
• Heart rate is reduced.
• Blood pressure rises.
• The heart grows in size, tones are poorly audible.
• Intestinal motility is weak.

Depending on the manifestation of symptoms, several degrees of hypothyroidism are distinguished.

The degree of pathology

They are distinguished by three:

• Easy. Efficiency is maintained, but the patient becomes slow, intellectual abilities decrease, the heart rate decreases.
• The average degree is marked by drowsiness, dry skin, impaired heart rate, increased nervous irritability, a blood test shows anemia.

• Severe degree. Myxedema develops, the body is swollen, constipation is observed, the timbre of the voice is changing, working capacity is greatly reduced, there is a danger of hypothyroid coma.

Less deplorable consequences for the body will be if the treatment of thyroid hypothyroidism is started in a timely manner.

Diagnosis of hypothyroidism

The endocrinologist is engaged in the treatment of the disease, which he may suspect by obvious manifestations, but the following examinations are prescribed to confirm the diagnosis:

• Blood test for hormones. The content of thyroxine and triiodothyronine is determined. If normally they should be 2.5-5.7 mmol / l and 9-22, respectively, then with the development of pathology, the indicators will be significantly reduced. It is also important to determine the content of TSH.
• To determine the structure and functioning of the thyroid gland, scintigraphy with radioactive iodine is performed.
• CT of the brain will reveal abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary system.
• Ultrasound gland.

After the diagnosis of thyroid hypothyroidism is confirmed, therapy is prescribed.

Treatment approaches

To normalize the level of hormones in the body, two approaches are used in treatment:

1. Medication. With its help, it is possible to make up for the missing amount of thyroid hormones. But hormone therapy leads to a decrease in the size of the gland, its gradual atrophy. It is necessary to increase the dosage of drugs, which leads to an increase in side effects from all organs. Life expectancy is reduced, and medications have to be taken constantly.
2. Recovery approach. It provides for the normalization of hormone synthesis by the gland itself without taking medication. Computer reflexology is used, it implies exposure to weak currents on biologically active points connected with the brain through the autonomic nervous system.

If the thyroid gland is almost atrophied or treated with radioactive iodine, then it is impossible to use the recovery approach, because there is practically nothing to restore.

Medication for hypothyroidism

If there are symptoms of thyroid hypothyroidism, then hormone therapy cannot be dispensed with. The treatment regimen and algorithm are as follows:

• Often, drugs are prescribed for life, but in rare cases, restoration of glandular functions can be observed, then therapy is stopped. This usually happens with early hypothyroidism or after removal of part of the gland.
• The dosage is selected for each patient individually.
• Periodically monitored treatment.
• The dosage can be adjusted taking into account the patient's condition and the presence of concomitant diseases.

Drug therapy for hypothyroidism is carried out by the following means:

1. Iodine supplements in the early form of the disease.
2. With secondary manifestations, cardioprotectors, vitamin preparations, medications to restore blood circulation in the brain, and the monthly cycle in women are prescribed.
3. Hormonal drugs to eliminate the inflammatory process and regulate the lack of hormones.

Hormone therapy involves the appointment of thyroxine preparations: Eutirox, L-thyroxine, Bogatirox. Dosage and duration of administration are selected depending on the severity of the symptoms.

During the treatment period, it is important to take all measures to restore the body, for this it is necessary:

• Normalize sleep and wakefulness.
• Eliminate bad habits.
• Exercise as much as possible.
• Avoid stress.
• Review nutrition with thyroid hypothyroidism.

An integrated approach to fixing the problem will give positive results.

Computer reflexology

Some experts argue that thyroid gland hypothyroidism can be cured without drugs. By acting on biologically active points, hormonal disruption can be eliminated. The procedure has the following effects:

• Restores the structure of the gland.
• It activates the immune system.
• Restores the production of thyroid hormones.
• Activates the nervous regulation of endocrine processes.

As a result of this effect, the severity of symptoms decreases, which reduces the amount of hormonal drugs.

It is possible to completely get rid of hypothyroidism, especially in the first stage, when there are no irreversible changes in the structure of the gland.

Nutrition in the fight against hypothyroidism

With the development of the disease, weight gain is often observed. Many, especially women, are wondering how to lose weight with thyroid hypothyroidism. Experts claim that low-protein protein foods should predominate in the diet. Be sure to have vegetables and fruits on the table, which are not only rich in vitamins, but also fiber, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the intestines.

