Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism: symptoms, causes and treatment

Hypothyroidism, also known as myxedema, is a disease associated with insufficient production of thyroid hormones. This condition can be congenital or acquired and has a significant impact on the overall health and functioning of the body. In this article, we will look at the symptoms, causes, and treatments for hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism can develop either as a result of direct damage to the thyroid gland (primary hypothyroidism) or due to disturbances in the regulation of the thyroid gland by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland (secondary hypothyroidism). The causes of congenital hypothyroidism may be associated with the lack of development of the thyroid gland during intrauterine development caused by toxicosis of pregnancy, as well as alcohol or drug use. Acquired hypothyroidism can develop as a result of trauma to the thyroid gland, its removal during thyrotoxicosis, or due to disturbances in the regulation of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism depend on the degree of thyroid hormone deficiency. With a moderate deficiency, symptoms may appear 6-8 months after birth or when switching to artificial feeding, and with a severe form they may appear as early as the first month of life. Children with hypothyroidism may show signs of lethargy, delayed umbilical cord shedding, excess weight due to fat accumulation, a wide face, swollen eyelids, an enlarged tongue, dry skin, brittle hair, and muscle weakness. Also characteristic signs of hypothyroidism are swelling of the subcutaneous fat, especially on the face, hands and feet, hypotension, decreased heart rate, constipation and rare urination. Delayed mental and physical development is also a typical sign of hypothyroidism; children begin to hold their heads, sit and walk later than normal. Without treatment, hypothyroidism can progress and lead to worsening mental retardation.

One of the serious complications of hypothyroidism that threatens the patient’s life is hypothyroid coma. This condition develops in older patients if left untreated and is accompanied by loss of consciousness, decreased body temperature, slow heart rate, breathing problems and disruption of other vital functions. Hypothyroid coma requires immediate medical attention.

To diagnose hypothyroidism, your doctor may order blood tests to measure your thyroid hormone levels. An ultrasound of the thyroid gland and other additional tests may also be performed to determine the cause of hypothyroidism.

Treatment for hypothyroidism usually involves taking synthetic thyroid hormones such as levothyroxine (T4). The dosage of the medicine is determined by the doctor and may require individual adjustment depending on the needs of the individual patient. Regularly checking your thyroid hormone levels will help monitor the effectiveness of your treatment.

It is important to begin treating hypothyroidism as early as possible, especially in newborns and children, to prevent negative effects on their physical and mental development. Regular medical monitoring and adherence to doctor's treatment recommendations will help patients with hypothyroidism live a full life.

In conclusion, hypothyroidism is a condition associated with insufficient production of thyroid hormones. It can have a variety of symptoms and requires medical attention. If you suspect hypothyroidism, see your doctor for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Hypothyroidism is a condition when the body does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones play an important role in metabolism, growth, development and energy maintenance in the body.

Hypothyroidism can be caused by various reasons, including thyroid dysfunction, decreased hormone production, the presence of thyroid antibodies, and other factors. This is a serious disease, and it is often accompanied by weakness, fatigue, growth retardation in children, swelling, constipation or, conversely, diarrhea, hair loss, changes in the timbre of the voice and other symptoms that impede the patient’s quality of life. If hypothyroidism is left untreated for a long time, irreversible consequences can develop, including coma. However, with timely treatment, hypothyroidism can be successfully controlled and even cured.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism, their manifestation and forms of the disease at the initial stage are expressed in the fact that the patient himself may suspect the disease. Even during the examination, the doctor should identify the main signs of hypothyroidism in the patient. Signs of the initial form of the disease are:

- The patient loses his appetite. He is either irritated and constantly in a state of stress, or he shows indifference to everything that happens around him. Most often, patients suffering from hypothyroidism in this phase of the disease experience rapid loss of body weight. The body weight of patients with hypothyroidism can literally decrease by 5–7 kg in just a month without any particular reason; - The patient’s face changes its color to grayish-pale. Swelling of the eyelids and eyeballs is also noticeable; - After a short period of time, the skin of patients becomes very dry; - The menstrual cycle in women is disrupted, a significant decrease in libido is observed; - Reduced sexual performance in men affects not only potency, but also spermatogenesis and sperm count.

Hypothyroidism is a decrease in the function of the thyroid gland, that is, a decrease in the production or increase in the breakdown of its hormones. But depending on the causes of the disease, the production of these same hormones either decreases or increases, which is why there are two types of pathology - hypothyroid or hyperthyroid.