Small thyroid gland: causes, treatment and consequences

A small thyroid gland always indicates endocrine pathology. In medicine, such a violation is called organ hypoplasia. It is more common in women than in men. The small size of the gland always leads to a decrease in hormone production. Such a deviation requires immediate treatment, otherwise endocrine disorders acquire a chronic form. The thyroid gland is an important organ; the state of cells and metabolism depend on its proper functioning. Therefore, any deviation in its function affects the whole body as a whole.

Normal gland sizes

The normal size of the thyroid gland in women depends on body weight. The more the patient weighs, the larger the permissible dimensions of this organ. The size of the gland is measured in cubic centimeters. It can be determined during an ultrasound scan.

The norms of the volume of the thyroid gland in women, depending on weight, are given in the table:

These are the maximum permissible dimensions of the body. During the examination, the doctor must pay attention to the weight of the patient.

The thyroid volume in women is normally less than about 2 cm ³ than in men of the same body weight.

In children, the normal size of the organ does not depend on weight, but on age. The older the child, the larger the iron. The normal sizes of the thyroid gland for children are shown in the table:

With ultrasound, it is also important to determine the dimensions of the left and right lobes of the gland. The normal sizes of the thyroid gland in women are:

• left lobe: 4x2x2 cm;
• right lobe: 4x2x2 cm.

When examining, they also pay attention to the structure and evenness of the contours of the organ. A diagnosis of hypoplasia or atrophy is made if the size of the gland is below the age or weight norm.

Causes of hypoplasia

Why does an ultrasound scan reveal a reduced thyroid gland? There can be many causes of organ hypoplasia. In adults, the thyroid gland may decrease due to the following factors:

1. Pituitary dysfunction. This is the central gland of the human body, which regulates the work of all other endocrine organs. If the pituitary gland produces an excessive amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone, then degenerative changes occur in the cells of the thyroid gland , and it decreases in size.
2. Autoimmune thyroiditis. This is a chronic inflammatory pathology associated with the aggressive effects of the immune system on gland cells. As a result, the organ may decrease.
3. Lack of iodine in the diet. This element is needed by the thyroid gland. With its deficiency, the normal functioning of the organ is disrupted.
4. Age-related changes. In older people, the size of the organ becomes smaller due to changes in the cells.
5. The intake of hormonal drugs. Some drugs suppress thyroid function, as a result, the organ decreases.
6. Exposure to radiation. Ionizing radiation is detrimental to the gland and causes inflammation in the body.

It was found that a small thyroid gland in women is more common than in men. This is due to the fact that estrogen hormones predominate in the female body. If they are formed in excess, then this can provoke autoimmune thyroiditis.

A reduced thyroid gland in children is most often associated with congenital pathology. Organ hypoplasia is formed in the prenatal period. The following factors can lead to this:

• taking hormones by the mother during pregnancy;
• the harmful effects of toxins and radiation on the body of the expectant mother;
• lack of iodine in the diet of a pregnant woman.

All these circumstances can lead to the birth of an infant with organ hypoplasia. Sometimes a small thyroid gland in a child may be due to a hereditary factor. In this case, hypoplasia is observed in parents and other close relatives of the baby.

Degrees of pathology

The concept of "small thyroid gland" implies 2 types of pathology:

• a decrease in the volume of the entire organ;
• reduction in the size of one of the lobes of the gland.

In endocrinology, several degrees of hypoplasia are distinguished:

• 1 degree. At this stage, a decrease in organ volume is noticeable only with ultrasound. Severe symptoms are absent. However, if you do not start treatment, then the pathology will progress.
• 2 degree. The normal functioning of the organ is impaired. There are signs of thyroid hormone deficiency.
• 3 degree. In advanced cases, the patient has severe complications. In adults, edema is noted, and in children - mental retardation.

Symptomatology

A decrease in the thyroid gland is always associated with a decrease in hormone production. This affects the condition of the whole organism. General signs of thyroid pathology characteristic of all patient groups can be distinguished:

1. A person feels constant weakness, quickly gets tired, his performance is sharply impaired.
2. The patient worsens memory and there are problems with concentration.
3. Lowers body temperature.
4. The patient begins to gain excess body weight.
5. There is a delay in bowel movements and increased gas formation.
6. The patient feels a strong thirst, swelling appears on the face.
7. Both women and men have a decrease in libido.

