Unfortunately, many people today face such a problem as hypothyroidism. Treatment in this case is carried out using synthetic hormones. Nevertheless, it is extremely important to diagnose the disease on time - the only way to prevent the development of irreversible complications.
So what is a disease? What are the symptoms in women? Treatment of the disease of what complications will help to avoid? When should I contact an endocrinologist? The answers to these questions are extremely important.
What is a disease?
Today, hypothyroidism is considered the most common thyroid disease. Pathology is accompanied by functional disorders, namely: a decrease in the amount of synthesized thyroxine and triiodothyronine. As you know, these hormones control the work of almost all organ systems. Deficiency of these substances affects the work of the whole organism, causing serious, systemic disorders. By the way, according to statistics, women are more susceptible to this disease.
The main causes of hypothyroidism
Why does hypothyroidism develop? Treatment largely depends on the causes of the onset of the disease, so this information should be read in more detail. The causes of the disease:
- Sometimes a similar pathology is associated with congenital abnormalities in the structure or functioning of the thyroid gland, hypothalamic-pituitary system.
- The list of causes includes chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. Against the background of such diseases, thyroid tissue is damaged by antibodies produced by the person’s own immune system.
- Cases of iatrogenic forms of the disease are very common. In this case, a violation of the hormonal activity of the thyroid gland is associated with a partial or complete removal of the organ. Sometimes hypothyroidism develops after treatment with radioactive iodine.
- Risk factors include taking thyreostatic drugs (part of therapy for diffuse toxic goiter).
- The reason may be a lack of iodine in water or food. It is worth noting that acute deficiency of this substance leads to hypothyroidism.
Classification scheme
Today, there are many classification schemes for a disease such as hypothyroidism. Treatment and diagnosis, by the way, largely depend on the type of disease.
To begin with, it is worth saying that the disease can be both congenital and acquired. Congenital hypothyroidism is associated, as a rule, with some anatomical and physiological disorders, in particular, improper thyroid development, malfunctioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary system. Diagnosis of the disease is possible only after the birth of a child, since during fetal development, fetal development is monitored through maternal hormones.
Depending on the causes of the development of pathology, there are:
- primary hypothyroidism - develops against the background of damage to the thyroid gland;
- the secondary form is associated with a violation of the pituitary gland;
- with tertiary hypothyroidism, a decrease in the level of thyroid hormones is associated with malfunctions in the functioning of the hypothalamus.
Symptoms of the disease. Features of the clinical picture
As already mentioned, a deficiency of thyroid hormones affects the functioning of all organ systems. Symptoms of the disease are incredibly diverse:
- Persistent weakness, fatigue, decreased performance, recurring pain in the heart are the symptoms that accompany subclinical hypothyroidism. Treatment in this case may not be needed, but it will be decided by the doctor after diagnosis.
- As the disease develops, swelling on the face appears. The skin becomes pale, a person looks tired, exhausted.
- Hormone deficiency is accompanied by a violation of thermoregulation. Therefore, many patients complain of constant chills, even if the weather is warm.
- The skin on the feet, knees and elbows becomes very dry, begins to peel off.
- Hypothyroidism is often associated with anemia.
- The patient’s tongue and vocal cords swell, resulting in the voice becoming several tones lower. Speech can become fuzzy, slow.
- Sometimes there is swelling of the middle ear, which leads to problems with hearing.
- Hair becomes excessively dry and brittle, begin to fall out (by the way, this applies not only to the head, but also to the entire hairline on the body).
- The muscles gradually weaken, people often suffer from cramps and pains.
- Sometimes the disease also affects bone structures. Perhaps the development of arthrosis and arthralgia.
- Against the background of hypothyroidism, myocardial lesions are observed, which are accompanied by chest pain and severe shortness of breath (even in the absence of physical exertion).
- Perhaps the development of hypertension, tachycardia, bradycardia.
- Symptoms include fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
- Patients suffer from frequent protracted pneumonia, bronchitis and some other diseases.
- Digestive disorders are possible, including nausea, constipation, flatulence, bloating.
