Problems with the thyroid gland affects both men and women. Endocrine diseases cause significant harm to the body and affect almost all of its system. This article will detail told about the symptoms of hormonal diseases and the causes of their appearance.
The content of the article:
- 1 What is the thyroid gland
- 2 The causes of thyroid disease
- 3 Unlike the symptoms of thyroid problems in men and women
- 4 Main signs of problems with the thyroid gland
- 5 The more dangerous thyroid disease
- 6 How to identify problems on their own
- 7 Diagnostics
- 8 hypothyroidism
- 9 hyperthyroidism
- 10 Thyroid goiter
- 11 Benign and malignant tumors
- 12 Hashimoto's disease
- 13 Graves' disease
- 14 The nodes of the thyroid gland
- 15 Thyroid Cancer
- 16 euthyroidism
- 17 Video of thyroid diseases
What is the thyroid gland
The thyroid gland - is an internal organ in the shape of a butterfly, is responsible for the body's hormones. It is located in front of the larynx. The thyroid gland functioning only 2 kinds of cells, producing several hormonal substances that are essential for normal body function.
It:
- amino acid tyrosine involved in the synthesis of protein and the work of almost all internal organs;
- triiodothyronine controlling operation, liver, kidney and thyroid gland;
- kaltsiotonin responsible for normal calcium and phosphorus metabolism in cells.
The thyroid gland is responsible for:
- the normal functioning of all internal organs;
- metabolism;
- mental condition;
- mental activity;
- central nervous system;
- cell growth;
- histogenesis.
The causes of thyroid disease
Thyroid - one of the most vulnerable internal organs malfunction which can lead to many serious diseases.
The causes of thyroid disease can be different:
- unbalanced diet deficient in iodine, or with an excess of substance that blocks the process of digestion;
- goitrogen, under which there is overgrowth of the body resulting in the formation of goiter;
- stresses that can cause an imbalance in hormone production;
- toxicity occurring due to the regular intake of toxic substances (chromium, benzene, etc.);
- hormonal imbalance;
- pregnancy in which suppression of thyroid hormones may occur;
- infectious diseases provoked by viruses or bacteria;
- intestinal problems, because of which the iodine intake process stops;
- trauma;
- heredity;
- radioactive irradiation, after which begins to accumulate in the thyroid gland radioactive iodine, exerting destructive effect on the body;
- tumors of the pituitary and hypothalamus, provoking enhanced production of thyroid hormones, which leads to failure of the organism;
- brain injury, due to which reduced or increased pancreatic function.
Unlike the symptoms of thyroid problems in men and women
Problems with the thyroid, the symptoms of which men remain hidden for a long time, there are women more often. This is due to some differences in the structure of the gland. In diseases of the body in both sexes have the same as the symptoms and different.
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Main signs of problems with the thyroid gland
There are a number of primary indications for thyroid disease. If there is at least a few of them, you should immediately seek medical help.
1. Disorder of mental and emotional state.
Violation of hormone synthesis in the thyroid gland causes regular mood swings.
appear:
- irritability;
- depression;
- anxiety;
- disheartened.
In addition, the patient feels constant fatigue.
2. weight fluctuations.
Sudden weight gain or weight loss - one of the obvious signs of malfunction of the thyroid gland. A distinctive feature of this condition is that stabilizing weight is not obtained either by means of correction of nutrition or through diet.
3. Changing the structure of the skin and nails, hair loss.
Throughout the body appear dark spots, skin becomes dry and flaky. There are seals on the feet and legs. Nail growth is slowing, and they become brittle. Radically changing the condition of hair, and they begin to rapidly fall.
4. Fluctuations in body temperature.
Thermoregulation organism is disrupted. Heat and sweating is replaced by cold and chills. This state indicates failure in hormone production. It is especially dangerous viral diseases, as much difficult to diagnose. This can lead to serious complications, even after a simple SARS.
5. Failure of the gastrointestinal tract.
In the case of thyroid lesions, begins the failure of the entire digestive system.
There are the following problems:
- the formation of stones in the gallbladder and biliary tract;
- decreased intestinal motility;
- cholestasis;
- constipation;
- diarrhea.
6. Irregular menstrual cycle.
Rare and scarce or too frequent and abundant periods may be a symptom of diseases such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
7. Malfunction of the cardiovascular system.
In the absence of timely diagnosis and treatment of thyroid problems may develop a number of physical conditions resulting from serious diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
For obvious signs of violating hormone include:
- irregular heartbeat;
- Blood pressure drops;
- dyspnea;
- a feeling of tightness in the chest;
- rapid pulse.
8. Pathological changes in the eyes.
If you violate the synthesis of hormones in the thyroid gland, there are signs of change following the optic body:
- decreased visual acuity;
- exophthalmia;
- feeling of fullness in the eyes;
- intolerance to light;
- watering;
- rare blinking.
9. Dizziness and headaches.
Because of hormonal changes can begin dystonia, which provokes vertigo and headaches.
10. Puffiness (edema) of the person.
The appearance of swelling on his face when hormonal disorders different from other diseases because they are only in the night. This is due to a metabolic disorder and failure in the work of vessels.
