Thyroid function is difficult to overestimate. This small organ, which has some resemblance to a butterfly and located in the neck, “conducts” the work of almost all body systems. So what problems can cause diseases of this irreplaceable organ called the thyroid gland? Hypothyroidism is one of them. It will be discussed in this article.
Decreased thyroid function. Cause and effect
So, the timely and sufficient supply of thyroid hormones to the body depends on the stable operation of the thyroid gland. A decrease in thyroid function is hypothyroidism. Distinguish between primary and secondary varieties. If, when examined by an endocrinologist, it is established that the thyroid gland is affected , hypothyroidism is primary. If the thyroid gland is normal, and analyzes show the presence of hormonal changes, then we should talk about another kind of disease - its secondary form, which occurs when the pituitary or hypothalamus functions .
So how does thyroid hypothyroidism manifest itself ? His symptoms are so diverse that the first visit to a doctor can not always suspect him.
So:
- persistent weakness;
- swelling;
- gastrointestinal disorders (constipation, flatulence);
- dry skin and dull hair -
these are only external manifestations of hypothyroidism.
A sick thyroid gland - hypothyroidism - can lead to serious lesions of the cardiovascular, osteoarticular, nervous system (and this is neurosis, depression, memory loss, panic attacks, etc.).
For diagnosis, an ultrasound is prescribed - an examination of the parathyroid and thyroid gland. You also need to take tests for the content of hormones TSH, T3, T4, and antibodies - ATTG. This is the minimum set of markers, the doctor may prescribe additional studies.
Self-medication is unacceptable!
Remember that with any form of the disease, regardless of how the thyroid gland is affected, hypothyroidism can only be treated with medication. According to the results of the examination, the doctor prescribes hormone therapy, which almost completely eliminates the symptoms of the disease. This disease is not treated by any folk methods!
Features of the menu of a patient with hypothyroidism
Nutrition for hypothyroidism of the thyroid gland should be frequent and fractional. Exclude fatty, fried, flour. Starchy vegetables (potatoes, for example) include in the menu as little as possible. Give preference to fish, seafood, low-fat varieties of poultry. Vegetables must be in the diet without fail. Fresh, steamed, boiled - every day at least 3 servings of vegetables (portion - about 100-150 grams) should be on the menu of a patient with hypothyroidism.
Such restrictions and prescriptions are associated with the characteristics of the metabolism of persons suffering from this disease. Weight gain, swelling, constipation are symptoms of hypothyroidism that can and should be corrected with proper nutrition.
And at the end of the article I want to say: if you are worried about any unpleasant symptoms - do not postpone the visit to the doctor, do not wait for it to pass by itself, do not self-medicate. Do not risk the most expensive - health!