Very often there are problems with the functioning of the thyroid gland. This small organ produces hormones that are important for the normal metabolism and activity of all body systems. Due to micronutrient deficiencies in nutrition, an unfavorable ecology, or an improper lifestyle, the thyroid gland may not work properly. Most often, pathologies associated with a lack of production of its hormones are found. Only a doctor’s examination and blood tests can determine what the body is missing. And to cope with this, drugs are prescribed to help. Most often it is a thyroid hormone in tablets. Since this is a serious medicine, you can take it only under the supervision of a doctor.
Thyroid function of its hormones
All human life processes are regulated by chemicals that are produced by the endocrine glands. One of the most important is the thyroid gland located in front of the neck.
It is small in size and produces only three hormones, but they perform very important functions:
- participate in metabolism;
- improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- regulate the menstrual cycle;
- participate in the growth and development of the embryo;
- increase libido and increase potency in men.
Signs of a lack of hormones
With various diseases and disorders of the thyroid gland, deviations in the state of health occur. If hormones are produced less than necessary, can be observed:
- menstrual irregularities;
- infertility and miscarriage ;
- weakness, drowsiness, loss of strength;
- violation of the heart;
- sudden changes in mood, aggressiveness;
- swelling
- unexplained weight gain;
- problems in the digestive system;
- decreased memory and mental function;
- dry skin, hair loss.
What are the thyroid hormones in tablets?
Reviews about taking these drugs show that their misuse can lead to even bigger problems. But drugs to compensate for insufficient thyroid activity have been used for a long time. And now in the arsenal of doctors there are two types of drugs:
- Medicines containing dried cattle thyroid have been used for a long time. But the peculiarity of their action is that it is not known how much biologically active substance they contain, because it depends on the level of animal health. But still, such thyroid hormone is often used in tablets, such as Tireodin, and Armor-Thyroid or Thyroxine is also prescribed by doctors.
- In recent years, synthetic drugs have become more popular. They contain hormones identical to natural ones. In the case of taking such drugs, it is easier to calculate the desired dosage, in addition, they are better tolerated and cause fewer side effects. Such medications are often prescribed: Eutirox, L-Thyroxine, Thyrotome, Novothiral, and others.
The action of thyroid hormones
After a doctor’s examination and blood tests, the cause of the disease is determined: what hormone in the body is not enough. To compensate for its deficiency, medications are prescribed that need to be taken regularly. After some time, the thyroid hormone in tablets begins to act:
- metabolism is accelerated;
- heart function is stimulated and blood pressure rises;
- respiratory activity improves;
- muscle contraction power increases and motor activity increases;
- carbohydrate metabolism is accelerated;
- the activity of thought processes increases;
- the level of red blood cells in the blood increases;
- accelerated peristalsis of the stomach and intestines.
When are thyroid hormone tablets used?
- The most common violation in the work of this body is hypothyroidism. In this case, very few hormones are produced, which are necessary for the life of the body.
- It is recommended that you take thyroid hormone in tablets during pregnancy. At this time, a woman experiences an increased need for many substances. And the lack of these hormones negatively affects the mental and physical development of the baby.
- In some cases, thyroid hormones are used in diet pills. But resorting to this method is only in extreme cases. When a doctor’s examination revealed that weight gain is caused by a really insufficient amount of hormones, substitution drugs can be used. With their help, you can accelerate carbohydrate metabolism, improve intestinal motility and slow down the accumulation of fat.
- In some cases, a person notices the presence of a problem in the thyroid gland by external signs. For example, severe hair loss occurs. Therefore, sometimes taking thyroid hormones in tablets for baldness. But you need to do this only after a medical examination.
Synthetic drugs
Most often, modern drugs are prescribed for the treatment of endocrine disorders. They contain one or more hormones identical to natural ones. Using such drugs, it is easier to calculate the dosage, in addition, they almost do not cause allergic reactions. What are the thyroid hormones in tablets? Their names are known only to specialists and patients to whom they are prescribed, since these are serious medicines and are sold by prescription:
- Levothyroxine sodium, Bagothyrox, Eutirox, L-Thyrox are synthetic analogues of Thyroxine. After absorption, they turn into the hormone triiodothyronine;
- the combined preparation "Tireocomb" contains, in addition to two hormones, also potassium iodide, which helps to establish the thyroid gland;
- "Tireotome" contains two synthetic hormones, is easily tolerated and quickly begins to act;
- Recently, a more modern and effective drug, Novotiral, has been prescribed more often.
Iodine preparations
Two of the three thyroid hormones are produced with the participation of iodine. Triiodothyronine contains three iodine atoms, and tetraiodothyronine contains four. Therefore, with its lack in the body, there is a shortage of thyroid hormones. Most people are aware that the thyroid gland is associated with iodine, so drugs containing this trace element are beginning to be taken to support it. The most popular dietary supplements are "Iodomarin", "Iodine Balance" or "Iodide". But it is not recommended to take them without a doctor’s examination, since the correct dosage is very important.
Features of taking hormones
All hormonal preparations can be taken only after examination by a doctor and blood tests. These are very serious medicines, and their improper use can lead to sad consequences. What rules should be observed if the doctor has prescribed thyroid hormones in tablets? The instruction recommends taking them in the morning on an empty stomach, so they are better absorbed.
Most often this is done 1-2 times a day, but if necessary, the doctor prescribes a three-time intake of the drug. It is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations and not exceed the dosage. In addition, you can not abruptly stop taking hormones, as this leads to serious complications. You also need to know that
hormonal drugs are incompatible with alcohol and certain drugs, in addition, there are contraindications to their use: adrenal gland disorders, serious diseases of the cardiovascular system and others.
Hormone Reviews
In many cases, with insufficient thyroid function, it is necessary to take such drugs for life. And many patients note that after discontinuation of the medicine they feel even worse than at the beginning of the disease. But thyroid hormones in tablets do not always lead to such consequences. There are patient reviews that the correct dosage of the drug helped to correct the thyroid gland and no longer needed medication. Eutirox tablets, which are easily tolerated and rarely cause side effects, are best reported.