Subclinical hypothyroidism is a complex thyroid disease. At the same time, the organ cannot work in normal mode and gradually begins to destroy itself. With normal functioning, the thyroid gland releases hormones into the bloodstream that allow the patient to live a full life.
The activity of this organ affects the entire body, stimulating the functioning of organs. Violation occurs with a deficiency of hormones, as well as with an overabundance of them in the body. The manifestation of these types of violations can be completely different. With a lack of thyroid hormones, the body begins to gradually fail, and all its resources are depleted. With an excess of hormones, the thyroid gland begins to eliminate itself, which adversely affects the functioning of all organs.
The danger of the disease lies in the fact that it can disguise itself as somatic disorders, the treatment of which gives absolutely no result. The patient with the available symptoms consults a cardiologist, gynecologist and neuropathologist. And only in the last stages does he get an appointment with an endocrinologist.
If the thyroid gland malfunctions, it is important to start treatment in a timely manner in order to prevent complications.
Disease feature
The thyroid gland is located on the neck and has the shape of a butterfly. Normally, she is not palpable. The hormones produced by this body are required for the normal functioning of many organs and systems. Thyroid hormones affect weight, reproductive function, metabolism, thermoregulation.
To prescribe the right treatment, you must know what subclinical thyroid hypothyroidism is and how this disease manifests itself. This is the initial form of destruction of the thyroid gland, however, severe symptoms are not observed. With severe hormonal imbalance, a malfunction in the functioning of all organs and systems can be observed. The disease proceeds secretly and is characterized by a slow extinction of the basic functions of the thyroid gland.
It is very important to conduct treatment in a timely manner, since the consequences of the pathological process can be very dangerous. In women, this condition can cause menstrual irregularities and infertility, and in men it provokes problems with potency. In addition, the disease can provoke a deterioration in the functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems. Depending on the stage of subclinical hypothyroidism, the prognosis and nature of the pathology is determined.
Causes of occurrence
The causes of subclinical hypothyroidism can be very different, in particular, some other diseases, the use of medications, as well as hormonal and radiation therapy can provoke a violation. In addition, among provoking factors, it is necessary to distinguish such as:
- improper development of internal organs in a child;
- partially or completely removed thyroid gland;
- lack of iodine in the body;
- prolonged use of drugs that affect this organ;
- inflammatory processes that occur in adjacent tissues;
- exposure to radioactive iodine.
If there is one or more causes of subclinical hypothyroidism, you need to periodically undergo an examination to timely recognize the course of the disease. Pathology can be inherited and be congenital or manifest in adolescence. The development of hypothyroidism can be triggered by inflammation of the thyroid gland or an overdose of iodine. At risk are patients who have goiter or autoimmune thyroiditis.
The main symptoms
Despite the fact that the symptoms of subclinical hypothyroidism are not too pronounced, a similar condition can be accompanied by certain specific signs. The manifestation of this disease can be easily confused with other psychogenic and somatic disorders. Often, among the main manifestations, constipation is distinguished, which can alternate with diarrheal syndrome. The occurrence of signs of gallstone disease is also likely.
In addition, with hypofunction of the thyroid gland, there may be diseases of the cardiovascular system, in particular, increased pressure, effusion in the pericardial cavity. In women, subclinical hypothyroidism can manifest itself in the form of periodically occurring bleeding, as well as the progression of osteoarthrosis.
Of the specific signs, it is necessary to distinguish coarsening of the voice, an increase in the tongue, and swelling of the face. As the disease progresses, the symptoms increase somewhat. As a result of the lack of hormones, a gradual deterioration of the human intellectual abilities and memory impairment occur. At the last stage of subclinical hypothyroidism, an increase in pressure and visual impairment are observed. At the same time, the hair becomes brittle and thin, and the skin becomes gray-yellow. In addition, against the background of a decrease in thyroid function, anemia and bradycardia are observed.
Diagnostics
To determine how to treat subclinical hypothyroidism, a diagnosis must first be made. A diagnosis is made mainly on the basis of blood tests. Characteristic in this case is an increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone with normal levels of thyroid hormones.
In addition, additional research methods can be prescribed, in particular, such as:
- antibody test;
- electrocardiography;
- ultrasound diagnostics;
- radiography;
- scintigraphy;
- blood biochemistry.
Such techniques make it possible to determine deviations in the functioning of the thyroid gland, as well as disturbances in the functioning of other organs resulting from the course of the disease.
Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy
Many women during pregnancy are interested in what it is - primary subclinical hypothyroidism and how it affects the bearing of a child. It is worth noting that the disease will not pass on its own and therefore treatment should be carried out immediately. In general, disorders occur in the first 3 months of pregnancy, and from this the baby may develop incorrectly or even die.
That is why you need to regularly visit a doctor at the planning stage of pregnancy. This will make it possible to determine the course of the disease at the initial stage of development and timely treatment. If a woman is only planning a pregnancy, then contraceptives must be used before normalization of hormone levels.
Therapy is carried out with medications that help normalize the level of hormones in the blood. For treatment, the doctor prescribes replacement therapy with synthetic thyrethoxins and iodine-containing drugs. The dosage is selected individually depending on the weight of the woman and does not change throughout the time the drug is used. Folk remedies during pregnancy are undesirable, since this can provoke a significant deterioration in well-being and adversely affect the development of the fetus.
