Thyroid gland or shattered nerves? What is thyroid gland, how does it manifest itself and what does it affect in women? How does the thyroid gland get sick? What does a healthy thyroid look like?

Instruction

The management of the processes that take place in the human body is provided not only by the nervous system, but also by the organs of internal secretion, that is, the glands. The thyroid gland is an integral organ that is located in the front of the neck near the larynx and upper part of the trachea. This gland consists of two lobes, right and left, which are connected by a narrow isthmus.

The thyroid gland is located shallow. In front of the gland are the muscles of the neck, as well as the superficial part of the fascia of the neck. Behind the gland is concave and covers the front and sides of the lower segments of the larynx and the upper part of the trachea. The isthmus of the thyroid gland, through which its lobes are connected, is located at the level of the second and third (less often at the level of the first) cartilage of the trachea. In rare cases, shares may not be connected to each other.

The lateral part of each lobe of the thyroid gland is in contact with the laryngeal part of the pharynx, the beginning of the esophagus and the common carotid artery, which runs behind. From the isthmus of the gland or from one of its lobes, the pyramidal lobe departs upward and is located in front of the thyroid cartilage. This education is not always present. It can be found only in 30% of cases. With its tip, this part of the thyroid gland can reach the hyoid bone.

The gland is covered with connective tissue - the so-called fibrous capsule. This capsule is fused with the trachea and larynx. In connection with this structure, the thyroid gland may be displaced during movements of the larynx. Inside the gland there are peculiar partitions - trabeculae, which divide the tissue of the gland into lobes, which consist of vesicles (follicles). Inside the follicles is a thick substance - a colloid.

The colloid contains thyroid hormones - thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These substances can accumulate in the follicles, and if necessary, enter the bloodstream and be delivered to tissues and organs. Thyroid hormones affect the metabolism in the human body, increase heat transfer and accelerate oxidation processes.

Thyroid disease, like most diseases, does not go unnoticed, most are accompanied by a change in the quantitative ratio of hormones in the bloodstream, which affect all organs and tissues. Hormones can be both in deficiency and in excess, so diseases can have a completely opposite character. The more timely changes are noticed, the earlier treatment will be undertaken, and the earlier treatment is started, the greater the chances of success.

Thyroid symptoms in women

The first symptom is an enlarged thyroid gland. Most diseases are accompanied by the development of goiter, while the signs of damage are not immediately determined. The gland takes up more and more space, the neck is visibly rounded, there seems to be swelling. At the same time, there are no signs of inflammation (increase in local temperature, pain, redness).

If the enlargement of the gland is not prevented, it will gradually constrict and squeeze the organs in the neck (trachea, esophagus, larynx).

The person has a feeling of "lump in the throat". When squeezing the trachea, the patient develops shortness of breath both during physical exertion and in a calm position. at the same time, it is difficult for a person to perform acts of inhalation and exhalation. A goiter can also compress nearby nerves, for example, those responsible for the functioning of the vocal cords. In connection with these, hoarseness of the voice appears or it disappears.

Changes in the work of the CCC:

1. With hypofunction of the thyroid gland, the functioning of the heart decreases, a condition such as bradycardia develops - a condition in which the number of heart beats per minute is less than 60.
2. Because of this, the blood flow through the vessels slows down, as a result of which edema occurs (mainly in the legs) in the afternoon, which decrease or disappear in the morning.
3. In addition to swelling, shortness of breath may occur.
4. With excessive production of thyroid hormones, on the contrary, tachycardia develops - the frequency of heart beats per minute exceeds 80.

This is bad for the heart itself, because the increased level of hormones already creates a need for various nutrients, and so it also begins to work hard. The time of feeding the blood of the heart is reduced during the pause between systole and diastole, which means a reduced trophism of the cells of the tissues of the heart muscle. There are pains in the left region of the chest, the sensation is described by a person as "squeezing in a vise."

Body temperature changes. Basically, the general body temperature in a person signals the presence of pathology in the body. A slight increase (37.2-37.6) indicates a slight excess of thyroid hormones. The person does not even feel it. There are no other symptoms. If inflammation of the internal hormonal gland has begun, then headache and fatigue appear, combined with a temperature above 37.6 ° C. Low body temperature is rarely noticed. But if your thermometer was always at 36.6, and suddenly you noticed 36.3, then you should think about it and see a doctor. This change indicates the presence of hypothyroidism.

