Insidious hypothyroidism: myths and reality

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

Most people have heard about the thyroid gland in one way or another. Diseases of the thyroid gland are so common that it is safe to say that there are endocrinologist patients in everyone's environment.

The main function of the thyroid gland is to produce a hormone called thyroxine … If the "thyroid" for various reasons does not cope with this work, then this condition is diagnosed as hypothyroidism. According to statistics, up to 10% of all adults have this disorder, and after 60 years, the likelihood of hypothyroidism increases to 16%. For medical statistics, especially considering the undiagnosed cases, this is a lot.

The insidiousness of hypothyroidism is that he disguises himself as the most common ailments … Since thyroid hormones are necessary for the whole organism, for all organs, tissues and cells without exception, their deficiency in hypothyroidism can manifest itself in a variety of disorders, which are often very similar to other diseases.

With hypothyroidism, there is a violation of all metabolic processes in the body. Cardiac activity, the work of the nervous system, stomach, intestines, kidneys, liver and reproductive system are disturbed. Hypothyroidism can manifest itself as a malfunction of any organ and system.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism are: drowsiness, memory impairment, general weakness, depressive conditions, dry skin, hair loss, swelling, constipation, muscle cramps, menstrual irregularities, unnecessary weight gain, infertility, problems with potency. As we can see, all of the above can be a manifestation of other diseases, as well as a temporary phenomenon for a completely healthy person. Nevertheless, if you observe in yourself a combination of a whole bunch of such seemingly "ordinary" ailments, it makes sense to contact an endocrinologist.

A simple test can help tell if there are symptoms similar to those of hypothyroidism. In the presence of such signs, it will be most correct to undergo an examination, in particular, to determine the level of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone of the pituitary gland) in the blood.

The fact is that laboratory diagnosis of hypothyroidism is one of the most reliable tests. You will know for sure if your health problems are the result of thyroid disorders. And if the answer is yes, then the doctor will prescribe substitution therapy for you, observing which you can lead an absolutely normal life. It is especially recommended to be tested for hypothyroidism for women planning to conceive or are already pregnant. During gestation and after childbirth, the risk of hypothyroidism is greatly increased and threatens with various negative consequences for the mother and child. Hypothyroidism of women in labor is often temporary, up to 80% of patients from it are successfully cured.

Recently, there has been a myth that all disorders of the thyroid gland are certainly associated with iodine deficiency and “treat the thyroid gland” with iodine-containing supplements. This is not true. With a lack of thyroxine iodine is not absorbed in the body, therefore, it makes sense to take these components with hypothyroidism only in combination.

Hypothyroidism involves lifelong compensation for the missing hormone, thyroxine, but this is not as sad as it might seem.

According to statistics, most people at a certain age take some kind of drugs every day: contraceptives, vitamins, dietary supplements, analgesics. In addition, modern thyroxin tablets are structurally no different from the hormone normally produced by the human thyroid gland. Therefore, in the case of taking the right dose of the hormone, which provides stable compensation for the disease, no restrictions are imposed on lifestyle: you can eat as usual, do any kind of sport, there are no contraindications for the climate and type of activity.