“Hyperthyroidism in women: symptoms of the disease and characteristic changes in blood tests”

Do you know the difference between hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism? Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland becomes overactive. Treatment of hyperthyroidism of the thyroid gland in women and men is mandatory. Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid gland is weak and ineffective. Both conditions can cause a cascade of problems. Because when the thyroid gland does not work properly, it can interfere with many other vital functions of the body.

Doctors see hyperthyroidism in men and women, but this health condition is most common in women between the ages of 20 and 40. Hyperthyroidism in children is also possible.

Do you think your thyroid gland is functioning as it should? Very often, problems with the thyroid gland go unaddressed, especially in cases of subtle or subclinical hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Is an overactive thyroid serious? It is important to know the common signs of hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid gland because if hyperthyroidism in women is not treated, the condition can cause even more anxiety, including serious heart problems.

Types of disease

There are three types of disease (depending on its stage):

• primary;
• secondary;
• tertiary.

Primary is practically asymptomatic and does not cause obvious signs of disease in the female body. Secondary is associated with mild dysfunction of the pituitary gland, and tertiary – with a complete disruption of the functioning of the pituitary gland and the occurrence of symptoms inherent in this disease.

The disease can be congenital and acquired during life. A congenital disease appears in a patient if there is a hereditary predisposition or if a woman suffered this disease during pregnancy. Acquired – due to the development of chronic pathologies of the thyroid gland.

Variants of the course of hyperthyroidism

Depending on the symptoms that appear, hyperthyroidism can be:

1. Subclinical. A person loses weight by 5 kg or less, his pulse is in the range of 85-100 beats per minute - at rest. He sweats even at low temperatures, and is quite hot-tempered and aggressive. Blood levels of T3 and T4 are normal, and TSH is slightly reduced.
2. Manifest. Even eating well, a person loses about 10 kg. The pulse reaches 120 beats per minute, and an ultrasound of the heart shows specific changes - “thyrotoxic heart”. He is very sweaty, very anxious, emotionally unstable. He sleeps poorly, and his hands shake when performing normal activities. Blood levels of either T3 or T4, or both, are elevated.
3. Complicated. It is manifested not only by sudden weight loss, increased heart rate to 140 per minute or higher, sweating and trembling, but also by some complications. These include: thyrotoxic crisis, psychosis, cardiac, adrenal insufficiency, deterioration of internal organs.

Prevention

Every woman should take care of her health and understand why hyperthyroidism is dangerous for her. Thyrotoxic crisis is considered a frequent complication of the development of hyperthyroidism . The condition can be described as acute with a rapid course and the manifestation of even delusions and hallucinations. It is also accompanied by the following symptoms:

• hand tremors;
• increase in temperature;
• bouts of vomiting that do not go away.

With such symptoms, hospital treatment is required, and if the patient refuses, the risk of the crisis degenerating into a coma and subsequent death due to fatty liver disease increases.

Complications of hyperthyroidism

If you do not pay attention to the symptoms of the disease, complications may develop. Complications may affect the normal functioning of the heart, kidneys and liver.

And the main complication is thyrotoxic crisis. It can be caused by stress, infections and overexertion. Thyrotoxic crisis develops very quickly and sharply. Specific symptoms appear, such as:

• sharp tachycardia;
• muscle weakness;
• a sharp drop in pressure;
• hallucinations;
• rave;
• trembling of limbs;
• fever;
• apathy or agitation
• jaundice.

You should know that if renal failure occurs, as well as an acute form of fatty liver degeneration against the background of a thyrotoxic crisis, coma and death may occur.

Therefore, such symptoms cannot be ignored, just as the doctor’s instructions cannot be ignored when a disease is identified and treatment prescribed.

We recommend you find out: What should be the normal hCG level in each week of pregnancy?

Nuance!

This complication develops only in women.

How to diagnose the disease

Timely diagnosis of the disease allows you to completely recover from it, restore your ability to work and improve the clinical picture of the patient. For correct diagnosis, the doctor prescribes the following examinations:

• Ultrasound of the thyroid gland - the presence of nodal connections is revealed, as well as its size and its deviation from the norm;
• blood analysis;
• electrocardiogram;
• radioisotope scintigraphy - inflammatory nodes are identified, the functional activity of the thyroid gland is assessed;
• biopsy - taking tissue from the affected area for further examination (performed if necessary).

Diagnosis of the disease

How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed? Of course, an endocrinologist talks with the patient, listens to complaints, and recognizes the symptoms. Visual examination and palpation of the thyroid gland are very important.

In addition, you cannot do without laboratory blood tests. They allow you to see deviations in the level of thyroid hormones.

If the levels of the hormone total triiodothyronine and total thyroxine are increased, and the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone is decreased, we can conclude that hyperthyroidism is indeed present.

However, other studies are often necessary. These include ultrasound diagnostics of the thyroid gland, electrocardiogram, and biopsy of the thyroid nodule. All this can be prescribed by a specialist in addition to basic tests.

Ultrasound diagnostics allows you to clarify the size of the organ, determine the presence of nodes in the thyroid gland, and also clarify the location where the nodes are located.

As for the biopsy, it is performed to obtain information about the contents of the nodes and the presence or absence of cancer cells. A biopsy is not always done, but only in some cases when a specialist is appointed.

Also, in order to assess the functional activity of the thyroid gland, the doctor may prescribe radioisotope scintigraphy.

This diagnostic method helps determine in which part of the thyroid gland iodine accumulates, identify hormonally active and inactive thyroid nodes, and determine the size of the organ. Before the procedure, the patient is given a dose of an iodine isotope, then photographs are taken.

Interesting!

The scintigraphy method is clarifying; it shows the gland less clearly than MRI, for example, but helps to assess the level of hormonal activity.

The doctor may prescribe a computed tomography scan for nodular formations. This study allows you to get an idea of ​​where the seal is located.

Electrocardiography is most often prescribed, since with this disease there are frequent problems with the heart and blood vessels. Based on all the data obtained, the specialist makes a decision on prescribing a specific treatment.

Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism

External signs of hyperthyroidism are an important parameter in making a diagnosis. It is according to them that an endocrinologist can suspect hyperfunction of the thyroid gland and prescribe further examination. The diagnosis is made based on:

• telling the patient about his condition and collecting anamnesis;
• external examination of the patient, assessment of his reflexes and speech, condition of hair, nails, skin, etc.;
• results of laboratory blood tests (general analysis and analysis of thyroid hormones);
• results of ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland;
• information about previous surgical interventions.

In addition, if the patient is taking any medications or undergoing appropriate courses of treatment, this must also be reported to the doctor at the first appointment. If a person has recently undergone any examinations of internal organs, their results should be taken with them to the appointment.

Thyroid hyperthyroidism in women and men is best treated and does not lead to significant health consequences only if it is diagnosed in a timely manner. If a person has a hereditary predisposition to thyroid diseases or is at risk for any other factors, he must be examined annually by an endocrinologist. Regarding people who are theoretically not at risk of developing hyperthyroidism, there is no consensus among experts. According to the American Thyroid Association, every person over the age of 35 should visit an endocrinologist at least once every 5 years. This is especially true for women.

Hyperthyroidism: tests to determine the disease

The main laboratory tests used in the diagnosis of thyroid hyperthyroidism in women, men and children are a blood test for thyroid hormones. Such a study allows you to determine key indicators of the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroxine and triiodothyronine. During treatment for hyperthyroidism, tests must be taken at regular intervals several times a year. Additionally, the following may be prescribed:

• a blood test for antithyroid antibodies to determine Graves' disease and autoimmune thyroiditis;
• obtaining a radioactive scan of the thyroid gland.

