In medicine, a formation that is localized in the cervical region is usually called the thyroid gland. In form, it is somewhat reminiscent of a butterfly. The thyroid gland is responsible for the formation of hormones, and also takes part in the distribution of energy in the human body. In parallel, it affects almost all cells, organs and tissues. Sometimes there are certain problems with the thyroid gland in men. Symptoms of such deviations in the work of the body should not be ignored, since the lack of treatment can provoke very dangerous consequences for the human body, as well as for body functions. This may be due to the work of the liver, intestines, heart, and even the brain.
The main functions of the body
Before considering the symptoms of thyroid problems in men, you need to understand how hormones affect the human body. This body produces the hormones triiodothyronine and thyroxine, which:
- Strengthen the decay of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
- Participate in accelerating the metabolic process.
- Additionally increase the production of the thermal process.
- They have a stimulating effect on digestive motility.
- Activate the nervous system.
- They have an effect on the growth and development of organs in the body.
- They increase vascular tone and accelerate the pulse.
These hormones are also involved in every type of metabolism. Their number directly affects the activity of the entire human body.
In addition, the thyroid gland produces the hormone calcitonin, which:
- Prevents the appearance of osteoclasts.
- Returns calcium and phosphate to bone.
- Stimulates the reproduction of osteoblasts.
Causes of Thyroid Problems
The main reason for the appearance of symptoms of thyroid problems in men is the insufficient intake of iodine, which is found in foods. The approximate norm of this element per day for an adult is 150 mg. In addition, problems with the thyroid gland in men, the symptoms of which will be described below, can occur due to poor ecology, high radiation, the use of products with carcinogens, and also due to constant stressful situations.
Factors provoking the development of the disease
In addition to the listed exogenous factors, problems with the thyroid gland can occur due to the presence of other diseases, as well as due to improper treatment of existing pathologies. Certain malfunctions in the human body in some cases are the reason for blocking the absorption of iodine. In addition, there may be problems with the thyroid gland due to congenital abnormalities of the gland or due to existing problems at the genetic level.
You should consider diseases that are associated with disorders of the thyroid gland:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Endemic goiter.
- Hypotheriosis.
- Tumors of various kinds.
- Autoimmune thyroiditis.
Endemic goiter
This problem with the thyroid gland in men manifests itself in the form of an enlarged organ. Pathology is caused by insufficient iodine in the body. The most common symptoms are as follows:
- Lack of stamina.
- General weakness.
- Discomfort in the heart.
- Headache.
- Difficult breathing and swallowing.
- Squeezing in the neck.
- Suffocation.
- Permanent dry cough.
Treatment features
If, with the appearance of these signs of problems with the thyroid gland in men, it increased slightly, then for treatment several courses of potassium iodide use will be enough, as well as following a certain diet, in which foods rich in this element are used. In severe cases, hormonal therapy may be required (Thyrotome, Thyrecomb, Endonorm). At a late stage of the development of the disease, surgical intervention is already required.
As for non-traditional methods of treatment, a powder prepared on the basis of seaweed leaves is very effective. It must be taken one teaspoon before bedtime, it is washed down with water. The course of therapy should be 3-4 weeks.
Hypotheriosis
The prerequisites for the occurrence of this disease are the lack of hormones triiodothyronine and l-thyroxine. In medicine, the primary and secondary types of hypothyroidism are distinguished. Previously, the disease was more often diagnosed in women. However, at present, autoimmune pathologies in men are diagnosed no less frequently than in the fair sex. The main symptoms of the pathology are as follows:
- Bad dream.
- Fatigue and general lethargy.
- Significant hair loss.
- Swelling of the extremities and facial part.
- Pain in the heart, bradycardia and shortness of breath.
- Impotence and the decline of libido.
- Feeling of cold.
- The problem is with the stool.
- Memory problems.
Treatment features
The most common treatment is replacement therapy. During it, the dosage of triiodothyronine or thyroxine preparations is carefully selected at first (Eutirox, L-Thyroxine Berlin-Chemie, Bagotiroks). Much of the treatment depends on the age of the patient, as well as on how long thyroid therapy has been carried out. The fact is that the myocardium is very susceptible to hormones, so getting used to such therapy can turn into a very long process. It is necessary to treat the disease taking into account the reaction of the heart muscle. The first results, as a rule, appear after one week of therapy.
Thyrotoxicosis or hyperthyroidism
Symptoms of a thyroid problem in the form of thyrotoxicosis are as follows:
- Significant weight loss, while a person has a normal appetite.
- Excessive sweating and a sensation of heat, as well as sudden changes in temperature.
- Heart palpitations.
- The increased size of the thyroid gland.
