Hypofunction of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) is a disease of the body resulting from insufficient secretion of the thyroid gland or the complete cessation of its work.
A bit about the thyroid gland
The thyroid gland is located in the anterior region of the larynx. The main function of the gland is the production of hormones that are regulated in the endocrine system, in turn, by hormones of other glands - the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
The thyroid gland has three hormones: thyroxine, calcitonin and triiodothyronine. The hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine are stimulants of growth, mental development, the activity of the cardiovascular and digestive systems that regulate the metabolic processes and sexual functions of the body. Calcitonin is responsible for the calcium content in the blood, which helps build bones. It is also a necessary substance for the structure of muscle and nerve cells.
Hypofunction of the thyroid gland is observed in women more often than in males, and has a gradual course. Due to the inexpressiveness of the signs, this disease is initially perceived as a consequence of overwork, pregnancy or other diseases, therefore it is quite difficult to identify hypothyroidism.
Signs and types of illness
Hypofunction of the thyroid gland, the symptoms of which depend on the form of the course, can be of two types:
- Myxedema (hypothyroidism in adults) is a severe form of the disease. It is accompanied by a slowdown and a decrease in all physical and mental functions of the body as a result of a decrease in metabolic processes, the accumulation of mucous fluid in the subcutaneous layer.
Myxedema is accompanied by puffiness of the face, swelling of the extremities. The general condition of the patient is noticeably worsening. There is a feeling of fatigue, lethargy, facial expression changes , an increase in body weight occurs. The skin is dry, pale, rough. Hair falls out, becomes faded and brittle. The temperature of the body decreases, the heart rate slows down, violations of the reproductive system occur (hypofunction of the gonads);
- cretinism (hypothyroidism in children) - a congenital disease caused by insufficient secretion of the gland, accompanied by a sharp lag in mental and physical development. It is mainly observed in children born to mothers with goiter disease, as well as in case of violation or underdevelopment of the thyroid gland in the treatment of hypofunction during pregnancy.
Cretinism is accompanied by rapid fatigue of the patient, a tendency to be overweight, decreased appetite, apathy, lethargy, serious impairment of sexual and mental development, and brittle nails and hair.
Diagnosis of hypothyroidism
The presence of the disease cannot be due to the presence of one of the symptoms. Hypofunction of the thyroid gland is determined only by observing several signs of the disease at the same time. To fully determine the disease, the following tests and examinations are prescribed:
- blood test for hemoglobin, cholesterol, sugar. With hypothyroidism, a decrease in hemoglobin level, an increase in cholesterol and sugar level are noted;
- examination for the level of hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine;
- examination of the level of changes in the thyroid gland;
- studies of functions by ultrasound.
Disease treatment
Hypofunction of the thyroid gland is mainly treated by replenishing the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. For this, therapy with drugs is prescribed - analogues of the missing hormones and the use of iodine-containing agents. The treatment of the disease is quite lengthy and its effectiveness depends on at what stage the treatment was started.
Prevention of hypothyroidism
Prevention of thyroid hypothyroidism is based on an increase in the diet of iodine-containing products: seaweed, seafood, sea salt, algae and others, as well as the appointment of iodine-containing drugs.