In case of hyperthyroidism, a blood test for thyroid hormones is taken from a vein in the morning on an empty stomach. If a person is taking any hormone-containing medications, they must be stopped some time before being tested for hyperthyroidism. To confirm a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, tests must be taken in a state of complete emotional and physical calm.

Instrumental research methods

In addition to the laboratory tests listed above, to diagnose hyperthyroidism, an endocrinologist also prescribes a number of instrumental studies. In particular, the most informative diagnostic methods are:

• Ultrasound of the thyroid gland, with which you can determine the size of the organ, the structure of its tissues, and exclude or confirm the presence of neoplasms. Also, when using a special sensor, blood flow in the organ can be assessed.
• Scintigraphy of the thyroid gland, designed to assess the functioning of different parts of the organ.
• Fine-needle biopsy, prescribed if necessary to puncture thyroid tissue.

If a patient with hyperthyroidism experiences ophthalmopathy, which is one of the common manifestations of the disease, the doctor may prescribe computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. To determine disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system, electrocardiography may additionally be prescribed.

What is hyperthyroidism

Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. It is a small gland, but it has an incredible impact on your health. For starters, thyroid hormones, produced by the gland, regulate every aspect of your metabolism, from the use of nutrients to the control of body temperature and heart rate.

There are two main hormones that your thyroid gland produces, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). And these two hormones affect every cell in your body. So what is hyperthyroidism? A simple definition of hyperthyroidism: an overactive thyroid gland. What does an overactive thyroid gland do to your body? It produces and releases more hormones than your body needs, which can cause many unpleasant symptoms.

Treatment of thyroid hyperthyroidism in women

The first signs of the disease

Most often, the disease occurs in women aged forty years. In patients suffering from mental disorders and exposed to stress, the risk of hyperthyroidism increases.

The first signs of the disease include:

• intestinal disorders;
• nervousness;
• tremor;
• insomnia;
• irritability;
• mental disorders;
• tearfulness;
• dry and sore throat;
• anxiety;
• difficulty swallowing food;
• panic attacks;
• heat intolerance;
• blurred vision;
• an unreasonable feeling of fear;
• poor concentration;
• sudden mood swings;
• protruding eyes or the so-called unblinking gaze;
• visible enlargement of the thyroid gland;
• diabetes;
• tachycardia;
• hoarseness;
• change in voice timbre;
• disruption of the menstrual cycle;
• weight change;
• deterioration of fertility;
• wet palms.

Each symptom may be present individually or in combination with others. The clinical picture depends on the state of the female body at the time of the disease and on the stage at which the hyperfunction of the thyroid gland is: symptoms in women can be attributed to numerous hormonal disorders, which does not allow early diagnosis of the disease.

Symptoms of thyroid hyperfunction in women

How does the disease manifest itself? Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in women usually do not appear suddenly; they increase gradually.

Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to your well-being. Here are the main symptoms of hyperthyroidism:

• irritability;
• flushes of blood to the face;
• sleep disorders;
• constant anxiety;
• sweating;
• rapid pulse;
• depression;
• tachycardia;
• weight loss;
• decreased sex drive;
• constant fatigue;
• menstrual irregularities.

Usually, with this disorder, clear signs of a problem in the central nervous system develop. Symptoms such as:

• nervousness;
• the desire to cry;
• frequent and sudden changes in mood;
• feeling of anxiety and fear;
• increased excitability;
• sleep disturbance (insomnia);
• speaking too quickly;
• acceleration of mental processes.

Cardiovascular disorders also develop very quickly with thyrotoxicosis. Because in this disorder, organs and tissues require more oxygen than usual, the heart begins to contract faster to meet this need.

And this leads to constant tension in this organ. It is expressed in high or low blood pressure and persistent tachycardia, which is difficult to treat.

Another obvious sign is an enlarged thyroid gland. Sometimes you can notice this on your own, without a specialist’s diagnosis. But such a sign suggests that the disease has not just appeared, but has been progressing for quite some time.

Important!

With congestion and edema in the lungs, shortness of breath and a decrease in lung volume occur. This is a very dangerous symptom.

How else can thyrotoxicosis manifest itself? Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can also affect the digestive system, ophthalmology and many other organs and systems. Here are a few optional and not too common, but dangerous symptoms:

pain in the eyes; thinning of the skin; lacrimation; protrusion of the eyeball; early gray hair; loss of appetite;

trembling in the body; fainting; strong thirst; liver enlargement; stomach ache; development of osteoporosis; muscle weakness.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in women are very varied. You may have one or two symptoms or ten at once. Signs can appear clearly, or they can be almost invisible.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in women

Hyperthyroidism is characterized by activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• weight loss with increased appetite;
• increased sweating;
• heat intolerance;
• anxiety and nervousness;
• cardiac tachycardia;
• irritability;
• muscle weakness and easy fatigue;
• menstrual irregularities;
• changes in intestinal structure;
• small tremors in the arms and legs.

Older people usually have either no symptoms or only mild signs , such as rapid heartbeat, easy fatigue, and heat intolerance.

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What you should pay attention to

You should consult a doctor immediately if:

1. The woman's neck has increased in size - this is due to the appearance of nodes in the thyroid gland caused by hormonal imbalance.
2. The shape of the eyeball has changed (rounding, enlargement). The woman is uncomfortable with sunlight, suffers from lacrimation and rarely blinks.
3. The patient is concerned about increased sweating, irregular heart rhythm, or has a fever.
4. With a normal diet, there is causeless weight loss.

First symptoms

Regularly do at least a visual examination of the thyroid gland - ideally it should not be visible at all. Even a slight enlargement of the thyroid gland is a reason to urgently consult a doctor. But thyroid size is not the only symptom. Various symptoms can indicate problems with this organ, for example, rapid weight loss over a short period of time or, conversely, sudden weight gain with a normal diet. It is also worth paying attention to sweating, trembling of the fingers, enlarged eyeballs (bulging eyes), irritability, and tearfulness - these are symptoms of hyperthyroidism and increased thyroid function. If you notice these signs, don't delay visiting your doctor—just as you would with hypothyroidism.

What do you need to know about the thyroid gland to stay healthy?

More details

Diagnosis confirmation

If the patient begins to notice the manifestation of the disease, she should contact an endocrinologist as soon as possible. The doctor knows how to determine the disease; for this he conducts special examinations.

For diagnosis you need to take tests

First of all, blood is donated to determine the concentration of the following hormones:

• thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH);
• free thyroid hormone T4;
• free thyroid hormone T3;
• on the concentration in the blood of antibodies to TPO, a precursor of thyroid hormones.

The list of tests is adjusted by the doctor in accordance with the identified concomitant disorders. Sometimes it is necessary to diagnose the condition of the liver, kidneys and other systems. Only based on the diagnostic results, a specialist can prescribe effective treatment.

Treatment of hyperthyroidism

The main treatment for hyperthyroidism is medication. It consists of receiving:

• drugs that block the production of hormones: Mercazolil, Propylthiouracil;
• drugs that reduce the heart's need for oxygen. These are beta blockers: Anaprilin, Metaprolol or others

If the increase in thyroid hormone production is caused by a cancer of the gland itself, the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, surgical treatment and/or radiation therapy is performed. Thyroid cancer can also be treated with radioiodine therapy.