Thyroid disease: symptoms in women

Thyroid diseases are not asymptomatic, they are easy to notice.

Symptoms:

1. Sweating above normal. The usual reflex is replaced by a pathological one, the palms are constantly wet, drops of sweat flow down the back, and at the slightest excitement, the sweat begins to flow in a “stream”.
2. Sharp weight loss. With an increase in hormone production, a person begins to lose weight before our eyes. Despite the fact that a woman does not change her diet, but, on the contrary, increases its calorie content several times, due to the development of increased appetite and the active effect of thyroid hormone on metabolic processes.
3. Overweight. With a reduced formation of hormones, the opposite effect can be traced. This is due to the concomitant slowdown in RH.
4. Frequent constipation. Constipation refers to the retention of stool for more than two days. A slow bowel movement may be the most direct sign of an imbalance in the body.
5. Puffy eyes. One of the most obvious signs of hyperthyroidism, a streak of protein appears between the iris and the eyelids, which is especially noticeable if the person directs their gaze downward.
6. Violation of the menstrual cycle. This mechanism of the interconnected work of the genital organs and hormones is very sensitive to minor changes in the body, and especially to hormonal ones.

Violations occur in both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Menstruation can go with a large gap between cycles, and the cycles themselves can increase or decrease. The amount of secretions also changes: they become more scarce or too plentiful.

Signs of the thyroid gland in women

In addition to the huge list of symptoms that indicate a malfunction of the thyroid gland, there are additional signs.

These signs are a little less common, but also ask you to pay attention.:

1. Edema. They occur mainly on the face and keep constantly, regardless of the time of day, the eyelids “swell” especially strongly.
2. Disorder of the nervous system. The person becomes lethargic, constantly wants to sleep. With hyperthyroidism, emotions become very vivid, nervousness and a violent reaction to things that previously did not cause any emotions increase. A woman can sit and smile, and after a split second, tears appear on her face for no reason.
3. Hair loss and skin changes. The most common sign. With hypothyroidism, the skin becomes dry, the hair splits, breaks, falls out in an abnormal amount (the norm for an ordinary person is 100-120 hairs per day).

With insufficient thyroid function, on the contrary, the skin is constantly oily and moist, the hair follicles secrete excessive sebaceous secretion, which manifests itself in the rapid contamination of the hair.

Where is the thyroid gland in women: photo

The thyroid gland is located in the lower half of the neck. The body of the thyroid gland is hidden behind the muscles of the neck, covered with thyroid cartilage.

Survey Features:

1. When examining a patient, the doctor asks the person to swallow saliva or take a sip of water to visually assess the visibility of the thyroid gland.
2. In the normal state, the thyroid gland is not visible, but movements of the cricoid and thyroid cartilages are observed.
3. On palpation, the isthmus is found.
4. Apply bimanual palpation.

To feel the lobes of the thyroid gland, it may be necessary to move the sternomastoideus muscles. Palpation checks the density, uniformity, symmetry, size. If the thyroid gland is symmetrical, homogeneous and of medium density, then there are no pathologies. In other cases, we are talking about a violation in the work of the thyroid gland.

Thyroid problems in women: symptoms

Often, ladies notice strange changes in their body: depression, depression, as well as a constant feeling of fatigue, drowsiness, a sudden loss of strength occurs for no reason.

In addition, it is observed:

1. The presence of anxiety and nervousness. A malfunction in the thyroid gland launches all body systems into accelerated work, thereby overexcitation sets in, which splashes out with sharp emotions.
2. Appetite changes. A woman may not feel hungry for a long time, and vice versa, after a hearty meal, she wants to eat something else “that kind” to satisfy her insatiable body. Taste preferences may change: a person, for example, could not tolerate only one type of a certain product, and after a while he wrote it down among his favorite delicacies.
3. Decreased libido. Sexual life with a partner does not cause much interest.

Hyperfunction of the gland entails dryness and peeling of the skin. Failure in the endocrine system can greatly spoil the condition of the skin, to the point that the cream becomes ineffective.

Patients have attacks of aggression, sore throat, tingling in the limbs, muscle cramps, "nervous tic".