The following nutritional principles can be noted:

1. A diet for hypothyroidism of the thyroid gland should limit the intake of fatty foods, but you should not starve the body, this will only aggravate the condition.
2. Most calories should be consumed in the morning.
3. The diet should include a variety of dishes and always freshly prepared.
4. The entire amount of food should be divided into 5-6 receptions.
5. Diet for thyroid hypothyroidism involves the use of steamed, baked or boiled dishes.
6. During cooking, use as little salt as possible, it is better to replace it with seasonings.
7. Normalize the drinking regimen, between meals you must drink clean water.

Such principles in nutrition are suitable not only for abnormalities in the thyroid gland. They will benefit absolutely everyone.

Doctors, if there is a thyroid disease - hypothyroidism, recommend excluding from their diet:

• Products containing mucopolysaccharides. Their accumulation provokes mucous edema. These include: jelly, seaweed, marmalade, jelly.
• Some plant foods that bind iodine in the intestines. Among them: cauliflower, spinach, peach, mango, cruciferous vegetables, soy.
• The menu for thyroid hypothyroidism should not contain rich rolls, semolina, pasta, puffs and pies.
• Exclude salted and canned foods. Salt retains fluid, and with such a pathology it is fraught with severe edema.
• Limit the use of carbonated drinks and alcohol, and it is better to exclude them altogether.
• Trans fats are able to block fatty acids, therefore, with hypothyroidism they can not be consumed. Banned margarine, spreads, refined vegetable oil. Also, products that are prepared with their use: ice cream, sauces and ketchups, mayonnaise.
• Due to the content of chlorides and fluorides in tap water, which impede the absorption of iodine, the amount of fluid consumed must be reduced to 1.5 liters.

And what can be included in your diet:

• Tyrosine rich foods. This amino acid promotes the production of hormones that suppress appetite. It contains lean poultry, bananas, beans, dairy products, lentils, sesame seeds.
• To compensate for the lack of iodine, marine fish, feijoa, buckwheat, and seafood should be included in the diet.
• To speed up the metabolism: cinnamon, curry, cardamom.
• Of the drinks, it is better to choose green tea, natural coffee.
• It is useful to use linseed oil, sesame, pumpkin, olive.

All permitted products contain a large amount of B vitamins, which positively affect the functioning of the nervous system.

Sample menu for the day

Diet for thyroid hypothyroidism should be strictly observed. The menu for one day may look like this:

• The first meal allows the use of oatmeal or buckwheat in water or milk, you can cook an omelet, eat low-fat cottage cheese or yogurt.

• Lunch: coffee or green tea, bran bread, cheese, egg and vegetable salad, fruit salad and tea.
• Before lunch, it is useful to have a snack. Suitable for this: fruit, kefir or yogurt, tea with crackers.
• For lunch you can eat: vegetable soup, a piece of fish or chicken, vegetable salad, fritters from zucchini.
• An afternoon snack. Vegetable salad, fruit with cottage cheese, seafood salad, kefir.
• Dinner: vegetable salad, pumpkin casserole, chicken or turkey fillet with green peas.

Calorie content is in the range of 1,100 - 1,300 Kcal. If you constantly adhere to such a nutrition system, then you can bring the weight back to normal, and at the same time not to experience feelings of hunger.

Treatment of hypothyroidism with folk remedies

Some recipes of traditional medicine will improve the patient’s condition, but you must always remember that in difficult situations only herbs cannot fix the situation. Such recipes can be used in complex treatment and only after discussion with a doctor. You can adopt the following tools:

• Chokeberry. The fruits contain a lot of iodine. You can prepare the following mixture: take as much sugar per kilogram of berries, mix thoroughly and take a teaspoon three times a day. This recipe was also used by Tibetan monks.
• Add more persimmons, apples, citrus fruits to the diet. They contain not only vitamin C, but also iodine.
• Take motherwort juice 40 drops 3 times a day, dilute in a tablespoon of water.
• Prepare a decoction of 15 grams of lily of the valley flowers and a glass of boiling water. Drink 2 teaspoons three times a day.

Hypothyroidism is a serious pathology, but with timely treatment, it is possible to normalize the thyroid gland and remove unpleasant symptoms, improve the patient's quality of life. Any symptoms that indirectly indicate problems with the thyroid gland should cause an urgent visit to the doctor. In this case, when confirming the diagnosis, there is every chance of a full recovery.