If there is no cancer, but the gland itself is so enlarged that it compresses the larynx, preventing normal breathing, an operation is performed to remove the interfering parts of the organ. After this, you will have to take Eutirox or L-thyroxine - synthetic T4.

Treatment of the disease

Depending on the stage of the disease and the general well-being of the patient, treatment is prescribed.

Treatment is divided into:

• surgical intervention;
• medicinal;
• iodine-radioactive.

In addition, endocrinologists often prescribe some traditional medicine, diet and homeopathic medicines.

Medicines prescribed to women suppress thyroid function and reduce excessive thyroid hormone production. Such preparations contain:

• antithyroid bodies;
• anabolic hormones;
• beta blockers.

Surgery is prescribed in extreme cases. It involves partial removal of the thyroid gland, namely single nodes or overgrown tubercles.

Radioactive iodine is used to destroy damaged thyroid cells in a woman’s body and normalizes hormone production. It is prescribed intravenously or orally.

About the thyroid gland

This is a small organ located on the front of the neck.
It affects the functioning of the nervous system, the heart rate, the gonads, and the growth and maturation of organs and tissues. The thyroid gland performs so much work in the body that it is called the “conductor of metabolism.” And this is the only organ that needs iodine to function. The thyroid gland carries out its functions through 2 hormones:

• thyroxine: it is designated as T4;
• triiodothyronine: in tests it is indicated as T3.

The thyroid gland is controlled by 2 main glands – the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. The connection between the latter and the thyroid gland is carried out by the thyroid-stimulating hormone - TSH. When T3 and T4 become more than necessary, the amount of TSH decreases. Conversely, in response to a decrease in T3 and T4, the pituitary gland produces more TSH, trying to stimulate the thyroid gland. This is called "negative feedback". In diseases, this balance can be disrupted.

Increased function (hyperthyroidism) of the thyroid gland: general information

Hyperthyroidism, otherwise called thyrotoxicosis, is a fairly common disease. This pathology manifests itself in hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, accompanied by an increase in the size of the organ itself and the production of excessive amounts of hormones that literally poison the body. Hyperthyroidism is one of the main manifestations of diseases such as diffuse toxic goiter (about 70-80% of all cases), some forms of autoimmune thyroiditis, as well as thyrotoxic adenoma.

Hyperthyroidism: causes of the disease

The reasons for the development of a disease such as hyperthyroidism can be different. But in general, the cause of the development of hyperthyroidism is a general increase in the activity of the main organ of the endocrine system. This happens against the background of various diseases. In addition to diffuse toxic goiter, as mentioned earlier, such diseases are:

• nodular goiter (the appearance of neoplasms of various sizes in the tissues of the endocrine organ);
• subacute thyroiditis, which is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that develops against the background of viral infections.

In addition, one of the common causes of hyperthyroidism is uncontrolled use of medications containing thyroid hormones.

Among the rather rare, but no less significant causes of hyperthyroidism, it is worth noting:

• malignant formations of the pituitary gland, in which there is increased synthesis of thyroid-stimulating hormone;
• ovarian teratomas, which themselves secrete T3 and T4;
• excess iodine, leading to increased production of hormones.

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism: what are the differences?

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are exactly opposite conditions to each other. In hypothyroidism, the function of the thyroid gland is insufficient and the level of thyroid hormones is consistently low. This slows down all processes in which thyroxine and triiodothyronine take part. In patients with this diagnosis, the metabolism slows down, which leads to rapid weight gain, dry and pale skin appears, the heartbeat slows down, speech is impaired, motor retardation is observed, apathy appears, etc. All processes with hypothyroidism slow down and, accordingly, the same thing happens with the manifestation of certain reactions.

Unlike hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism causes the thyroid gland to produce hormones in excess of normal levels. Increased secretion of thyroxine and triiodothyronine leads to acceleration of all vital processes in the body. Since hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are opposite concepts to each other, with excessive function of the endocrine organ, completely different symptoms are observed. People with this diagnosis are overly irritable, they experience intense sweating, redness and moisture in the skin, weight loss with increased appetite, rapid, often irregular heartbeat, etc.

Hyperthyroidism: symptoms of the disease

Increased production of T3 and T4 has a direct impact on many organs. This causes various changes in the body. Thus, the main symptoms of a disease such as hyperthyroidism are expressed as follows:

• The patient's skin becomes warm and moist. There is increased sweating. Skin and hair become thinner. Nails can peel off from the nail bed itself, which is accompanied by very unpleasant painful sensations.
• Blood pressure in people diagnosed with hyperthyroidism increases, and the heart rate increases and may become irregular. Taken together, these manifestations of the disease can lead to the development of heart failure.
• With hyperthyroidism, the palpebral fissure increases and exophthalmos, a protrusion of the eyeball, may occur. The eyelids swell and take on a brownish tint.
• Patients experience shortness of breath and the so-called vital capacity of the lungs decreases. This significantly complicates breathing and worsens a person’s condition during physical activity.
• At the beginning of the disease, patients experience increased appetite, but body weight decreases. At an advanced stage of hyperthyroidism, appetite, on the contrary, decreases, vomiting and nausea, as well as diarrhea, caused by intoxication due to an excess of thyroid hormones, may appear.
• Symptoms of hyperthyroidism also include increased muscle fatigue. Patients constantly feel weakness in their muscles. They may experience tremors. Osteoporosis often develops against the background of this disease.
• With hyperthyroidism, frequent urination is observed. At the same time, the volume of fluid released increases significantly.
• Changes in patient behavior are also quite noticeable. They experience increased excitability, a constant feeling of fear and causeless anxiety and nervousness. A person’s speech becomes rapid and insomnia appears.
• Hyperthyroidism of the thyroid gland in women can be accompanied by menstrual irregularities. In this case, menstruation may be irregular and painful, and discharge may be scanty. Vomiting and nausea, headache, weakness, fainting and even fever may also occur.

With a disease such as hyperthyroidism, symptoms that have an external manifestation are an important indicator when making a diagnosis. However, to determine the disease, it is necessary to undergo a series of laboratory and instrumental studies.

Hyperthyroidism: consequences of the disease

With timely treatment of hyperthyroidism, hormone levels can be maintained at normal levels. But without treatment, the disease can lead to serious consequences, in particular to thyrotoxic crisis. This is a rare but life-threatening condition in which the symptoms of hyperthyroidism become severely worse. During thyrotoxic crisis, patients experience severe tachycardia, general weakness, increased anxiety, and fever. This condition is accompanied by arrhythmia and as a result, heart failure can develop. Thyrotoxic crisis is a condition requiring emergency medical care.

Causes of hyperthyroidism

What causes hyperthyroidism? The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune disease known as Graves' disease. It is estimated that about 85% of hyperthyroidism occurs in the form of Graves' disease. In this disorder, the body produces antibodies (proteins made by the body to protect against a virus or bacteria) called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins, which causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone. Graves' disease is hereditary and occurs more often in women than men.

Another cause of hyperthyroidism is thyroid nodules, which are lumps (which can be noncancerous or cancerous) in the thyroid gland. They cause overproduction of thyroid hormones.

Thyroiditis, or inflammation of the thyroid gland, is another possible cause of hyperthyroidism. Thyroiditis is usually the result of an infection or immune system failure that causes the thyroid gland to leak excess hormones. It can also occur after the baby is born (then called postpartum thyroiditis) or from taking the drugs interferon and amiodarone.