Hypofunction is manifested by constant chills, the appearance of excessive sweating and insomnia. These symptoms can be recognized without the help of a doctor. Do not ignore even the slightest changes in the work of your metabolism, it is better to play it safe and take the time to visit a specialist.

How the thyroid gland is sick: symptoms of the disease in women with a photo

An increase in the amount of hormones in the blood of girls during puberty can disrupt the proper development and formation of the body.

This is expressed in the following:

• The menstrual cycle will begin later than the established age norms;
• The mammary glands will not develop properly;
• The appearance of excessive hair on the body (this indicates the predominance of male hormones over female ones, which is also a malfunction of the thyroid gland).

The psychological factor also greatly affects the overall tone. It has been proven by many experiments that a positive person is less prone to diseases than a pessimistic one.

Unhealthy thyroid gland: signs of the disease in women and how to treat

The risk of developing hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism increases in women closer to 45 years of age.

Knowing the main symptoms, you need to know the causes of the pathology.:

• Abuse of bad habits. Smoking and alcohol by themselves are the most common etiology of all diseases. What these substances do to the body is a colossal stress, and therefore failures occur in organ systems.
• Iodine deficiency.
• Unbalanced nutrition.
• Rare visit to the endocrinologist.
• Taking hormonal drugs. Hormones in medication form are very tricky substances. Taking drugs that regulate hormone levels is always prescribed with great care, because even a doctor is not able to predict how the body will lead even to a small amount of "foreign" hormones.
• Constant stressful situations.

To prevent the disease, one should adhere to a dimensional lifestyle, be an adherent of health, and abandon the harmful.

Thyroid diseases: symptoms in women and treatment

The smooth operation of the gland primarily depends on the content of a substance such as iodine in the body. The daily dose of iodine ranges from 150 to 200 mcg. In old age, you can reduce the consumption of iodine-containing products, and for children, a girl during pregnancy or lactation, on the contrary, you should pay attention to the fact that the norm shifts slightly higher.

Of the drugs, doctors prescribe Iodomarin:

1. The drug has no side effects and is not dangerous in case of an overdose.
2. For a preventive purpose, the course can reach a duration of a year, and in some cases a life-long appointment is prescribed.
3. For treatment, the duration of taking the drug is set by the doctor, because it is important to calculate the dose for a certain phase of the development of the disease.

In severe cases, the treatment of the disease is decided by surgery. During the operation, the endocrine glands are not completely removed, but only parts of them, because the complete absence of these parts of the body can quickly kill a person. Use in the treatment of radioactive iodine. Entering the bloodstream, "healing" iodine reaches the thyroid gland and begins to destroy the diseased area (action at the cellular level). This method does not promise complete elimination of the disease, but it prevents development into more acute forms.

Prevention of increased gland function is the consumption of certain foods rich in iodine: seaweed, seafood, spinach, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, asparagus, chokeberry, iodized salt.

When consuming vegetables, they should not be subjected to heat treatment, because the main percentage of useful macro- and microelements is killed by high temperature, and the main benefit relies only on fiber.

It is difficult to say whether you have a thyroid disorder or not. You may feel tired and lethargic, gain weight or lose hair.

Others may be hyperactive, restless, and sweat more than usual. These are all common symptoms of thyroid disease.

The thyroid gland regulates many processes in the human body. Women are more likely to have disorders that affect the function of this very important endocrine gland. Identifying and treating these diseases is critical to maintaining optimal health and preventing chronic problems.

The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck. It has right and left lobes, giving it the appearance of a butterfly. The hormones produced by this endocrine gland regulate the body's metabolism, or the processes by which the body uses energy.

Disorders affecting thyroid function can either speed up or slow down metabolic processes, which can lead to the development of a wide range of symptoms.

Weight loss or gain

Changes in weight can signal a dysfunction of the thyroid gland. Low levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism) can lead to weight gain, while unexpected weight loss can indicate that too much thyroid hormone is being produced (hyperthyroidism). Hypothyroidism is much more common than hyperthyroidism.

Enlarged neck

A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. An enlarged thyroid gland may look like a lump in the front of the neck. Goiter can result from both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Sometimes it can appear due to tumors or nodules that develop inside the thyroid gland.

Change in heart rate

The hormones produced by the thyroid gland affect almost every organ in the body, including the heart. Hypothyroidism can lead to a slow heart rate, while hyperthyroidism causes tachycardia. Elevated levels of thyroid hormones also lead to an increase in blood pressure readings and a feeling of palpitations.

