Chronic fatigue, being overweight, hair loss, and brittle nails are symptoms familiar to many. More often they disturb women, but sometimes they are also noted in men. In some cases, these symptoms simply do not pay attention. Fatigue is associated with constant work, and weight gain - with improper nutrition. However, these symptoms often indicate the development of a pathology such as secondary hypothyroidism. In adults, such a disease can occur in a latent form. The signs of this pathology can be confused with the symptoms of other ailments. After all, hypothyroidism affects almost all body systems. The treatment of this disease is controlled by an endocrinologist.
Hypothyroidism: a description of the pathology
Hypothyroidism is characterized by changes in the hormonal background associated with impaired functioning of the thyroid gland or brain (pituitary gland). This disease is characterized by various clinical manifestations, which cover almost all organs and systems. Despite a change in hormone levels, the thyroid gland in secondary hypothyroidism is considered healthy. The fact is that this pathology has a central genesis. It develops with disorders of the pituitary gland - the endocrine organ found in the brain. This, in turn, leads to secondary damage to the thyroid gland.
Secondary hypothyroidism is more often diagnosed in young patients. It is more common among the female population. This disease is especially dangerous for children. Laboratory signs of pathology are an increase in TSH levels and a compensatory decrease in the amount of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Due to changes in the functioning of the pituitary gland, dysfunction of other endocrine structures may be noted. In particular, the adrenal glands, gonads, etc.
Secondary hypothyroidism: causes of the disease
The causes of pathology are associated with structural changes in brain tissue. Central genesis has primary and secondary hypothyroidism. So what is the difference between the two? As you know, the hypothalamic-pituitary system controls all the peripheral endocrine glands in the body. It is located in the brain. The main endocrine formation is the hypothalamus. This organ is located between the right and left hemispheres of the brain. If hormone secretion is impaired, primary hypothyroidism develops in this section. In the hypothalamus, biologically active substances are produced, which then enter the pituitary gland. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is formed there. The pituitary gland has an inverse relationship with endocrine organs, in particular with the thyroid gland. Therefore, with an increase in TSH secretion, the production of thyroxine and triiodothyronine decreases.
The causes of secondary hypothyroidism include:
- Inflammatory diseases of the pituitary gland. The defeat of this organ may be associated with viral and bacterial encephalitis.
- Congenital hypoplasia, or lack of pituitary gland.
- Cancerous or benign neoplasms.
- Ischemic brain damage.
- Pituitary hemorrhage.
- Exposure to radiation from irradiation of brain tumors.
- Atrophic diseases.
Due to damage to the pituitary gland, secondary hypothyroidism develops. Do not confuse this condition with thyroid disease. When this organ is damaged, tertiary hypothyroidism occurs. Regardless of the etiology and source of hormonal disorders, the endocrinologist is involved in the treatment of this pathology.
The development of postpartum hypothyroidism
During pregnancy, the body undergoes many different changes, to a greater extent they relate to the endocrine sphere. This is due to the fact that part of the hormones is secreted by the placenta. Due to the excess of certain biological substances in the body, their secretion in the pituitary gland decreases. Conversely, a decrease in hormone production is a signal to increase their production in the brain. Due to such changes, some women develop secondary hypothyroidism after childbirth. The risk of its occurrence is much higher among patients who have antibodies to thyroid cells in their blood.
Autoimmune inflammation of this endocrine organ causes activation of the pituitary gland. Thyroid-stimulating hormone begins to be produced faster and in large quantities. Such a condition after childbirth is considered temporary, that is, transient. Hypothyroidism occurs in women 4-5 months after the baby is born. Most often, he does not have a pronounced clinical picture. The decrease in thyroid hormones is preceded by the reverse process - thyrotoxicosis. It is observed in the first months of the postpartum period. During the year, hormonal levels normalize. If this does not happen, then the disease took place before pregnancy, but was not detected earlier.
Acquired hypothyroidism: symptoms and treatment in women
Hypothyroidism of central origin often develops in women. Signs of the disease depend on the severity of hormonal failure. How does hypothyroidism occur? Symptoms and treatment in women, as in the case of other pathologies, are interrelated. The main signs indicating the presence of an ailment:
- Menstrual irregularities.
- Drowsiness.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Fragility of nails and hair.
- Weight gain.
- Edema syndrome.
- Tendency to constipation.
In some cases, there is only some definite manifestation of the pathology, while others are less pronounced. Sometimes hypothyroidism is asymptomatic. Most often, excess weight, alopecia (hair loss) and severe edematous syndrome become the reason for going to the clinic .
Treatment of hypothyroidism begins with the appointment of hormonal drugs. At the same time, they find out the cause of the disease. In some cases, replacement therapy is not the main treatment.
Signs of hypothyroidism in children
Secondary hypothyroidism in children is a dangerous disease that can lead to mental retardation and delayed physical development. The fact is that thyroid hormones at an early age are especially necessary. They affect the processes of growth and the formation of intelligence. The disease can be caused by pituitary abnormalities, as well as insufficient intake of iodine in the baby's body (with tertiary hypothyroidism). Regardless of the source of hormonal changes, substitution treatment should be started as soon as an increase in TSH concentration is detected.
Diagnosis of secondary hypothyroidism
How to get rid of secondary hypothyroidism? Diagnosis of pathology begins with the collection of complaints and examination of the patient. Patients often note constant fatigue and drowsiness, weight gain. You should pay attention to chilliness and the occurrence of edema. In some cases, hypothyroidism is detected by chance, for example, with a delay in menstruation that is not associated with pregnancy.
On examination, a decrease in heart rate and hypotension are detected. Edema can be located on any part of the body, often on the face. On palpation, it is found that they have a soft mucous consistency (myxedema).
The final diagnosis can be made after laboratory tests. Patients have an increase in TSH levels and a decrease in the number of thyroid hormones. To identify the source of the disease, X-rays of the Turkish saddle, CT of the brain are performed.
Hypothyroidism Treatment Methods
Secondary hypothyroidism is an indication for long-term hormone therapy. Treatment should be monitored by an endocrinologist. Every 3 months, laboratory diagnostics are performed to determine the levels of TSH and thyroxine. The stabilization of these indicators confirms the correctness of treatment. With a high level of TSH, the dose of hormones is increased. As a substitution therapy using medications "Eutiroks" and "Levothyroxine."
In addition, the cause of the pathology should be identified. In inflammatory diseases, antibacterial and antiviral therapy is performed. In some cases, surgical treatment is required (with adenoma and pituitary cancer).
Prognosis and prevention of complications
With constant use of hormonal drugs, the prognosis for hypothyroidism is favorable. The right dose of medication helps to completely stop the symptoms of the disease. For the prevention of complications, an analysis should be systematically taken to determine the level of TSH and observed by an endocrinologist. It is impossible to independently change the dosage of drugs or cancel treatment.