Related articles:

• Diet for hypothyroidism
• Subclinical hypothyroidism - symptoms and treatment in women

Another possible root problem is excessive iodine intake, typically from iodine-containing supplements or medications, which can actually cause goiters and worsen thyroid problems. Therefore, it is important to take iodine supplements only when indicated and under the supervision of a physician.

Stages

Treatment of hyperthyroidism in women depends on the severity of symptoms and the level of hormones in the organ. The manifest form of the disorder can occur in 3 stages:

• light;
• average;
• heavy.

With mild hyperthyroidism in women, the symptoms are mild. Heartbeat does not exceed 100 beats. There is a slight loss of body weight, up to 5 kg. Sweating and anxiety appear. Laboratory tests show an increase in the fraction of thyroid hormones.

With a moderate degree, trembling of the fingers of an outstretched hand appears, and the heartbeat is 100-120 beats. Weight loss up to 10 kg, fluid secretion increases, exophthalmos appears.

In case of severe violation, tachycardia is above 120 beats, in addition, rhythm disturbances and signs of failure appear, systolic pressure increases and diastolic pressure decreases, and trembling of the limbs increases. Weight drops sharply, eyeballs protrude outward.

Hyperthyroidism and pregnancy

During pregnancy, the following hyperthyroid conditions may occur:

1. Transient hyperthyroidism - occurs in the first weeks of pregnancy. An increased need for hormones (the fetal thyroid gland begins to function only at 12 weeks) and an increase in maternal blood volume leads to a temporary increase in the level of thyroid hormones. Hormonal levels return to normal by 16 weeks. pregnancy. The disease does not require treatment.
2. Drug-induced hyperthyroidism is caused by a pregnant woman taking overdoses of iodine. Therefore, iodine-containing drugs should be prescribed to pregnant women by an endocrinologist, not a gynecologist.
3. True - most often develops with diffuse goiter. This disease must be treated to avoid health problems for the woman and her unborn child.
4. If there is a pathology before pregnancy, an improvement in the woman’s condition is often observed during pregnancy. However, a pregnant woman may be bothered by increased heart rate during sleep, nausea, weight loss for no reason, fatigue and a feeling of heat.

Important! During pregnancy, hyperthyroidism should be distinguished from toxicosis. However, high levels of thyroid hormones in later stages can provoke the development of severe gestosis - preeclampsia.

Despite the reduction in symptoms of the disease during pregnancy, there is a high risk of miscarriage due to increased uterine tone in the early stages and premature birth due to early placental abruption. The hyperthyroid condition can be passed on to the baby after birth (congenital hyperthyroidism).

Also, excessively high levels of thyroid hormones negatively affect the fetus. The likelihood of abnormal development of the child increases (with a severe form of the disease in the mother from the first weeks of pregnancy), fetal malnutrition, immunodeficiency, mental retardation of the child after birth, up to cretinism.

After childbirth, postpartum thyroiditis is often observed; the resulting antibodies AT-TG and AT-TPO destroy the thyroid gland. Hyperfunction of hormones is gradually eliminated over 6 months. Hyperthyroidism diagnosed before pregnancy also tends to worsen. Moreover, the symptoms can be much more severe than before pregnancy and require hospital treatment. An endocrinologist should treat hyperthyroidism in women during pregnancy and after childbirth!

Important! After pregnancy, the disease requires drug therapy and is often a significant reason for refusing breastfeeding.

What is hyperthyroid crisis

In severe cases of the disease and the absence of adequate therapy, a complication may occur - hyperthyroid crisis.
It can also be triggered by stress. In this condition, the clinical symptoms of the pathology reach their maximum peak. Hyperthyroid crisis is characterized by an acute, rapid onset. Patients experience mental agitation, which may be accompanied by delusions and hallucinations. Severe tremor spreads throughout the body, blood pressure drops sharply, severe weakness, indomitable vomiting appears, and body temperature rises. The heart rate can reach up to 200 beats per minute.

Important! Lack of timely medical care during a hyperthyroid crisis can lead to coma and death of the patient.

Treatment of hyperthyroidism - drugs and remedies

In the treatment of hyperthyroidism in women and men, the following methods of medicinal and non-medicinal effects on the thyroid gland are used:

1. Drugs that have a thyreostatic effect (thyreostatics);
2. Preparations containing iodine;
3. Surgical intervention.

Treatment of thyroid hyperthyroidism in each case is carried out according to strict indications, which are determined by the level of hormonal aggression, etiology, the presence of concomitant diseases, the patient’s age and prognosis.

About thyreostatics

A prominent representative of this group is Mercazolil. It simply blocks the production of hormones, and you can start taking it if, for example, mild thyrotoxicosis is detected for the first time. In severe thyrotoxicosis it is not used. Treatment continues for about two years, and sometimes Mercazolil blocks the synthesis of hormones so well that sometimes replacement therapy with the same hormones is required.

Usually, “on Mercazolil”, within 3 weeks the state of health completely normalizes, and all symptoms disappear. Red blood counts are monitored, and the criterion for improvement is a decrease in heart rate and an increase in body weight.

It is impossible to interrupt the treatment of hyperthyroidism, especially abruptly, since this can even lead to the development of a crisis, which will be discussed below.

The most unpleasant complication while taking Mercazolil is the development of agranulocytosis and leukopenia, with the occurrence of agranulocytic tonsillitis.

Iodine preparations + radioactive iodine

Iodine for hyperthyroidism can be used in a mild form of the disease, and if there is no effect, it is “transferred” to Mercazolil. Sometimes combined use with Mercazolil is indicated, for example, in severe thyrotoxicosis, before surgery.

In some cases, radioactive iodine is also used: in elderly patients for whom surgery is indicated, but due to the amount of relative contraindications and the presence of concomitant pathology, they simply will not tolerate it. The effect of radioactive iodine, of course, is not very “beautiful”: it reduces the function of the gland through partial destruction of its tissue. The main thing in such therapy is “not to overdo it” and choose the dose correctly.

A side effect of the destruction of the gland is a massive release of hormones into the blood, which occurs 7-10 days after the start of treatment. Therefore, you need to “cover up” with thyreostatics, otherwise a crisis may develop.

Surgical treatment

As always, surgery is indicated for severe thyrotoxicosis, sudden enlargement of the gland and ineffectiveness of taking medications. However, resection (for example, subtotal) can only be performed against the background of compensated euthyroidism, so preparation for surgery is extremely important.

About dietary supplements

Treating hyperthyroidism and thyroid dysfunction with nutritional supplements is a completely futile endeavor that will only waste your time and empty your pocket. Thus, Runet is replete with requests such as: “treatment of hyperthyroidism with Endorm.”

At the same time, the second half of patients are looking for how to cure hyperthyroidism, that is, a completely opposite condition, with the help of the miraculous “Endonorm”. Who will profit – draw your own conclusions.

Complications of hyperthyroidism, consequences

If you do not pay attention to untreated hyperthyroidism, a thyrotoxic crisis can occur quite suddenly. This is a serious complication, which represents the maximum acceleration of all life processes, in which the body simply cannot stand it.

Typically, a crisis develops in the warm season, and it can be triggered by any stress factors, for example, injury, infection, or a tick bite. In some cases, even a simple rough examination and palpation of the thyroid gland can cause a crisis.

A strong “provocateur” of complications is pregnancy and childbirth. Therefore, patients with hyperthyroidism should be prescribed timely treatment and undergo medical supervision.

