According to statistics, hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disease.
Hypothyroidism is a disease of the thyroid gland associated with its reduced function. With this endocrine disease, the production of thyroid hormones decreases, or their biological effect decreases.
Hypothyroidism of the thyroid gland can develop with the affected pituitary gland (for example, in the presence of a tumor), which is also responsible for the production of endocrine hormones. Other causes of hypothyroidism are lack of iodine in food, surgery or trauma to the thyroid gland, as well as autoimmune thyroiditis (a malfunction in the immune system that causes the body to attack the thyroid gland).
Symptoms of hypothyroidism depend on the type of disease. Hypotheriosis is congenital and acquired.
Congenital hypothyroidism is rare (for 5 thousand newborns - one case), most often in girls. This type of disease is associated with a violation of the structure of the thyroid gland and its function. The cause of 20% of cases of congenital hypothyroidism is heredity. Thyroid problems in newborns also occur with iodine deficiency in the mother during pregnancy. Congenital hypothyroidism symptoms has the following:
- large weight (more than 3.5 kg) of the newborn;
- swelling of the face, back of the hands and feet;
- signs of developmental delay despite the fact that the child is full-term;
- lingering postpartum jaundice;
- low crying;
- dry skin and brittle hair;
- long healing of the umbilical wound;
- late closure of the fontanel;
- cold arms and legs.
Acquired hypothyroidism is primary (damage to the thyroid gland), secondary (with damaged pituitary gland), tertiary (with damage to the hypothalamus).
The development of primary hypothyroidism is possible after previous thyroid diseases, with different types of goiter. Damage to the thyroid gland may be due to previous tuberculosis and actinomycosis. Frequent infectious diseases and intoxications can contribute to the development of primary hypothyroidism. The occurrence of secondary and tertiary hypothyroidism may be due to trauma to the skull, tumors in the corresponding parts of the brain, and neuroinfection.
Acquired hypothyroidism symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract have such as poor appetite and frequent constipation. This disease is also characterized by anemia. On the part of the nervous system, signs such as lethargy, drowsiness, blurred speech, decreased intelligence, and depression are manifested. Many patients complain that it becomes difficult for them to remember anything. In women, menstrual irregularities are observed.
Hypotheriosis also has other symptoms:
- fragility of nails and hair;
- the skin becomes yellow or peach, it becomes dry;
- constantly swelling around the eyes;
- causeless weight gain;
- the voice becomes lower, a hoarseness appears;
- facial features are gross;
- characteristic lip augmentation.
This disease develops slowly, therefore hypothyroidism symptoms are vague at the first stage, as a result of which many patients do not immediately seek medical help, and the disease develops to later lines.
Hypotheriosis is especially dangerous for women, as it can lead to infertility.
The basis for the treatment of hypothyroidism is the use of synthetic thyroid hormones. With proper medication and following the doctorβs recommendations, the symptoms of hypothyroidism are completely eliminated. If it is not treated, then the patient's condition will gradually worsen until death.
To prevent thyroid hypothyroidism, you need to eat varied in order to ensure a sufficient amount of iodine in the body, and to treat thyroid diseases in a timely manner.