Changes in mood or activity

Diseases of the thyroid gland can affect the emotional and energy state of a person, his mood. Hypothyroidism can cause symptoms like depression, fatigue, and lethargy. Hyperthyroidism is associated with sleep disturbances, irritability, anxiety, and restlessness.

Hair loss

Hair loss is a common symptom of thyroid disease. Both too high and too low levels of thyroid hormones can lead to hair loss. Hair usually grows back after treatment of the disease.

Too high or too low body temperature

The thyroid gland affects the regulation of body temperature. Therefore, people with hypothyroidism often report feeling cold. In contrast, people with hyperthyroidism tend to have excessive sweating and an aversion to heat.

Other symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism include:

• Constipation
• Changes or irregularities in the menstrual cycle
• Dry skin and brittle nails
• Tingling and numbness in hands or fingers

Other symptoms and signs of hyperthyroidism include:

• vision problems
• Diarrhea
• Irregularity of the menstrual cycle
• trembling hands
• muscle weakness

Thyroid disorders can cause symptoms that are mistaken for approaching menopause in women. Changes in the menstrual cycle and mood can be the result of menopause or thyroid disease. Blood tests help determine which of these conditions is responsible for a woman's symptoms. In addition, there may be a combination of these two reasons.

The American Thyroid Association recommends that everyone get screened for thyroid disease every year starting at age 35. You may need to get tested more often if you have symptoms or risk factors for thyroid disease. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are more common in women over the age of 60. A family history of thyroid disorders increases your risk of developing these disorders.

Look at your neck at the Adam's apple (Adam's apple) while swallowing - this can sometimes show that your thyroid gland is enlarged. While swallowing, tilt your head back and examine your neck and the area above your collarbones. If you see any lumps or bulges, see a doctor.

Blood tests can diagnose many thyroid disorders. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a hormone that regulates the activity of the thyroid gland. If the level of TSH is elevated, this usually signals that the function of the thyroid gland is reduced (hypothyroidism). Similarly, low TSH levels indicate the presence of hyperthyroidism. Your doctor may also order tests to determine levels of other thyroid hormones. Imaging and tissue biopsy are other investigations that are sometimes used to study thyroid disorders.

Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disease that is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. In this case, the immune system mis-targets and attacks the thyroid gland, causing insufficient hormone production. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is often hereditary.

The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. It regulates the functions of many other endocrine glands in the body, including the thyroid gland. The pituitary gland produces thyroid-stimulating hormone, which signals the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. If there is a problem with the pituitary gland and not enough TSH is produced, hypothyroidism can occur. Inflammation of the thyroid gland and taking certain medications can also lead to low levels of thyroid hormones.

Graves' disease is the most common cause of elevated thyroid hormone levels. This is another autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. In this case, the attack of the immune system triggers the release of large amounts of thyroid hormones. Swelling behind the eyes is one of the hallmarks of Graves' disease.

The thyroid nodules that are located inside the thyroid can begin to produce high levels of thyroid hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism. Large nodules may be visible, while small nodules may be detected with a thyroid ultrasound.

Untreated hypothyroidism can raise your cholesterol levels and increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. If thyroid hormone levels drop too low, coma and a life-threatening drop in body temperature can occur. Other complications of untreated hypothyroidism include loss of bone density (osteoporosis) and heart problems.

Hypothyroidism is usually treated with thyroid hormone tablets. Symptoms usually improve within a few weeks of starting therapy. Most people who get sick will have to take thyroid hormones for the rest of their lives. Over time, treatment can lead to weight loss, increased energy, and lower cholesterol levels.

Antithyroid drugs, which attempt to lower thyroid hormone levels, are the most common treatment for hyperthyroidism. Many people have to take these medicines for a long period of time.

You may need other types of drugs to treat some of your symptoms, such as tremors or an increased heart rate. Radioactive iodine is also one of the treatment options, it destroys the thyroid gland within a week. After the destruction of the gland, it is necessary to take thyroid hormones in the form of tablets.

Surgery may also be used to treat thyroid nodules or tumors. After surgical removal of the thyroid gland, most patients need to take thyroid hormones in tablet form.