This condition is called endocrinologists hypothyroidism. It is associated with a deficiency of thyroid hormones.

Features of pathology depending on gender and age

In addition to the above symptoms, hypothyroidism has specific manifestations in patients of different sex and age.

In women, manifestations of thyroid pathology depend on at what age hypoplasia occurred. If the patient suffers from this disease since childhood, then the following symptoms are characteristic:

• short stature;
• excessive thinness of the limbs with large head sizes;
• an increase in the abdomen;
• hoarseness of voice;
• underdevelopment of secondary sexual characteristics;
• infertility;
• poor coordination of movements.

If hypoplasia occurred in a patient in adulthood, then the following manifestations are noted:

• fat deposition in the abdomen;
• poor condition of the skin, hair and nails;
• swelling in the lips and eyes;
• pale skin color;
• mood swings;
• decrease in blood pressure;
• low hemoglobin.

Not always a woman associates such symptoms with thyroid disease. However, in the event of constant fatigue, weight gain and edema, it is necessary to undergo examination by an endocrinologist.

If a small thyroid gland is observed in a child under the age of 7 years, then this can extremely negatively affect mental development. Parents should be alert for the following symptoms:

• growth lag;
• causeless weight loss;
• lethargy and weakness;
• persistent constipation;
• hoarseness of voice;
• distraction, lethargy;
• yellowish skin color.

If such a clinical picture occurs, urgently need to contact a pediatric endocrinologist and undergo a diagnostic examination. Timely treatment will help normalize the development and growth of the child.

Complications

Without treatment, thyroid hypoplasia leads to dangerous consequences. The disease goes into the third stage, which is accompanied by severe violations.

In adults, myxedema is a complication of hypothyroidism. With this disease, all organs and tissues suffer from a deficiency of thyroid hormones. There are severe swelling throughout the body, obesity, severe fatigue. In severe cases, the disease leads to myxedema coma, which in most cases ends fatally.

In children, a decrease in gland and hypothyroidism can lead to cretinism. The disease is characterized by severe mental retardation, short stature and the formation of edema. With congenital cretinism, treatment should be carried out in the first month of life of the baby. If the therapy is delayed, then mental development disorders may remain forever.

Diagnostics

Hypoplasia can be diagnosed using ultrasound examinations. This method allows you to identify the size of the organ, as well as signs of changes in the thyroid gland. Additionally, the following studies are prescribed:

• blood test for pituitary and thyroid hormones;
• analysis for thyroglobulin and antibodies;
• biochemical blood test for carbohydrate metabolism;
• MRI of the thyroid gland.

A blood test for hormones allows you to identify the disease in the early stages. With first-degree hypoplasia in humans, the synthesis of thyroid hormones may not be disturbed. However, an increased level of TSH pituitary secretion (thyroid stimulating hormone) indicates the presence of pathology.

Treatment

If the patient's iron is slightly reduced and there is no hormonal disorder, then the doctor recommends a dynamic observation. The patient must regularly visit an endocrinologist and take a blood test for hormones. The patient is also prescribed a diet with a high iodine content. The following foods are recommended:

• sea ​​kale;
• squid;
• fish
• egg powder and milk powder dishes.

With a decrease in thyroid function, hormonal drugs are prescribed:

• "L-thyroxine."
• "Triiodothyronine."
• Eutirox.
• Thyroidin.
• "Tireotom."

The dosage of drugs is selected individually by the doctor, depending on the results of the analysis for hormones.

If gland hypoplasia is detected in a newborn child, then hormone therapy should be started as soon as possible. Otherwise, at the age of 3-4 years, manifestations of mental retardation may occur. With congenital organ reduction, lifelong administration of drugs is often required.

For adults, treatment is prescribed only after finding out the cause of the decrease in the gland. If hypoplasia is caused by other pathologies (diseases of the pituitary gland, autoimmune thyroiditis), it is necessary to conduct therapy of the underlying disease.

Prevention

How to prevent gland hypoplasia? If we are talking about congenital pathology, then every pregnant woman needs to undergo prenatal diagnosis of the fetus. During the period of gestation, the harmful effects should be avoided and foods rich in iodine should be consumed.

Adults need to regularly undergo a routine examination with an endocrinologist, do an ultrasound of the gland and take an analysis for hormones. It is also necessary to cure endocrine pathologies in time, such as autoimmune thyroiditis and pituitary disorders.