How to recognize thyroid disease? The doctor mentioned the main symptoms

general practitioner

“The thyroid gland produces the hormone T4, which then changes to the active form T3. These are involved in the regulation of most of the body’s processes.”

What is the thyroid gland

The thyroid gland is an endocrine organ that is located on the front surface of the neck and is shaped like a butterfly. Its main function is to produce two hormones – thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). They play an important role in the normal functioning of all cells in the body.

Thyroid disease is quite common among the world’s population and mostly occurs in women, although anyone can get thyroid disease: men, teenagers, children and infants. Studies have shown that about 1 in 20 people have some form of thyroid disease, which can be temporary or permanent.

The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck, just below the cadicle. It consists of two lobes, the right and left lobes, which are connected by a thin band of tissue. These lobes are located on either side of the trachea.

The average weight of the thyroid gland is 20-60 g. It is surrounded by two fibrous capsules. The outer one is connected to the muscles of the vocal apparatus, important blood vessels and nerve fibers.

There is loose connective tissue between the outer and inner capsule, so that the thyroid gland can move and change its position when swallowing.

Functions of the thyroid gland

As we wrote above, the thyroid gland produces two hormones that are excreted into the bloodstream: inactive thyroxine (T4) and highly active triiodothyronine (T3). According to research, the organ produces 90% of the T4 hormone and only 10% of the T3 hormone, but in the body’s cells and tissues, inactive thyroxine is converted into active triiodothyronine.

Thyroid hormones are involved in the regulation of most body processes:

• heart function, heart rate, blood pressure, vascular health;
• carbohydrate and fat metabolism, metabolism of fatty acids, cholesterol in the blood;
• redox processes in cells;
• neuropsychic and emotional stability;
• regulation of reproductive functions in men and women;
• immunity stimulation;
• regulation of circadian rhythms, sleep-wake patterns;
• normal growth and development in childhood.

Symptoms of thyroid disease

The thyroid gland normally synthesizes the exact amount of hormones needed to maintain a normal and balanced metabolism in the body. However, there are a number of diseases in which the function of this organ is impaired.

Sometimes the thyroid gland begins to produce excessive amounts of hormones, causing the body to use energy faster than it should. This condition is called hyperthyroidism, or hyperfunction.

Hypothyroidism (hypofunction), on the other hand, is a deficiency of thyroxine. This is the most common thyroid-related condition.

In hyperthyroidism, the characteristic signs are:

• increased blood pressure;
• palpitations;
• sudden weight loss with normal diet;
• emotional lability, irritability, unreasonable aggression;
• sleep disturbance;
• attacks of palpitations, discomfort in the heart area;
• excessive sweating;
• tremor;
• stool disturbance with a tendency to diarrhea.
• Sensation of coma, foreign body in the throat, difficulty in swallowing.

In hypothyroidism, the symptoms are reversed:

• swelling of the face, extremities;
• rapid weight gain;
• weakness, drowsiness, apathy, depression;
• hair loss, dull hair color, brittleness;
• decreased libido;
• constipation;
• dry, flabby skin.

Causes of dysfunction of the thyroid gland

The most common cause of dysfunction of the organ is autoimmune thyroid disease – a self-destructive process, when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the cells of the gland, taking them for foreign. In response to such a process, either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism develops.

Also, problems with the thyroid gland can be associated with genetic predisposition, iodine deficiency in the body, taking certain medications. Cause disorders in the work of the organ can and unfavorable environmental factors (work with radiation, radiation), and chronic stress, and problems with the pituitary gland.

Diagnosis of thyroid diseases

If you suspect thyroid disease, it is necessary to consult a doctor – treatment in this case is engaged in endocrinologist. He will collect anamnesis, palpate, that is, palpate the gland.

In the process of examination, the patient is recommended to take a blood test for free T3 and T4, thyroid hormone (TTH), antibodies to thyreoproxidase (AT to TPO), antibodies to thyroglobulin (AT to TG), and also undergo ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland.

If nodules are detected during ultrasound, a fine-needle biopsy may be required to determine the nature and composition of the detected mass. If thyroid cancer is suspected, scintigraphy (radionuclide diagnostics) may be prescribed – it shows the size of the inflammatory focus.

Treatment of thyroid diseases

The choice of therapy for thyroid disease should be handled by a doctor. Depending on the diagnosis, the following treatment methods can be applied:

• conservative – restoration of iodine deficiency, hormone replacement therapy, antithyroid drugs;
• Radiation therapy – treatment with radioactive iodine;
• surgical treatment – removal of a lobe or the entire thyroid gland.