The thyroid gland produces a number of hormones necessary for the normal and healthy functioning of the entire human body. These substances are responsible for metabolic processes, the work of internal organs, the genitourinary system and skin condition. Hypo-function of the thyroid leads to a slowdown of all these mechanisms and the appearance of many unpleasant symptoms.
Hyperfunction and hypofunction of the thyroid gland - causes
As is known, the activity of the body under consideration is directly influenced by the supply of iodine. With its overabundance, hyperthyroidism develops, hypothyroidism is a drawback. Most pathology develops slowly, with a gradual manifestation of symptoms.
Hyper- and hypofunction of the thyroid gland is characterized by either super-strong or decreased production of hormones. In both cases, this can be caused by an intense inflammatory process in the body, as well as a hereditary factor. There are no other causes of hypothyroidism, whereas hyperthyroidism is also provoked by such causes:
- metastasis of tumors in the thyroid gland;
- immune thyreopathy or Graves' disease;
- administration of medicines;
- independently appeared tumors of the thyroid gland, which eventually separated from the main tissue and began the production of hormones.
Thyroid hypothyroidism - signs and symptoms
Because of a lack of production of hormonal compounds metabolism is slowed down considerably, therefore the most characteristic sign of hypothyroidism is excess weight. Other signs:
- low body temperature , constant feeling of cold;
- fragility of dullness of horny formations (hair, nails);
- decrease in the concentration of glucose in the blood;
- violation of attention, memory, inhibited brain activity and physical development;
- chronic constipation;
- slow heart rate, heart failure;
- lowering of blood pressure;
- lethargy, fatigue, weakness in the muscles;
- loss of interest in life, impaired ability to work;
- swelling of subcutaneous tissue or myxedema.
In addition, in women with hypothyroidism there is a persistent violation of the menstrual cycle , and men suffer from a decrease in potency.
Reducing the level of hormones in the body to critical levels can lead to a hypothyroid coma.
Thyroid hypothyroidism - treatment
Therapy of the disease is based on two principles - increasing the amount of iodine in the diet, as a stimulant of the thyroid gland, if there was a deficiency of this substance, and the admission of special drugs.
Hormonal replacement treatment is a very long time, sometimes even a patient has to drink medicines for
An auxiliary measure may be preventive therapy of symptoms, for example, restoration of the work of the brain tissue, improving digestion and normalizing the functions of the nervous, immune system.
One of the most modern methods of treatment to date is the use of stem cells, but this method is not yet used widely enough and very expensive.