Crisis Clinic

All symptoms of the disease sharply intensify, reaching their maximum severity. The patients' excitement is very strong, fear of death appears, and hyperthermia occurs: the temperature rises to 40 and above. Nausea and vomiting appear, and against this background jaundice occurs, and diffuse abdominal pain occurs. A sharp hyperemia of the face and skin appears, which turns into a purplish-bluish tint.

A sharp tachycardia occurs, reaching 200 beats per minute. Against this background, deep and frequent breathing appears. Normally, a person would feel dizzy from excess oxygen, but during a crisis he “burns out”, raising his temperature.

The heart cannot stand it, and various types of arrhythmias develop, which are often fatal. As attacks progress, all reserves come to an end, and a decrease in blood pressure, stupor, and lethargy occurs. The amount of urine excreted drops sharply, up to complete anuria.

• These are ominous harbingers of thyrotoxic coma, which, even with full and proper treatment, has a high mortality rate.

Causes of the disease

It is generally accepted that the cause of the development of hyperthyroidism may be other changes of a pathological nature in the thyroid gland. In 70-80% of cases of detection of this disease, it appears with goiter (diffuse toxic). It is directly characterized by enlargement and uniform growth of the gland.

In this autoimmune disorder, antibodies are produced against TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) receptors, which are produced by the pituitary gland. There is constant stimulation of the gland, which causes it to increase in size and produce excess amounts of thyroid hormones.

Thyrotoxicosis can also occur with subacute thyroiditis (inflammatory process), which occurs after suffering an acute viral disease. In this embodiment, it occurs in a mild form and is short-term in nature. The disease can last several weeks, and in some cases several months.

Hyperfunction of the thyroid gland can also be caused artificially. In this case, the appearance of thyrotoxicosis is due to the intake (usually uncontrolled) of thyroid hormones.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disease in which the thyroid gland produces insufficient amounts of the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which leads to a slowdown in metabolism in the body.

Doctors distinguish between primary and secondary hypothyroidism. In primary cases, a decrease in hormone production is associated with damage to the thyroid gland itself as a result of injury, radiation exposure, infection, or an attack of one’s own immune system. The cause may also be insufficient iodine intake in the body. Damage to the thyroid gland is the cause of 99% of cases of hypothyroidism.

The remaining 1% is secondary hypothyroidism, which is the result of damage to the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. The pituitary gland is a gland located at the base of the brain that produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which regulates the functioning of the thyroid gland. And the hypothalamus is a section of the diencephalon, under the control of which are both the pituitary gland and the thyroid gland.

Hypothyroidism: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

More details

Hypothyroidism is most dangerous for young children, since without timely treatment it threatens children with numerous and irreversible complications. If a child with congenital hypothyroidism is not treated until the age of two, then even well-administered treatment is unlikely to prevent mental retardation. According to statistics, congenital hypothyroidism occurs in 1-2 out of 5000 newborns. Girls suffer from it twice as often as boys.

Diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism: first symptoms in children

More details

It is necessary to treat hypothyroidism, otherwise the disease can lead to skin problems, brittle hair, changes in cognitive functions (decreased memory, irritability, etc.), changes in twilight vision, disruption of ENT organs (the appearance of snoring), the formation of a pituitary adenoma (tumor), anemia , to disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, the appearance of discharge from the mammary glands, and heavy menstruation. Also, if hypothyroidism is not treated, the outcome can be hypothyroid coma - this is an extreme complication of hypothyroidism, which in 80-90% of cases leads to death.

A small gland of great alarm. How dangerous is hypothyroidism and who does it affect?

More details

Bottom line

With hyperthyroidism, symptoms and treatment are interrelated. Therefore, it is important to be attentive to the state of your health and at the first signs of illness, contact an endocrinologist.

The doctor will select the necessary treatment and give advice on changing your diet. With this approach, it will be possible to avoid a severe form of the disease, which is accompanied by vivid symptoms that change the appearance of the woman and seriously affect the entire body. We wish you good health!

What symptoms of hyperthyroidism in women do you know?

Children

Teenagers often experience goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland) without disruption of hormone production. In such a situation, it may be necessary to prescribe iodine supplements and be monitored by an endocrinologist.

Severe thyroid diseases in adolescence, fortunately, are rare. Their signs are difficult to detect on your own. Symptoms such as dry skin, brittle hair and nails, constipation, unstable mood, decreased concentration, poor assimilation of educational material can “signal” about certain abnormalities... In addition, with hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid function), a child who does not complain on appetite, can begin to lose weight, and with hypothyroidism, even a little one can gain weight.

How to protect children's thyroid gland

More details

Hyperthyroidism: folk remedies

For a disease such as hyperthyroidism, alternative treatment can give good results, but you should only contact it with the permission of your doctor.

Alcohol tinctures of medicinal plants are considered effective in combating the disease:

• Persimmon tincture - freshly squeezed persimmon juice should be mixed with alcohol in a ratio of 5:1, leave for several days in a dark place. It is recommended to take the drug three times a day, one tablespoon before meals.

• Hawthorn tincture - two tablespoons of dried flowers are poured into 500 g of 20% alcohol, infused for one and a half months. You need to take the medicine four times a day, 25-30 drops.
• Tincture of blueberry leaves - 10 grams of raw materials mixed with chopped bay leaves, 20 grams of chicory roots and green beans. Now the mixture needs to be poured with half a liter of vodka and left for several days. The strained drug is taken for ten days, a tablespoon three times a day, washed down with water. After a five-day break, the course of treatment must be repeated.
• Lingonberry and blueberry tincture – 20 grams of berries are mashed into a paste and poured into 0.5 liters of vodka. The drug should be infused in a dark place for six days. The strained medicine is taken after meals, one tablespoon at a time, according to the following scheme: 30 days of intake, two weeks off for six months.
• Balm from dandelion leaves and blueberries - for this potion you will need 20 grams of blueberries and rose hips, 10 grams of dandelion leaves. The raw material should be poured with a glass of vodka, tightly closed and stored in a dark place for a week. After this period, you can start taking a teaspoon of the balm three times a day, diluting it in a glass of water. After a week of treatment, he takes a break for seven days, then the course is repeated.

In addition to alcohol tinctures, traditional medicine offers healing infusions as effective treatments for hyperthyroidism. This way you can prepare an infusion of valerian by pouring a glass of boiling water over a spoonful of the raw material and letting it sit for a couple of hours. The drug is drunk in small portions throughout the day.

In early spring, it is time to prepare an infusion from cherry buds and twigs. To do this, you need to cut 100 grams of branches with swollen buds, add half a liter of water and boil for half an hour. The drug should be taken one tablespoon before meals three times a day.

Everyone's favorite citrus fruits, lemon and orange, also help with hyperthyroidism. Any of these fruits must be grated along with the zest and a little sugar added. The result is a very tasty and healthy remedy, which should be taken one spoon three times a day.

You can also resort to treatment with natural clay, which will help normalize the functioning of the thyroid gland. The clay must be diluted with water to a paste-like state and lotions applied to the front of the neck for an hour.

Thyroid hyperthyroidism, even after successful treatment, can recur, so patients need to regularly visit an endocrinologist. As a preventative measure, all people are advised to monitor their diet, consume iodine-containing foods, and promptly consult a specialist at the first signs of thyroid disorders.

