A condition caused by a decrease in thyroid hormone levels is called hypothyroidism. This disease is one of the most common thyroid disorders. It can occur at any age in people of both sexes. The signs of such a disorder, forms, detection and treatment are described in sections of the article.
Characteristics
With hypothyroidism, the symptoms remain mild for a long time. This is because the disease develops gradually. Patients do not notice a serious deterioration in health.
The most dangerous kind of such a violation is the congenital form. At the same time, children have a lag in mental development and growth. Malfunctions in the thyroid gland due to a lack of hormones can occur due to genetic problems or health problems during pregnancy.
They are caused by trauma, exposure to harmful radiation, the use of certain means. In some cases, these problems are caused by a low iodine content in the diet.
Congenital variety
The appearance of hypothyroidism in children, the symptoms of this disease are explained by too small organ sizes, its incorrect location. Very rarely, such violations are the result of a lack of the ability to properly absorb hormones. These reasons lead to a decrease in the production of substances necessary for the normal activity of the thyroid gland. Subsequently, disorders of other endocrine glands are observed.
In addition to the congenital type of hypothyroidism, there are other forms of this disease. They are less dangerous, but are considered quite serious.
Acquired variety of violation
This is the most common type, which develops under the influence of the following reasons:
- Malfunctions of the body due to malfunctions of the immune system.
- Disorders resulting from removal of the thyroid gland, taking medications.
- Lack of iodine in the diet.
- Improper gland structure or development.
- Disruption of the absorption of substances necessary for its normal operation.
- Tumors
- The effect of radiation, toxic compounds.
In the case of acquired hypothyroidism, symptoms develop against the background of a decrease in the size of the organ and insufficient production of the hormone due to this reason.
Secondary variety
There is a type of disease that is associated with disorders of the gland itself. It was described in the previous section. A similar phenomenon is called acquired, or primary hypothyroidism. The secondary form is associated with disruptions in the operation of other life-saving devices.
Such failures develop for the following reasons:
- Surgery, radiation.
- The occurrence of tumors.
- Mechanical damage to the brain.
- Chronic diseases, loss of a large amount of blood.
- Acceptance of hormonal drugs for a long time.
- Improper development of endocrine glands.
Types of violations (by the nature and severity of manifestations)
Sometimes the disorder proceeds without noticeable signs. With subclinical hypothyroidism, symptoms, however, can be detected. They develop due to a lack of hormonal balance, the correct ratio of substances. If the disease is not treated for a long time, it can go to another stage. It is called explicit. With this form, the symptoms are quite vivid. The third stage, severe hypothyroidism, can lead to the development of a coma and even death.
Signs of a latent disease
Many patients come to the doctor with complaints such as lethargy and a constant feeling of tiredness. It is these signs that may indicate the beginning of the development of violations. With this form of hypothyroidism, the symptoms are usually general. The hidden manifestations of the disease are as follows:
- Decreased ability to work.
- Swelling that occurs on the face and body.
- Slow heart rate.
- Sexual impairment.
- Low blood pressure.
- Sensation of cold in any weather.
- Decreased appetite.
- Stool retention, bloating, feeling nauseous.
- The formation of gallstones.
- Violation of the liver.
- Weight gain.
The disease affects the quality of intimate life. In hypothyroidism, symptoms in men include sexual dysfunctions, a decrease in the number of germ cells. Women have problems with conception.
Since the above signs can speak not only about hormonal failure, before determining the exact cause of the ailment, the doctor carefully examines the patient.
Appearance of patients
As the disease develops in a person, appearance begins to change. Persons with this disorder suffer from swelling under the eyes.
The skin becomes yellowish, dry, thickened. Nails often break, strips appear on them. The tongue is growing in size, and teeth marks remain on its surface. The voice of such people is hoarse, they complain of heart problems. In hypothyroidism, symptoms include metabolic disorders. A similar phenomenon leads to drowsiness, slowing down speech, suppressed emotional background. It is difficult for patients to work, they move with difficulty, seem lethargic. A characteristic purple blush appears on the face, the lips become bluish, the eyelids are slightly lowered. Hair breaks and falls out. Due to improper metabolism, patients lose interest in food, but they gain weight significantly.