11. Swelling of the neck.
This condition suggests running thyroid disease, in which it has appeared on the nodes or a tumor.
In this case, there are the following symptoms:
- difficulty swallowing;
- appearance of cough;
- a significant change in the tone of voice.
12. Violation of potency.
Due to a failure in hormone production problems begin with potency. In addition, both men and women disappears libido. In advanced cases of male impotence appears.
13. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Due to calcium metabolism disorders disturb the structure of bone and cartilage, which leads to a constant sensation of pain of unknown etiology and bone fragility.
14. Numbness, tingling and pain in the muscles.
Due to violations of protein metabolism and imbalance of hormones in the thyroid gland begins muscle pain, numbness and tingling.
The more dangerous thyroid disease
Late diagnosis of dysfunction of the thyroid hormones can lead to various diseases:
- hypothyroidism;
- hyperthyroidism;
- tireoitidu;
- prostate tumors of various etiology;
- Basedow's disease;
- formation on iron nodes;
- euthyroid;
- Hashimoto's disease;
- Graves' disease.
How to identify problems on their own
Problems can try to identify yourself with the thyroid gland (the symptoms are described in detail above) but it should be remembered that the correct diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment can only doctor. At home, the diagnosis is carried out in two ways - visual and contact. The thyroid gland is located in the front lower part of the neck.
The direct signs of the presence of disease are:
- marked increase in the lower division of the neck;
- the skin has a slight redness;
- no movement during swallowing Adam's apple;
- with pressure on the prostate region location appear pain;
- in rare cases, can be felt unnatural seal.
Indirect signs include:
- not passing hunger;
- swelling;
- chills;
- changes in behavior and other symptoms described above.
Diagnostics
If you suspect a thyroid disease should consult a doctor, endocrinologist, who will appoint necessary research.
1. Palpation
This method allows you to determine the size and mobility of cancer. In addition, palpation can see if there is goiter or tumor. Parallel to inspect and lymph nodes, as they may be increased in the case of malignant tumors on the thyroid gland. The accuracy of this method is over 60%.
2. ultrasound
With the help of this study confirm or deny the presence of tumor.
In addition, time ultrasound determine:
- prostate contours;
- uniformity tissues;
- presence of inflammatory processes;
- gland structure.
3. Radiodiagnostics
This technique includes 2 types of study - CT scan and X-rays. Imaging helps determine the presence of a tumor and find out whether there is a need for surgical intervention. Furthermore, when it is determined by aid neoplasm size and location, the structure and shape of the body.
By means of X-ray diagnosing tumors not only the presence but also the deposition of calcium salts.
4. cytological examination
It carried out only in the event that the above described studies have confirmed the presence of tumors. During the procedure, local anesthesia is used.
5. differential diagnosis
Endocrinologist performed together with other experts, in the event that there is a doubt in the diagnosis.
6. scintigraphy
In this study, use of substance radioisotope. Held it for suspected cancer.
7. Biopsy
During this procedure are taken thyroid tissue to determine the presence therein of cancer cells.
8. Blood chemistry
This analysis is carried out in several ways - by radioimmunoassay, fluorescent, enzymatic. By means of this study to determine the concentration of hormone in the blood.
hypothyroidism
This lesion is characterized by low thyroid hormone production. Hypothyroidism can sufficiently long asymptomatic, leading to advanced stage disease.
Distinguish 2 types of this disease - congenital and acquired. Second, in turn, is divided into chronic, developing for several decades, and iatrogenic arising after partial or complete removal of the prostate.
symptoms:
- swelling of the face, eyelids and limbs;
- yellowish skin tone;
- muscle pain;
- weakness in the arms;
- baldness;
- dry skin;
- apathy;
- the emergence of speech defects;
- change in voice tone;
- hearing loss.
A special feature of this disease is the lack of specific symptoms, speaking precisely about this defeat cancer. Symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of mental illnesses. they also may be absent altogether, even in severe thyroid lesions.
Treatment of congenital and chronic hypothyroidism is performed using replacement therapy with thyroid hormones and lasts for several months.
In the absence of cancer or part thereof, the treatment is carried out and synthetic hormones continues throughout life. Hypothyroidism is caused in comparison with other diseases takes place independently after their cure.
hyperthyroidism
Problems with the thyroid gland, symptoms are often similar to those of other diseases, are due to blood satiety hormones. This leads to faster metabolism and hyperthyroidism. A special feature of this disease is that it often susceptible young women.
symptoms:
- violation of the mental state (irritability, anxiety, etc.);
- the failure of the cardiovascular system (arrhythmia, tachycardia and the like);
- ophthalmic problems (erosion, swelling of the eyelids and others);
- critical weight reduction;
- pain and weakness in the muscles;
- lack of sexual desire;
- failure of the menstrual cycle;
- regular headaches;
- fainting.
For the treatment of hyperthyroidism using several methods:
- drug therapy in which the administered reception antithyroid preparations;
- surgery, performed only on the presence of prostate tumors;
- radioiodine therapy, consisting in the single reception capsules, which helps to reduce the size to a normal thyroid.