It is worth noting that this disease can pass by inheritance to the fetus. There is a likelihood that the child's disease will proceed in a more advanced stage. After completion of treatment and the birth of a child, a woman should be periodically observed by an endocrinologist until complete recovery. You may have to register the child.
Hypothyroidism in children
Symptoms and treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism are almost the same as in adults, but with the congenital type, the disease is more complicated. The presence of violations can be recognized by the results of tests for the level of thyroid hormones. Severe symptoms are absent or the signs are blurry.
In newborns, tests are taken in the first hours after they are born. Be sure to consult a doctor if you have signs such as:
- swelling;
- jaundice
- hoarse crying;
- dry skin;
- low body temperature;
- fast weight gain.
These signs signal the onset of the development of the disease. Subclinical hypothyroidism in older children is characterized by impaired mental and physical development, as well as slightly impaired vision.
Treatment should be started immediately after diagnosis. During therapy, thyroid hormones are used. The dosage of the drug largely depends on the weight, age of the child and the severity of the course of the disease. In addition, it is necessary to control its level in the blood.
With a decrease in the content of these hormones in the body, you need to consume foods rich in iodine, and if necessary, the drug "Iodomarin" is indicated. If the disease was detected in a child under 2 years old, then he will have to take hormonal drugs throughout his life.
With the course of the disease in a baby, negative changes in the cardiovascular system can occur. Diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism in adolescents is carried out in the same way as in adults, however, while the level of hormones can independently normalize.
Treatment features
Subclinical hypothyroidism can be cured if the disease was detected at the initial stage. In each case, the methodology of therapy is selected purely individually. Each patient develops his own program to restore the amount of hormones in the body.
In some situations, treatment is not prescribed if there are serious diseases of other organs and systems. Often, replacement therapy is prescribed, but only to young patients. As drugs, the hormone thyroxine is used in a synthetic form. The dosage and course of therapy is selected individually in each case.
In addition, it is advisable to additionally use folk remedies that have a positive effect on the body. It is also required to follow a certain diet and introduce foods containing a large amount of iodine into the usual diet.
Drug treatment
If subclinical hypothyroidism occurs due to iodine deficiency, you should immediately begin treatment with hormone replacement drugs. When conducting therapy, it is necessary to control the level of hormones and undergo an examination every 6 months. It is impossible to completely cure the disease, but it is possible to control the functioning of the thyroid gland and reduce negative manifestations.
The drug Levothyroxine is used as replacement therapy. Dosage is calculated by patient weight. The medicine is applied in the morning strictly on an empty stomach. Changing the dosage yourself is not recommended, as this can worsen well-being.
In addition, symptomatic therapy may be required, involving the use of cardiac, hormonal drugs, cardioprotectors, and vitamin complexes. To eliminate depression and apathy, it is recommended to use "Amitriptyline".
ethnoscience
Many people use folk remedies to treat subclinical hypothyroidism. Herbs and fruits of plants have healing qualities that have been known for a long time. For therapy, such herbal preparations are used as:
- St. John's wort, elecampane, chamomile, gingerbread man, rose hip;
- birch buds, St. John's wort, mountain ash, elecampane, fruit cock;
- celandine, coltsfoot, chamomile, yarrow, licorice, angelica.
These combinations of herbs are considered the most common and are used for diseases of the thyroid gland. It is worth remembering that with subclinical hypothyroidism, alternative treatment can be used only after consulting a doctor so as not to provoke the occurrence of side effects.
Nutrition for hypothyroidism
With subclinical hypothyroidism, its nutrition must necessarily be reviewed. Some foods should be excluded from the usual diet, in particular, such as:
- soy products;
- sugar;
- fatty fish and meat;
- butter;
- peanut.
It is not recommended to consume a lot of fluid, as it contributes to the formation of edema and provokes the occurrence of problems with the kidneys. When hypothyroidism occurs, it is recommended to include in your diet:
- enriched with selenium and iodine products;
- fresh fruits and vegetables;
- coffee;
- lean meat and poultry.
Such a diet makes it possible for a person to restore health much faster and get rid of an existing disease. Throughout the entire period of dieting, you need to control your weight and note all its fluctuations.
Consequences of the disease
Normal indications of thyroid hormones during the course of subclinical hypothyroidism can support the vital activity of the body. However, it is worth noting that this disease adversely affects sexual function, as well as the work of the cardiovascular system and other organs. Among the main consequences can be identified such as:
- atherosclerosis of blood vessels;
- increase in cholesterol;
- anemia;
- menstrual irregularities;
- decreased sex drive;
- infertility;
- depressive states.
All these effects are observed only in some patients. The most sensitive to the occurrence of hypothyroidism are people under 40 years old. A neglected form of the disease can lead to a coma of the patient.
Prophylaxis
Prevention is to control iodine in the body. To do this, you need to ensure proper nutrition, in particular, consume foods with a high iodine content. In addition, you need to control your weight and its doctor should monitor its normalization.
People with a predisposition to thyroid disease should avoid significant physical exertion. It is advisable to limit walks in the fresh air, swimming, yoga. It is important to avoid emotional overstrain. Sanatorium treatment has a good effect.