Representatives of the weaker sex suffer from disorders of the monthly cycle and a decrease in sexual desire. The onset of symptoms of hypothyroidism in menopausal women is a fairly common occurrence. It is associated with a change in hormone production. Its symptoms in this case resemble menopause and lead to the appearance of premature menopause.
Thyroid disorders in infancy and childhood
Congenital disease is characterized by a severe course. With this form of the disorder, the symptoms are pronounced and increase over time. The following can be listed as the main features:
- Too early or late birth.
- Excess body weight at birth.
- Prolonged inflammation in the navel.
- Anemia, jaundice.
- Breathing problems.
- Delayed stool, weakness, poor appetite.
At the age of three to six months, the development of hypothyroidism and symptoms continues, and treatment is unlikely to help restore normal functioning of the body.
The child does not gain weight well, he has swelling of the face, tongue, inharmonious growth of body parts, as well as mental retardation. The voice becomes hoarse, the behavior becomes inhibited and lethargic.
In younger schoolchildren and adolescents, malfunctions in the thyroid gland are usually acquired. In this case, the gland increases in size, the skin becomes dry, there are swelling, disturbances in the activity of the heart, and stool retention. Mental development, as a rule, does not suffer. However, such patients are characterized by increased fatigue and drowsiness.
Disease detection
At the medical examination, the doctor usually pays attention to such signs as weakness, memory loss, brittle hair and nails. However, if the manifestations of hypothyroidism are not pronounced, it is necessary to conduct an examination. These activities include the following:
- Laboratory blood tests for thyroid hormones.
- Inspection with an ultrasonic device.
- CT scan.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism in women 50 years old resemble signs of age-related changes in the body. However, ignoring such phenomena is not recommended. After all, they can lead to serious complications.
Methods of dealing with violations
The treatment of this disease involves the use of drugs. Sometimes it can last a lifetime. In other cases, a few months are enough to establish the work of the body. The duration of the course of taking the funds depends on the general well-being and the reasons that caused the disorder of the thyroid gland.
In the event of a lack of hormones, it is proposed to replace these natural substances with artificial ones. The amount of funds is selected for each patient separately, taking into account its features.
Speaking about subclinical hypothyroidism, symptoms and treatment, it should be noted that the sufficient supply of iodine plays an important role. This element should be present in food, but sometimes preparations based on it are also prescribed.
Proper nutrition
The diet for such violations is the limited use of high-calorie dishes. If possible, baking, fats, pork, instant foods, smoked meats, pickles should be excluded. Fried foods, sweets, alcohol are not recommended. Water intake should be limited.
With hypothyroidism, doctors advise eating more fiber and protein. Vegetables and fruits (especially bananas, kiwis, persimmons) are considered beneficial. The meat should be lean. This is beef, veal, chicken. It is recommended to use iodized salt, fish, kelp, shrimp, squid.
Tea and coffee are best replaced with compotes and decoctions of herbs.
Dairy products (kefir, cheese, yogurt) need to choose low-fat.
The disease in question is most often found in regions located far from the sea. In this case, persons of the weaker sex have a high probability of its occurrence. Symptoms of hypothyroidism in men are rare.
How to prevent violations?
Prevention of the disease consists in a balanced diet (eating enough seafood, fish, algae). Malfunctions of the thyroid gland must be addressed in a timely manner. Medicines (including herbal origin) should be taken only as directed by the doctor. It is recommended to combine hormonal preparations with vitamin complexes. Speaking about hypothyroidism, symptoms and treatment in women, it should be noted that dietary supplements (especially those containing selenium and copper), reduction of emotional overloads, getting rid of addictions, healthy sleep, will help eliminate the problem or prevent it.
Decoctions of medicinal plants (calamus, chamomile, birch leaves) are also used. Patients are recommended a low-calorie diet with enough iodine and vitamins. Properly selected means and prevention can not only improve health, but also avoid problems with appearance (brittle hair and nails, swelling).