Thyroid cancer is rare and is one of the least lethal types of malignancies. A swelling or swelling in the thyroid gland is the most common sign of cancer, and only about 5% of thyroid nodules are malignant (cancerous). Thyroid cancer is usually treated with surgery followed by radioactive iodine therapy or radiation therapy.

Dear visitors of the site Farmamir. This article is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a physician.

Enlargement of the thyroid gland, the symptoms and treatment of which are discussed below, is a pathology that is often encountered at the present time. It can manifest itself in both adults and children.

The thyroid gland is an organ of the endocrine system of the body, which is an iodine accumulator and produces iodine-containing hormones, which control metabolism, growth processes, and maturation of tissues and organs.

What does the thyroid gland look like? It is located in the neck under the larynx, consists of two lobes connected by a narrow isthmus, and resembles a butterfly.

Normally, the thyroid gland (thyroid gland) is practically not palpable.

Thyroid diseases can occur against the background of unchanged, reduced (hypothyroidism) or increased (hyperthyroidism) endocrine function.

What does an enlarged thyroid look like? It slightly or strongly (depending on the degree of the disease) protrudes on the neck and thus resembles a bird's goiter, and therefore it is often called a goiter.

Pathological manifestations

There are the following thyroid diseases:

1. Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by a lack of thyroid hormones, as a result of which the thyroid gland begins to work actively and increase in size. Hypothyroidism develops against the background of iodine deficiency in the body.
2. Hyperthyroidism - the thyroid gland is enlarged due to increased production of thyroid hormones.
3. Euthyroidism is a syndrome of enlargement of the thyroid gland against the background of its normal functioning. Euthyroid goiter often develops due to a lack of iodine in the body.

The thyroid gland is one of the main organs of the human body. If the thyroid gland does not perform its functions, this leads to an imbalance in the hormonal system. As a result, women have trouble getting pregnant.

Degrees of organ enlargement

Determining the degree of organ enlargement allows the doctor to understand how big the changes in the organ are and to choose the right treatment.

The main degrees of enlargement of the thyroid gland:

1. Zero degree. The thyroid gland is not enlarged, painless at rest and when pressed, that is, absolutely healthy.
2. 1st degree. The thyroid gland looks slightly enlarged, the isthmus is clearly palpable on palpation.
3. 2nd degree. When viewed and pressed, the isthmus and lobes of the thyroid gland are easily palpated.
4. 3rd degree. Visually visible thickening of both lobes of the thyroid gland, they are enlarged. By pressing, you can determine the stage of increase.
5. 4th degree. The patient clearly sees a large goiter, a protruding isthmus and asymmetric lobes. When pressed, the patient feels pain.
6. 5th degree. The dimensions of the goiter are extremely large. Feeling of pain on palpation, the thyroid gland presses on nearby tissues and organs. The patient develops headaches, shortness of breath, cough, hoarseness.

Ultrasound allows you to most accurately determine the size and stage of the enlarged thyroid gland, since errors are possible during a routine examination.

Signs of illness

Signs of an enlarged thyroid gland do not appear immediately.

Often their appearance is associated with nervous disorders and other diseases of the patient.

There are the following signs of an enlarged thyroid gland:

• sudden changes in weight (increase or decrease);
• weakness, fatigue;
• hair loss;
• pain in the front of the neck;
• insomnia at night and sleepiness during the day;
• dry skin, swelling;
• dyspnea;
• increased sweating;
• violation of the heart rhythm (upwards with hyperthyroidism, downwards with hypothyroidism);
• dry cough, often when lying down;
• hoarseness of voice;
• violation of the menstrual cycle in women and potency in men;
• constipation, diarrhea;
• chills or, conversely, a feeling of heat;
• visual impairment.

Typically, patients do not show all of the above symptoms, but only some of them.

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Etiology of the disease

Thyroid disorders are much more common in women than in men. This is primarily due to the natural processes that occur in the female body and actively involve the hormonal system: puberty, pregnancy, childbirth and the onset of menopause.

During these periods, in women, the body feels a special need for iodine, which is sometimes not enough to maintain a normal thyroid gland.

There are many other reasons for an enlarged thyroid gland:

• constant stress and infectious diseases that deplete one of the main organs of the human body;
• bad ecology - the presence of hazardous chemical compounds in the atmosphere and environment;
• malnutrition - lack or deficiency of iodine in water and consumed foods;
• the presence of chronic diseases that contribute to the development of thyroid dysfunction;
• the use of products that negatively affect the production of essential hormones by the body: turnips, beans, dill and soybeans;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• hereditary predisposition;
• the presence of bad habits;
• diseases of the pituitary and hypothalamus.