Thyroid goiter
Goiter on iron - not an independent disease, but a consequence of other pathologies thyroid. In the advanced form, it deforms the neck and hampers located adjacent organs.
Causes of occurrence:
- Poisoning toxic substances;
- lack of iodine;
- inherited tendency.
There are several types of goiter:
- toxic;
- diffuse;
- fumed;
- node.
Common symptoms of the disease:
- persistent dizziness;
- feeling of heaviness in the head region;
- difficulty in swallowing;
- strong dry cough;
- voice change, gradually passing into wheezing whisper;
- shortness of breath;
- asthma (usually at night).
This tumor is most often women, adolescents and people of both sexes over 50 years.
goiter treatment is carried out by various methods:
- medication: hormonal and iodine-containing drugs;
- appointment of a special diet;
- radioiodine therapy;
- giroduterapiey;
- surgery.
Benign and malignant tumors
Neoplasms of the thyroid gland are at both benign and malignant. Most commonly diagnosed tumor of the first kind.
The symptoms of benign tumors:
- accelerated metabolism;
- fatigue;
- arrhythmia;
- heat intolerance;
- sweating;
- a sharp change in body weight as a large, and in the smaller side;
- nervous disorders.
When left untreated benign into malignant mutate.
Contributing factors:
- age;
- endocrine disease;
- radiation exposure;
- onkotsitarnaya adenoma;
- heredity;
- hormonal disorders.
For the treatment of tumors using different methods:
- sclerotherapy;
- medication;
- physiotherapy;
- surgical opreatsii.
Hashimoto's disease
Problems with the thyroid, the symptoms of which often does not occur in the early stages, there are, for various reasons. Hashimoto's disease - an autoimmune disease that leads to a complete disruption of the structure and functions of the thyroid gland. The pathology of chronic and slowly progressing.
The immune system when it begins to produce antibodies against the healthy prostate cells. Most often this disease affects women after 30 years. Symptoms of the disease in the early stages are not available, so it is already diagnosed in advanced stages.
The main features include:
- fatigue;
- irritability;
- decreased performance;
- dry and cold skin;
- swelling;
- weight gain;
- poor cold tolerance;
- chills.
Treatment is carried out only medical drugs, normalizing hormone levels in the blood. Therapy often lasts a lifetime.
Graves' disease
This is one of the most well-known thyroid disease. In different medical sources, she has different names - diffuse toxic goiter, Graves disease and Flajani disease. Age of the disease is quite "young" - 20-40 years. Most often, this pathology affects women.
symptoms:
- insomnia;
- nervousness;
- arrhythmia;
- tremor in his hands;
- enhanced sweating;
- violation of the digestive tract works;
- lack of sexual desire;
- brittle bones;
- chest pain;
- shortness of breath;
- eye disease.
Begin treatment Graves' disease using hormonal drugs, which will have to take up to 2.5 years. If the medication does not work, then use surgical or radioisotope therapy.
The nodes of the thyroid gland
Units - proliferation of prostate tissue, having a rounded shape. They may be in the form of beads, is separated from the thyroid tissue, or as a formation filled with liquid. Nodes are benign lesions and fairly easy to treat. Small units do not give any symptoms.
Larger have the following characteristics:
- enhanced sweating;
- rapid weight loss;
- protrusion of the eyes;
- nervousness;
- fatigue;
- sensation of a lump in the throat;
- difficulty swallowing;
- change of voice;
- indigestion.
Most often used to treat drug therapy using hormones, and iodine-containing thyreostatics. operation can be indicated in advanced cases.
Thyroid Cancer
Problems with the thyroid gland may be related to the emergence of malignant tumors that are formed on it is extremely rare. Tumors often affects women 45 years and men 65 years. Features of cancer are pronounced symptoms and the absence of metastases in almost all cases.
symptoms:
- tumors in the neck;
- increase in cervical lymph nodes;
- pain in the area of the thyroid gland;
- difficulty swallowing;
- increase in neck veins;
- cough;
- sensation of a lump in the throat;
- shortness of breath;
- hoarseness.
Cancer of the prostate has several varieties:
- pappilyarny giving multiple growths in the thyroid gland;
- follicular having a rounded appearance of bubbles on the surface of the gland;
- medullary, the most severe type, is difficult to treat;
- anaplastic, the only kind of giving metastases.
Cancerous thyroid tumors treated only by surgical operations, in which the tumor is removed and a portion of the gland that is affected by it.
euthyroidism
This is one of the most difficult in the diagnosis of thyroid lesions, as very often it takes place in a latent form. In the initial stages to reveal its existence is possible only with the help of ultrasound.
symptoms:
- causeless irritability;
- fatigue;
- slight swelling in the thyroid region;
- feeling of a lump in the throat.
Most often prescribe iodine-containing preparations, the operation is assigned in severe cases.
Problems with shchitovidkoj may be caused by a variety of endocrine disorders and exert negative influence on the organism. If there is discomfort in the area of location of the prostate and anxiety symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Registration of the article: Vladimir the Great
Video of thyroid diseases
Dr. Myasnikov of the thyroid gland:
