Hypofunction of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) is a disease of the body, resulting from insufficient secretion of the thyroid gland or complete cessation of its work.
A little about the thyroid gland
The thyroid gland is located in the anterior regionlarynx. The main function of the gland is the production of hormones that are regulated in the endocrine system, in turn, the hormones of other glands - the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.
The thyroid gland has three hormones: thyroxine, calcitonin and triiodothyronine. Hormones thyroxin and triiodothyronine are stimulants of growth, mental development, cardiovascular and digestive systems, regulating 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 construction of muscle and nerve cells.
Hypofunction of the thyroid gland is observed inwomen more often than in males, and has a gradual flow pattern. Because of the inexpressive signs, this disease is first perceived as a consequence of fatigue, pregnancy or other diseases, so it is difficult to identify hypothyroidism.
Signs and types of the disease
Hypo-function of the thyroid gland, the symptoms of which depend on the form of leakage, can be of two types:
- Myxedema (hypothyroidism in adults) representsa severe form of the disease. Accompanied by the slowing down and reduction of 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 a puffy face,swelling of the extremities. The general condition of the patient deteriorates noticeably. There is a feeling of fatigue, lethargy, facial expression changes, there is an increase in body weight. Skin is dry, pale, coarse. Hair falls out, become faded and brittle. The body temperature is lowered, heart rate is slowed down, there are violations of the sexual system (hypofunction of the gonads);
- cretinism (hypothyroidism in children) - a diseasecongenital, caused by the inadequacy of the secretion of the gland, is accompanied by a sharp lag in mental and physical development. Basically, it is noted in children born to mothers with goitre disease, as well as in the violation or underdevelopment of the thyroid gland in the treatment of hypofunction during pregnancy.
Cretinism is accompanied by fast fatigue of the patient, a propensity to fullness, a decrease in appetite, apathy, lethargy, serious violations of sexual and intellectual development, brittle nails and hair.
Diagnostics hypothyroidism
The presence of the disease can not be due topresence of one of the symptoms. Hypofunction of the thyroid gland is determined only by observing several signs of the disease simultaneously. The following tests and examinations are prescribed for the complete determination of the disease:
- a blood test for hemoglobin, cholesterol, sugar. With hypothyroidism, there is a drop in hemoglobin, increased cholesterol and sugar levels;
- examination for the level of hormones of thyroxine and triiodothyronine;
- examination for the level of changes in the thyroid gland;
- research functions by ultrasound.
Treatment of the disease
Thyroid hypothyroidism is mainly treatedby replenishing hormones of thyroxin and triiodothyronine. For this purpose, therapy is prescribed with drugs - analogues of missing hormones and the use of iodine-containing drugs. Treatment of the disease is quite long and its effectiveness depends on the stage at which the treatment was started.
Prevention hypothyroidism
Prophylaxis of hypothyroidism of the thyroid glandis based on the increase in the diet of iodine-containing products: seaweed, seafood, sea salt, algae and others, as well as the appointment of iodine-containing drugs.
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