Therapeutic measures

If a person has symptoms of an enlarged thyroid gland, described above, you should seek the advice of an endocrinologist. After receiving the results of the tests and conducting the necessary diagnostics, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment.

If the thyroid gland is enlarged, but the treatment is correctly selected and started on time at an early stage of the disease, there is a high percentage of the probability of a complete recovery of the patient.

To do this, you first need to normalize the level of thyroid hormones. The patient is prescribed hormonal drugs that will help the thyroid gland make up for the lack of necessary hormones.

In addition, radioactive iodine treatment may be prescribed. This method is used when it is necessary to destroy excess gland tissue or some formations. It is carried out by patients who have reached 40 years of age.

Treatment with radioactive iodine has one big drawback - it is the impossibility of correctly calculating the dose that a particular patient needs. After this method of treatment, the patient may develop hypothyroidism.

Surgical solution of the problem is shown only in some cases:

• the presence of nodes and cysts in the thyroid gland larger than 3 cm;
• adenoma, nodular goiter located behind the sternum;
• suspicion of malignancy.

Nutrition plays an important role in the prevention of this disease and the maintenance of the thyroid gland. This is especially true for women, in whom, as you know, thyroid pathologies develop 5 times more often than in men.

With hyperthyroidism, the patient's nutrition should be directed to the use of products that lack iodine or its content is reduced.

Patients with hypothyroidism and euthyroidism, on the contrary, are recommended to replenish the diet with iodine-rich foods: fish and various seafood, seaweed, iodized salt. Under the supervision of a doctor, it is necessary to take courses of drugs containing iodine.

If the thyroid gland is enlarged, patients should be vegetarian.

Nutrition should be diversified with fruits, nuts, dried fruits, products containing vegetable proteins (chickpeas, lentils, peas), cereals on the water, uzvars, drinks from yarrow and wormwood, sprouted grains of wheat and other cereals, berries, pumpkin dishes, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, potatoes and beets, wholemeal bread.

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Products that need to be excluded from the diet: fast food, meat, sausages, products with animal fats, milk and dairy products, various sauces and seasonings, pasta, cookies, bread from premium flour, smoked meats, sauerkraut, preservation, marinades, fried foods , sweets and foods with a high salt content, alcohol.

Thus, to maintain a normal thyroid gland, we follow the above recommendations and lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

Thyroid gland (lat. Thyroid) — one of the largest endocrine glands in the body. The gland is located in the neck, below the mouth next to the thyroid cartilage. The thyroid gland controls the metabolism in the body - the rate of energy burning, the rate of protein synthesis and the degree of sensitivity of the body to other hormones. It performs these functions with the help of the produced thyroid hormones - thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play an important biological role for the body, they stimulate metabolism, regulate energy and heat production, puberty, and significantly affect the nervous system, skeleton and muscles.

The normal functioning of the thyroid gland during pregnancy is very important, because its hormones contribute to the growth and development of the fetus, especially the central nervous system and bones, which, thanks to these hormones, are properly saturated with minerals.

The proper functioning of the thyroid gland is controlled by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

Thyroid disease is 8-10 times more common in women than in men. This is due to the peculiarities of the nervous system (since the fairer sex is more emotional, as a result of which they are more likely to experience depression and stress), as well as hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle, menopause or pregnancy.

The most common diseases of the thyroid gland are:

• thyroiditis - inflammation of the thyroid gland (including Hashimoto's thyroiditis);
• hyperthyroidism;
• hypothyroidism;
• thyroid cancer.

Symptoms

With various thyroid diseases, some symptoms are common (hair loss, tremors, menstrual irregularities), but others are usually directly opposite (constipation and diarrhea, heart palpitations and slowness, weight gain and loss).

Inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis)

There are acute, subacute and chronic forms of thyroiditis.

Acute inflammation often associated with severe pain and high fever. It can be diagnosed with ultrasound. An aspiration biopsy may also be needed to detect pathogens. Therapy is carried out with the help of antibiotics; with timely diagnosis or ineffective treatment, surgery may be necessary.

what is the reason subacute thyroiditis (de Quervain's thyroiditis) in most cases unclear; a viral infection is most often suspected. This disease is associated with symptoms such as varying degrees of pain, fatigue, and mild fever.