- The ailment affects the functioning of the nervous system. Patients are often apathetic, indifferent to the outside world. More severe mental disorders are also possible.
- In women, a menstrual cycle is possible, sometimes up to the disappearance of menstruation. Possible uterine bleeding, mastopathy, infertility.
- If we are talking about a congenital disease, then the first symptoms can be noticed in the first few months of a child’s life. The kid is poorly gaining weight suffering from constipation. There is a decrease in appetite, difficulty swallowing, and dry skin. Possible delay in physical and psychomotor development.
Complications of the disease
In fact, this pathology can be very dangerous. If we are talking about congenital forms of hypothyroidism, then subsequently the development of mental retardation up to complete cretinism is possible. Such a child lags behind in physical development and most often is not able to service himself
In a pregnant woman, a sharp decrease in thyroid hormones leads to the appearance of various abnormalities in the development of the fetus. Due to the accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity and pericardium, various disorders develop on the part of the heart and respiratory organs. An increase in cholesterol leads to the development of atherosclerosis, heart attack, cardiac ischemia.
The most dangerous complication is hypothyroid coma, to which elderly patients are more prone.
A decrease in the functional activity of the thyroid gland affects the functioning of the immune system, making the body more susceptible to various infections. The consequences of hypothyroidism include male and female infertility.
Hypothyroidism: drug treatment
To date, the only way to maintain normal functioning of the body is the introduction of the synthetic hormone L-thyroxine. Of course, the dose and schedule are determined individually.
If the disease has developed against the background of autoimmune processes or as a result of removal of the thyroid gland, then the introduction of hormones is carried out for life. In the event that a violation of the activity of the thyroid gland is associated with iodine deficiency, patients are prescribed appropriate medications.
It is this therapy that requires hypothyroidism. Treatment for women can be supplemented with the intake of sex hormones in order to restore the normal menstrual cycle. In addition, symptomatic therapy is carried out, which depends on the combination of certain symptoms.
Hypothyroidism: treatment with folk remedies
Many patients are interested in questions about whether it is possible to do something at home. Treatment of hypothyroidism with folk remedies is possible, but only with the permission of the doctor. Home-made medicines can only be used as adjuvants.
- An effective remedy is seaweed, which is a source of iodine. It can be added to salad or first courses. By the way, in the pharmacy you can buy dry powder of sea kale.
- The use of anise fruits has a positive effect on the thyroid gland. You can prepare homemade medicine according to the following scheme: grind 50 g of anise fruits, 300 g of peeled walnuts, add a liter of honey and 100 g of cooked, mashed garlic to the mixture. Mix the components thoroughly. Take a tablespoon three times a day. It is better to keep the medicine in the refrigerator.
- The infusion of Eleutherococcus, which is sold in a pharmacy, is also considered useful.
Proper nutrition for the disease
Treatment of hypothyroidism after 50 years (in fact, in adulthood) must necessarily include an appropriate diet. Its rules are simple:
- include seafood, cereals, vegetables, cereals in the diet, as they contain a large amount of iodine and calcium;
- fats of animal origin should be replaced with vegetable;
- limit the amount of sugar and simple carbohydrates;
- you need to reduce the amount of salt consumed - this will help to cope with edema;
- with constipation, the menu should be diversified with dairy products;
- it is worth limiting the number of eggs and meat;
- the consumption of fresh fruits, fish, liver, cottage cheese and low-fat varieties of cheese will positively affect the work of the body;
- carbonated drinks are contraindicated.
Disease prevention
In fact, specific prevention does not exist. If a sufficient amount of iodine does not enter the body with food and water, then preparations containing this component should be taken periodically. In addition, you need to regularly undergo medical examinations (including endocrinological diagnosis) and if you have symptoms, consult a doctor on time.
Predictions for Patients
Many people experience this disease. The treatment of thyroid hypothyroidism case comes down to taking L-thyroxine. If the disease was diagnosed in time and hormone deficiency can be eliminated, then the prognosis for patients is favorable, the quality of life does not worsen. You just need to stick to a diet and take medications daily.