Chumachenko Olga, medical observer

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Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which thyroid hormones are produced in excess of normal levels. Such a violation leads to various malfunctions in the body. Excessive synthesis of thyroid hormones accelerates all processes for which the main organ of the endocrine system is responsible, which significantly increases the load on the body. Hyperthyroidism in men and women can occur against the background of various diseases of the thyroid gland itself or the pituitary gland, which produces thyroid-stimulating hormone and stimulates the endocrine function of the organ.

The thyroid gland controls metabolism, converting food into energy. In addition, it has a direct effect on the functioning of the heart, muscle and bone tissue, regulates cholesterol levels in the blood, etc. With hyperthyroidism, all these processes are accelerated, and as the disease progresses, a person may rapidly lose weight, sweat excessively, become more irritable, feel a rapid heartbeat, etc.

Treatment of hyperthyroidism can be effective only if it is started in a timely manner. In other words, if you identify the disease in time and begin adequate treatment, you can normalize the functioning of the thyroid gland and avoid the rather serious consequences of hyperthyroidism. This disease, left untreated, can lead to the development of various cardiovascular pathologies, bone diseases and the so-called thyrotoxic crisis.

Pretibial myxedema

This is a pathological symptom that manifests itself exclusively when there is overproduction of thyroid hormones.

It is characterized by the appearance on the skin of the anterior surface of the legs of pathological formations of various sizes, which can be divided according to severity:

• Nodal. Nodules of small diameter form on the skin, which do not merge with each other, are painless and usually do not cause concern.
• Plaque-like. Infiltration areas the size of a tennis ball form on the skin. They are also painless and mobile on palpation.
• Total myxedema or elephantiasis of the lower extremities. This is a general lesion of the lower limbs, which is accompanied by persistent massive edema, which significantly impairs the function of the organ.

The appearance of this symptom is based on damage to the immune system. The skin on the lower leg becomes rough, swollen, dense, and sometimes acquires a purplish-red color. It can often be accompanied by itching and redness.

With such symptoms, it is necessary to carry out a differential diagnosis with erysipelas and a mandatory consultation with an infectious disease specialist.

Hyperthyroidism in children

A disease such as hyperthyroidism is much less common in children than in adults. Most often, the development of this condition in childhood is caused by diffuse toxic goiter. Also, thyroid hyperfunction in children can be caused by:

• excessive activity of the endocrine organ, producing an increased amount of thyroid hormones;
• damage to the cellular structures of the organ, accompanied by the release of hormonal excess into the blood;
• excessive intake of drugs containing iodine and hormonal agents.

Also, various diseases of the thyroid gland and pituitary gland can lead to the development of hyperthyroidism in children.

Hyperthyroidism in children most often develops during adolescence. The progression of the disease is not as rapid as in adults. Obvious signs of the disease usually appear six months to a year after the onset of its development. The first symptoms of hyperthyroidism in children may include emotional instability. With this disease, the child is easily excited, becomes overly irritable and capricious. There is inattention in studies and a decrease in academic performance. With outstretched straight arms, the child's fingers show tremors. Also, young patients experience increased appetite, but body weight does not increase. Hyperfunction of the thyroid gland leads to an increase in its size. In some cases, children with hyperthyroidism may develop exophthalmos. Also symptoms of the disease in childhood are:

• increased sweating and moisture in the skin;
• muscle weakness, sometimes expressed in some clumsiness and even a change in gait.

If the disease is at a fairly advanced stage, the child may have a systolic murmur and exhibit atrial fibrillation. Blood pressure levels may also increase.

Hyperthyroidism in adults

According to statistics, hyperthyroidism most often develops in men and women between the ages of 20 and 50 years. Both young and elderly people are equally susceptible to the disease. It all depends on the state of the body as a whole and hormonal levels in particular, the presence of concomitant diseases and many other factors. No less significant for the development of the disease may be a hereditary predisposition to it.

Hyperthyroidism in women

Representatives of the fairer sex are more prone to developing this disease. Statistics say that hyperthyroidism occurs about 10 times more often in women than in men. The reason for this is constant hormonal fluctuations in the female body, which haunt them throughout their lives. Menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth and lactation, menopause - all this makes the female body more susceptible to various hormonal imbalances. The thyroid gland is one of the first to suffer.

Women are advised to regularly visit an endocrinologist, examine the thyroid gland through ultrasound diagnostics and take tests for thyroid hormones. So, up to the age of 30, women are recommended to do this once every 5 years, once every 3 years, women aged 30-45 years should undergo a thyroid gland examination, and after 45 years, an endocrinologist should be visited annually.

Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy

Hemorrhoids kill the patient in 79% of cases

During the period of bearing a baby, keeping the thyroid condition under control is extremely important. It is quite possible to become pregnant with hyperthyroidism, because unlike hypothyroidism, its moderate hyperfunction is not always accompanied by a decrease in fertility. Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy without proper treatment and medical supervision poses a particular danger not only to the woman’s health, but also to the life of her child.

Thyroid hormones are most important for the full formation and development of the fetus. Normal levels of thyroid hormones are a necessary condition for normal conception and bearing a child. Their increased secretion negatively affects the health of the mother and child. A stable increase in the level of thyroid hormones causes disruptions in the functioning of the entire body. Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can cause disturbances in the formation and functioning of the endocrine organ in the developing fetus, the development of goiter, damage to the nervous system and various diseases that threaten not only the health, but also the life of the unborn child.

Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy significantly increases the likelihood of miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, and stillbirth. To reduce the risk of developing hyperthyroidism during pregnancy and avoid all the consequences of this disease, it is necessary to regularly visit an endocrinologist, both when planning conception and at all stages of gestation.

Hyperthyroidism in men

Men, as noted earlier, are less susceptible to developing hyperthyroidism. In addition, subclinical cases of the disease are much more common in representatives of the stronger sex. Both of these causes late diagnosis of hyperthyroidism in men, when the effectiveness of conservative and surgical treatment is close to zero.

Hyperthyroidism in men primarily affects the functioning of the reproductive system. An increase in the level of thyroid hormones leads to an increase in the concentration of SSSG (sex steroid-binding globulin) or, as it is also called, SHBG (a protein that binds male sex hormones). All this causes a decrease in the number of active forms of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, and as a result, changes in sperm quality and a decrease in sexual performance.

Myocardial dystrophy

In recent decades, cardiologists have identified the so-called thyrotoxic heart in women with hyperthyroidism. This is a specific lesion of the heart in hyperthyroidism syndrome.

Clinically, this condition in women manifests itself:

• Sinus tachycardia.
• Atrial fibrillation.
• Extrasystole.
• High pulse (upper) pressure with three or more measurements at rest.
• The rapid development of circulatory failure, which is manifested by a constant feeling of coldness in the extremities, chilliness, and pallor.

Treatment

Treatment of hyperthyroidism is often conservative, but in some cases it is necessary to resort to surgical treatment. But even in this case, previous preparation with antithyroid drugs and treatment with radioactive iodine is necessary.

Surgical intervention

Indications for treatment of hyperthyroidism in the surgical department will be:

• Large goiter (gland volume more than 30 ml).
• Severe toxic forms of hyperthyroidism.
• Intolerance to medications for treatment.
• Lack of effect from conservative therapy after using all possible treatment regimens and medications for a long time.
• Persistent leukopenia (decrease in white blood cells in the peripheral blood), which cannot be treated.

For preoperative preparation, thyreostatic drugs and beta blockers (usually propranolol) are used. If intolerance to these drugs is present, plasmapheresis is used to accelerate euthyroidism. On average, preoperative preparation lasts 3-6 weeks, and surgical intervention occurs as planned.

