It is a common disease of the endocrine system occurs because of a lack of thyroid hormones. Pathology often occurs in women older than 65 years, and it can be confused with normal fatigue. At the last stage of the disease occurs in children dementia and in adults myxedema (mucous swelling of the skin). Therefore, the earlier you detect a disease the better. How? Let’s deal.
What happens in the body?
In hypothyroidism violated a number of thyroid hormones, which are responsible for basic metabolism, calcium metabolism and to increase bone apparatus. Deteriorating function of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, mental and sexual activity. In the beginning the symptoms are invisible, so patients didn’t go to the doctor.
What are the disease symptoms?
They are nonspecific:
- obesity;
- the decrease in body temperature;
- chill;
- yellowness of the skin;
- early atherosclerosis;
- puffiness around the eyes;
- disorders of the menstrual cycle.
Than it threatens?
Congenital hypothyroidism is fraught with protracted jaundice, constipation, decreased motor activity, severe growth retardation, impaired speech development, psychological development in children and myxedema in adults.
Where does it come from?
Hypothyroidism can occur after surgical removal of the thyroid gland, radioactive or radiation exposure of the neck. The disease can also cause an overdose of vitamin A.
How to treat hypothyroidism?
For the correction of iodine deficiency prescribed iodine-containing drugs. Prescribed and other medications because of the defeat of many organs:
- cardioprotectors (help the cardiovascular system) and a neuroprotectant (normalize metabolic processes in the nervous system). According to studies, not all drugs of these groups have a proven therapeutic effect;
- cardiac glycosides (if there are signs of heart failure);
- vitamin-mineral complexes;
- preparations on the basis of female sex hormones (to normalize menstruation and ovulation);
- drugs with L-thyroxin (they take your whole life under the supervision of an endocrinologist).
In severe cases (hypothyroid coma) the patient is administered thyroid hormones (iodinated amino acid derivatives) and glucocorticoids (steroid hormones that are synthesized by the adrenal glands).
And prevention?
Nothing special, the doctors have not yet identified. However, they recommend regularly to do an ultrasound of the thyroid gland. If you to 30 years – once in five years, from 30 to 45 years – once in three years, after 45 years – once a year.
And don’t forget to eat foods with iodine (seaweed, iodized salt, seafood).
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