Chronic thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis) - an autoimmune disease. The thyroid gland is attacked by the body's immune system, the result of which is the destruction of the tissue of the gland itself. Existing glandular cells are replaced by connective tissue. Symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly and insidiously (in most cases):

• chills;
• weight gain;
• poor concentration;
• dizziness;
• tinnitus;
• weakness;
• flu-like symptoms;
• depression;
• dry skin and mucous membranes (possibly in combination with another autoimmune disease - dryness syndrome);
• skin problems (rash, discoloration of the skin);
• hair loss;
• muscle and joint pain;
• hoarseness;
• stomach upset;
• elevated level;
• anemia;
• menstrual irregularities;

Often the disease is detected too late, and precious time is lost in order to initiate timely treatment. Patients often undergo a series of examinations among physicians of various specialties until finally a diagnosis is established. The disease is chronic, and relapses can occur repeatedly.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a violation of the normal functioning of the thyroid gland, as a result of which hormones are produced in an amount insufficient for the needs of the body. Hypothyroidism can occur due to lesions that occur mainly in the thyroid gland (primary hypothyroidism), disorders in the pituitary and hypothalamus (secondary hypothyroidism), or in connection with the phenomena of resistance of peripheral tissues to the action of thyroid hormones. This causes the following symptoms:

• extreme sensitivity to cold and consequent chills;
• constant fatigue and lethargy;
• problems with concentration;
• decrease in labor productivity;
• swollen eyelids;
• weight gain, despite a balanced diet;
• violation of the menstrual cycle.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism can range in intensity from mild to very severe. People with mild symptoms of hypothyroidism may not pay attention to them, and if the problem is not detected and treated, the disease can go unnoticed. The consequences of severe hypothyroidism can include heart disease, infertility, and in very severe cases even coma.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a syndrome resulting from increased secretion of thyroid hormones. Depending on the presence of changes in the thyroid gland itself, there are primary and secondary hyperthyroidism. Graves' disease is an example of primary thyroid hyperparathyroidism. Hyperthyroidism in general, and Graves' disease in particular, can be caused by nervous system disorders (eg, anxiety, anger, restlessness), major trauma, pregnancy, sexual dysfunction, hormonal changes during menopause, any acute or chronic infectious disease . Hyperthyroidism is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• anxiety, irritability, nervousness, tremor, internal tension;
• lack of concentration;
• poor heat tolerance;
• wet skin;
• heart problems: heart failure, persistently elevated heart rate (resting pulse above 90 bpm), sometimes irregular pulse, moderate hypertension;
• weight loss despite good appetite;
• thirst;
• frequent bowel movements, sometimes diarrhea;
• depressed mood, depression;
• eye symptoms: swollen eyelids, foreign body sensation in the eyes, increased tearing, eye movement disorders (endocrine ophthalmopathy).

Goiter and thyroid nodules

A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. As a rule, it is caused by iodine deficiency, which is observed especially during pregnancy and lactation, when the body's needs for this element increase. The thyroid gland enlarges when trying to compensate for the lack of iodine. If the deficiency is not corrected, it can lead to hot or cold nodules and thyroid dysfunction.

Symptoms are usually only visual. If the goiter is very large, it can put pressure on the windpipe and cause difficulty in breathing, especially during exercise. For the same reason, there may be difficulty in swallowing, and hoarseness, which is due to irritation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

Crayfish

Thyroid cancer is a malignant tumor. Among the causes of this tumor, the main ones are exposure to ionizing radiation and hereditary factors.

There are no symptoms that are unique to thyroid cancer. There are, however, some features that increase the risk of its occurrence. The occurrence of such symptoms, together with changes in the thyroid gland in a patient, is an indication for an urgent diagnosis of cancer. They include: rapid growth of the tumor and its movement, the appearance of enlarged lymph glands in the neck, hoarseness. In advanced forms, cancer can lead to compression of the respiratory system and shortness of breath.

If you find the above symptoms of thyroid diseases, you should contact an endocrinologist for a diagnosis. Early diagnosis and the beginning of qualified treatment contribute to a quick and complete recovery.

Photo of symptoms of thyroid disease in women