Conservative treatment

In the post-Soviet space, thyreostatic drugs are used as conservative treatment. This is Mercazolil or Propicilom. They inhibit the production of thyroid hormones and have an inhibitory effect on cellular immunity, which significantly speeds up the healing process.

Radioactive iodine

The use of radioactive iodine in Russian-speaking countries is limited by the age of the patients. It is used only for patients over 45 years of age. Although in the USA, the use of 131 iodine is considered as the optimal method of treating girls with hyperthyroidism over 24 years of age.

Treatment with folk remedies

Treatment of symptoms of hyperthyroidism in women with folk remedies is effective only in combination with pharmacological treatment.

Herbal preparations based on valerian, chicory and other herbs often provide only sedative and symptomatic treatment. The cause of the condition cannot be cured.

Although there are precedents for positive results in treating hyperthyroidism with traditional methods in the initial stages of the disease.

What determines the choice of treatment?

The nature of the disease "Hyperthyroidism", symptoms and treatment depend on:

• The age of the sick person.
• Stages of the disease.
• Complications of the disease.
• Complete assessment of a person's health status.
• From the life prognosis, which is calculated individually for each patient, with an analysis of his lifestyle, self-discipline, and nature of work.

Forms of hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism can occur in mild or moderate form, as well as in severe form.

The mild form of the disease (subclinical form) is characterized by an asymptomatic course, triiodothyronine (T4) is normal according to current indicators, TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels are slightly reduced.

The next form is a moderate form (in other words, obvious or manifest). In this case, T4 levels are characterized by an increase, while TSH levels are significantly reduced, and symptoms characteristic of the disease appear.

And finally, a severe (complicated) form of the severity of the disease, in which adrenal or heart failure, atrial fibrillation, severe body weight deficiency, psychosis and other types of pathology are noted, indicating, respectively, damage to certain specific systems, organs and their inherent functions .

Let's consider the main signs of hyperthyroidism, corresponding to the indicated degrees of severity of its manifestation:

• Light form

In addition to the initially noted changes in the levels of hormones in the blood (which is revealed by an appropriate blood test), a moderate degree of weight loss is noted (within 5 kg). Tachycardia also appears, in which the heart rate is no more than 100 beats per minute, there are no changes in the rhythm of contractions. There are also no signs from the endocrine glands indicating a violation of their functions (with the exception of the thyroid gland). In addition, patients experience a certain degree of irritability and sweating (manifested even in rooms with normal temperature).

• Medium form

Weight loss is pronounced (about 10 kg). Pathological changes are observed in the myocardium, tachycardia manifests itself with a heart rate ranging from 100 to 120 beats/min. In this case, tachycardia is characterized by the stability of its own manifestation, and this does not depend on what position the person is in; there is also no connection with previous sleep and a state of long-term rest. Carbohydrate metabolism is subject to disturbances, blood cholesterol decreases, and gastrointestinal disorders appear (which is characterized by loose and frequent stools).

Signs indicating the relevance of adrenal insufficiency gradually intensify. Patients experience thyrotoxic tremor - trembling of the fingers, noted when the arm is outstretched. In addition, patients become more irritable and excitable, sleep disturbances, excessive anxiety and tearfulness appear. There are also signs such as exophthalmos (a characteristic forward displacement of the eyeball, in other words, protrusion, bulging eyes), as well as hyperhidrosis (that is, increased sweating) of a general type of manifestation.

Manifestation of exophthalmos in hyperthyroidism

• Severe form

In this case, in addition to the general description that we initially proposed in the classification of forms of hyperthyroidism, we can note a sharp and pronounced weight loss. Tachycardia is a stable manifestation; the pulse ranges from 120-140 beats per minute, but the possibility of exceeding these limits cannot be ruled out. Blood pressure is characterized by increased systolic pressure with simultaneously decreased diastolic pressure. Exophthalmos is even more pronounced in comparison with the previous form of the disease, as is thyrotoxic tremor, which this time manifests itself as spreading throughout the body (and not just when the hands are affected).

Causes

Hyperfunction of the gland in the form of excessive production of thyroid hormones increases metabolic processes in the body, causing symptoms of hyperthyroidism, which can occur due to pathological changes in the gland itself, the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.

The main causes of hyperthyroidism:

1. Stress that causes disruption of the body's adaptive functions. In this case, pregnancy, chronic pathologies of vital organs (heart, kidneys), frequent changes in time zones, intense work activity with a constantly changing work schedule (night shifts, etc.) can have a serious psycho-emotional impact on a person in this case.
2. Acute infectious diseases.
3. An inflammatory process in the tissues of the thyroid gland that occurs after the influence of damaging agents - radiation, trauma, etc.
4. Autoimmune pathology, which is based on the production of antibodies to the thyroid gland.

The list of risk groups for hyperthyroidism includes hereditary predisposition, female gender, immune system dysfunction caused by connective tissue pathologies - rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatism, lupus erythematosus, etc.

Stages of hyperthyroidism

Depending on the duration, quality of treatment and severity of the disease, three stages of hyperthyroidism are distinguished.

Mild severity:

• This stage is characterized by a slight enlargement of the thyroid gland.
• Weight loss of less than 5 kg.
• Unexpressed exophthalmos.
• A slight increase in hormone levels.

Moderate severity:

• This stage of the disease is characterized by noticeable exophthalmos.
• Weight loss of more than 10-12 kg, even with enhanced nutrition.
• Increased sweating.
• Constant thirst.
• A significant increase in the level of hormones in the blood.
• A decrease in the hormone TSH in a blood test.
• Sustained tachycardias that do not respond to standard treatment will also be observed.

A severe degree is characteristic of a long course of the disease with poor quality treatment:

• At this stage, exophthalmos of the 3rd degree is observed.
• Exhaustion of the patient, with a significantly enlarged gland.
• The patient is excited.
• Convulsive reactions are noted.
• Depending on the duration of this condition, the performance of all body systems is disrupted.

Possible causes of hyperthyroidism:

1. Infectious agents. They cause defects in the immune system, which can actually lead to thyroid disease.
2. Stressful situations. Excessive production of adrenaline during stressful situations most affects the cardiovascular system and the organ system that produces hormones of external and internal secretion of the body.
3. Heredity. Over the past 25 years, based on research work, scientists McKenzie and Volpe have formulated a tendency to perceive hyperthyroidism as a genetically predisposed disease. 15% of patients have relatives with a similar disease, and 50% of relatives have antithyroid antibodies.

Based on these data, it is known that females suffer from this disease 6-9 times more often than males.

Thus, we can conclude that hyperthyroidism is a disease with a specific lesion of the thyroid gland of an autoimmune nature, which develops with a congenital defect of the immune system, to which women are often predisposed.

The occurrence of diseases as a consequence of hyperthyroidism

Thyroid hormones control the functioning of most body systems, so if the function of the gland is disrupted, the functioning of these systems will be disrupted:

• From the cardiovascular system: atrial fibrillation, ventricular extrasystoles, myocarditis.
• From the female reproductive system: infertility, recurrent miscarriage, amenorrhea, dysfunction of the uterine appendages.
• From the musculoskeletal system: osteoporosis, arthritis of small and large joints, pathological fractures.
• From the organs of vision: exophthalmos, decreased vision, up to its absolute loss.

The above conditions are more common in hyperthyroidism syndrome. But it is worth noting that each organism is individual and its health history throughout life affects the complications of hyperthyroidism.