- Unstable chair.
- Nervousness.
- Decreased potency, libido, in some cases, the onset of gynecomastia.
- Panic or fear on a man’s face.
- Swelling of the ankles.
- Tremor of hands, body or eyelids.
- An increase in the phalanges of the fingers.
All these symptoms manifest themselves in different ways, depending on the degree of development of the disease and the age of the patient. In childhood, neurology is most pronounced. Among adult men, ophthalmic disorders are observed, as well as problems of the gastrointestinal tract.
At the initial stage of the development of the disease, the specialist should conduct a differential examination for the presence of vegetovascular dystonia. In this case, it is worth paying attention to the fact that moderate thyroid hyperfunction is not so difficult to diagnose. It is also worth considering if a severe degree develops, then the whole organism is at risk.
Treatment features
Currently, the following drugs are used to treat this pathology:
- "Metimazole", "Merkazolil", "Tiamazole", as well as other drugs that can cause the synthesis of thyroid hormones to be blocked.
- Various beta-blockers.
- Corticosteroids that compensate for the deficiency of adrenal hormones.
In addition, prophylactic norms for dehydration of the patient's body are carried out, the symptoms of nervous excitement are reduced. Currently, treatment of thyrotoxicosis is also carried out using plasmapheresis.
Surgical intervention
To avoid possible thyroid problems in men and the consequences that arise with thyrotoxicosis, surgery is also used for treatment. The main criteria for such therapy are the presence of the 3rd, 4th and 5th stages of thyroid hypertrophy, shift or compression of the esophagus and trachea, as well as the last stage of thyrotoxicosis. In addition, surgical treatment can be used if there is an ineffective use of drugs.
The specialist at the same time removes the main part of the gland, but does not affect the zone in the posterior lateral lobes. The process of removing the thyroid gland can be complicated by infection, as well as the inflammatory process. Therefore, for the purpose of prevention, specialists prescribe the use of antibiotics to the patient.
Thyroid Cancers and Chronic Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Symptoms and problems with the thyroid gland in men can occur due to the presence of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. This disease is very common among endocrine pathologies. Currently, the number of patients suffering from this disease is significantly increasing. Experts also argue that the causes of thyroid problems in the form of this disease lie in impaired immune systems.
The immunity is aggressive towards the organ, as a result of which its tissue is erroneously recognized by the immune system as dangerous and foreign. For this reason, the development of special antibodies is observed in the human body, aimed at combating their own thyroid gland. The causes of this ailment lie in the following:
- Excessive mental stress.
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Previous acute respiratory viral diseases.
- Environmental factors.
- Areas of chronic infection.
- Long-term use of drugs.
- Long stay in the sun.
- Radiation
Malignant tumors on the thyroid gland are formed during abnormal cell growth directly inside this gland. Cancer of this organ is one of the less common varieties of cancer. Those with thyroid cancer have a generally favorable prognosis, since this type of oncology in most cases is diagnosed at a preliminary stage and can be successfully treated. After treatment, relapses are possible, but only after a while.
Disease protection
When answering the question of how to understand that there are problems with the thyroid gland, one should pay close attention to the symptoms of possible diseases that have been described above. But in order to avoid such unpleasant pathologies, it is necessary to observe some preventive measures, which are as follows:
- Timely treat thyroid diseases.
- Systematically conduct a professional examination and, in particular, if the patient is at risk.
It is worth paying attention to the fact that the thyroid gland is very sensitive to some provoking factors. Such symptoms can be caused by an insufficient amount of iodine, which is found in foods, radioactive radiation, insolation, as well as drug abuse.
To prevent the progression of symptoms of thyroid problems, men should consume up to 200 mg of iodine per day. In some regions with adverse environmental conditions, it is recommended to add iodized salt to food, as well as diversify your diet with seafood.
It is best for young men and children to use potassium iodide in the form of medications as a preventive measure. Men of a more mature age should take such medications with increased physical and mental stress, as well as with frequent stressful situations and depression.
Any drug therapy with iodine should be coordinated with a specialist. To prevent autoimmune processes in the thyroid gland, it is necessary to limit the time spent in the open sun. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that the duration of such harmless insolation will fluctuate depending on the geographical latitude, time of day and condition of the skin.
Conclusion
When considering how to recognize thyroid problems, it is worth considering that the symptoms will be different. They will depend on which pathology or disease has affected the thyroid gland. If you find the first signs of problems with the body, you must immediately contact a medical institution. There, after conducting diagnostic examinations, a specialist will prescribe the use of certain medications for the treatment of the disease, and will also recommend a diet. In order to never prevent the occurrence of any problems with the thyroid gland, the preventive measures described above should be followed.