The number of thyroid diseases (“thyroid” in everyday life) is growing steadily every year. The causes of pathologies associated with a violation of the production of iodine-containing hormones can be different - from the influence of psycho-emotional stress to unhealthy diet and adverse environmental conditions. Let's find out what role the thyroid gland plays in a person’s life, signs of the disease of this organ and diagnoses.
The thyroid gland in the body system
The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that is part of the endocrine system. The main function of the gland is to regulate and maintain the body's homeostasis. It is located in the trachea and has the form of two lobes connected by a short isthmus.
The thyroid gland, the
signs of the disease of which we will consider below, has a different weight at certain age stages of human life. For example, during pregnancy in women, an enlarged thyroid gland is a natural phenomenon that occurs six months later, a year after childbirth.
Hormones and thyroid
Signs of thyroid disease are often mistaken for symptoms of completely different pathologies. In addition, the disease may not manifest itself for a long time, and its symptoms are regarded as a general physical malaise. Why are signs of thyroid disease so nonspecific? This is due to the fact that the hormones synthesized by the thyroid gland take part in almost all body processes. In the tissues of the thyroid gland, iodine-containing and peptide hormones are synthesized, which is impossible without the amino acid tyrosine. With her participation, as well as under the influence of molecular iodine and the TPO enzyme, the hormones calcitonin, thyroxine and triiodothyronine are produced in the epithelium.
The effect of hormones on body systems
These hormones are involved in the structure and maintenance of immunity, in metabolic processes, in the formation and breakdown of free radicals. In addition, thyroid hormones maintain normal body temperature, participate in the structure of new cells, the breakdown of old.
Also, thyroid hormones regulate the supply of oxygen to cells, the oxidative process and energy production. They also directly affect the mental, physical and mental spheres of a person.
Thyroid: signs of the disease
Thyroid diseases, depending on the nature of the pathology, can be divided into 3 categories:
- disorders caused by increased synthesis of thyroid hormones (thyrotoxicosis);
- disorders caused by decreased synthesis of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism);
- disorders occurring without changing the synthesis, expressed by deformation of the thyroid gland (formation of goiter, nodes, development of hyperplasia).
With a lack of hormones (hypothyroidism), all metabolic processes slow down, which affects the formation of energy. This, in turn, leads to the following consequences (symptoms):
- lethargy;
- drowsiness;
- weaknesses;
- fatigue;
- swelling;
- memory impairment;
- weight gain;
- dry skin, brittle nails and hair.
In addition, menstrual irregularities, the onset of early menopause, and chronic depression are regarded as signs of thyroid disease in women.
With thyroid hyperfunction (an increased amount of thyroid hormones in the blood), classic signs are observed:
- irritability, short temper;
- weight loss amid increased appetite;
- cardiopalmus;
- sweating, sleep disturbance.