Prevention and prognosis

After treatment for hyperthyroidism, patients should be under constant medical supervision. It is necessary to regularly undergo ultrasound of the thyroid gland and monitor TSH levels. Hyperthyroidism can recur. Patients taking thyroid hormones should take them regularly and monitor the progress of treatment.

To avoid thyroid problems, take plenty of iodine. Iodine is found in foods such as fish and iodized table salt. Pregnant women are advised to take iodine supplements. Taken in the right doses will reduce the risk of developing parenchymal goiter and the appearance of thyroid nodules.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism must be carefully monitored. With timely and adequate treatment of hyperthyroidism and the patient following all the doctor’s recommendations, the patient’s normal condition can be achieved fairly quickly and the risk of complications can be reduced.

Diagnostics

In order to make a correct diagnosis, a specialist needs to conduct a thorough examination of the patient.

The problem with hyperfunction is that in the early stages of the disease there may be no obvious signs, so visual inspection or palpation will not give any results.

Therefore, an important diagnostic step is taking a blood test. Laboratory testing will help determine whether antibodies to hormones are elevated or not. The specialist also prescribes an ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland. This makes it possible to detect an increase in the size of the organ or determine the presence of thyroid nodules. This information is important for making a correct diagnosis and determining the degree of advanced disease.

If the specialist remains in doubt, a tomography may be prescribed. Additionally, an ECG and biopsy are used if cancer is suspected.

Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland makes it possible to detect an increase in the size of the organ or determine the presence of thyroid nodules.

What treatment approaches exist?

The following treatment options for hyperthyroidism are used:

1. Drug treatment is aimed at suppressing the activity of the thyroid gland and reducing the production of its hormones. It is used in the initial stages of the disease, when the symptoms are mild and the gland is slightly enlarged. Patients are prescribed antithyroid drugs that prevent the accumulation of iodine necessary for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. For example, Methimazole or Propylthiouracil.
2. Radioactive iodine therapy. The patient takes only one dose of a drug containing radioactive iodine. It accumulates in the thyroid cells and damages them. As a result, the iron decreases in size and produces fewer hormones. There is no complete recovery from this treatment method. After some time it is repeated. Some patients develop hypothyroidism several months or years after such therapy, and then hormone replacement therapy is prescribed. As a rule, this treatment method is combined with medication.
3. Surgical treatment - surgery is performed to remove one node or most of the gland. The method is used when the size of the thyroid gland exceeds 40 mm, and the symptoms appear clearly, which indicates compression of neighboring organs. When the emerging nodule or a small part of the gland is removed, the remaining part of the organ performs its function in the body. If there is a need to remove most of the thyroid gland, the patient is prescribed lifelong hormone therapy to prevent hypothyroidism from developing.

The choice of treatment method depends on the degree of development of the disease, the presence of other diseases and health problems that could trigger the development of hyperthyroidism, as well as the age of the patient, possible allergies and other individual characteristics of the body. The patient should trust the doctor who offers a certain method of treatment.

It is important not to self-medicate with such a health- and even life-threatening disease. If in doubt, you can always seek advice from another specialist.

Regardless of the prescribed treatment method, a woman should reconsider her way of life. It is necessary to ensure a balanced diet, moderate physical activity, walks in the fresh air and a minimum of stress. You should visit an endocrinologist annually.

Complications

When trying to self-medicate or neglecting the advice of a doctor treating a patient with hyperthyroidism, the syndrome is complicated by diseases that arise due to excess amounts of thyroxine.

Characteristic defects in appearance are exophthalmos (bulging eyes) and goiter.

But the pathology is dangerous due to complications from internal organs:

• Damages to the cardiovascular system are associated with heart rhythm disturbances. With hyperthyroidism, the heart beats too quickly or irregularly. Tachycardia and arrhythmia are constant complications of thyroid hyperfunction. At the same time, the heart does not pump blood fully, which causes congestive heart failure.
• With an excess of T3 and T4, the absorption of calcium from the blood by the bones is impaired. As a result, osteoporosis develops with hyperthyroidism, although the amount of mineral in the blood will be in excess. This provokes improper functioning of the heart and nervous system. Excess calcium is deposited in soft tissues, and this leads to skin problems (myxedema).
• With exophthalmos, not only a person’s appearance suffers. The patient experiences photophobia, double vision, and swelling of the eyelids. If left untreated, the effects of hormones increase and vision problems worsen.
• A dangerous complication of hyperthyroidism is thyrotoxic crisis. Without proper treatment, the patient risks his own life as a result of the release of large amounts of hormones. At the same time, the heartbeat increases to a critical speed, body temperature rises sharply, and hallucinations appear. In the absence of help, a person quickly becomes comatose and dies.

What is hyperthyroidism?

The most common disease of the endocrine system is hyperfunction of the thyroid gland. This syndrome is also called hyperthyroidism in medicine. With this disease, there is increased activity of the organ and too many hormones are produced, as a result of which the basal metabolism is disrupted.

With hyperthyroidism, there is often a disruption in communication between the pituitary gland, hypothalamus and thyroid gland.

The patient may experience both hypo- and hyperfunction of the thyroid gland. The symptoms of the disease depend on this, which can be either pronounced or almost invisible.

An overactive thyroid gland can take several forms. They depend on the degree of neglect of the disease. At an early stage, subclinical hyperthyroidism may occur. In this case, there may be no obvious symptoms, but tests will show changes in hormonal levels. The first signs of the disease most often occur only with manifest hyperthyroidism. If the disease is not cured at this stage, complications will appear. In this case, not only an exacerbation of symptoms is possible, but also problems with important organs and functions, which leads to dangerous consequences.

Hyperthyroidism - characteristics

The thyroid gland is an organ adjacent to the trachea below the larynx. Its function in the body is the production of hormones, the so-called thyroid hormones. These hormones are called T3 and T4. These hormones are iodine compounds, and for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, an adequate supply of this element is necessary.

Providing the body with iodine does not have to be regular, since it accumulates in the thyroid gland, and its supply lasts under normal conditions for several weeks.

Hyperthyroidism

Thyroid hormones regulate many body functions. It is difficult to discuss their effects at the level of the whole organism, since they affect the functioning of many tissues, and at the same time they act in many directions. These hormones play a key role in metabolic processes in the body or in the development of the fetus.

The activity of the thyroid gland is determined by the hormones of the pituitary gland - TSH or thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism may be associated with increased secretion of this hormone, as well as with changes in the thyroid gland itself. From this point of view, primary and secondary hyperactivity are distinguished.

Types of hyperthyroidism

The modern classification distinguishes three types of this disease:

1. Primary hyperthyroidism is the main cause leading to the development of the disease - pathology of the thyroid gland
2. Secondary – caused by a malfunction of the pituitary gland
3. Tertiary – the cause of this type of hyperthyroidism is pathological processes in the hypothalamus

Primary hyperthyroidism goes through several successive stages in its development:

• subclinical - usually does not have pronounced symptoms, but there is a decrease in the level of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyrotropin) with a normal T4 level;
• manifest form (explicit) – characterized by a vivid clinical picture; an increase in T4 levels and a more pronounced decrease in TSH levels are noticeable in the blood;
• complicated form - manifested by the presence of psychosis, weight loss, cardiac and adrenal failure, dystrophy of organs rich in parenchymal tissue, arrhythmias and other complications of hyperthyroidism from various organs and systems.