The thyroid gland plays a leading role in the work of many organs and body systems. The general condition of a person in many cases depends on the health of this organ of the endocrine system. How to identify violations of the thyroid.

Blood test for hormones and ultrasound of the thyroid gland: when to do?

Diseases of the thyroid gland are in second place among the problems of the endocrine system, second only to diabetes. Therefore, many women are interested in the question: “At what age is it time to pay attention to the health of your thyroid?” Doctors recommend doing this before the baby is born, and even better – before the onset of pregnancy. After all, the thyroid gland is the organ that has a considerable influence on the further growth and development of the child. By the way, it is disorders in the activity of the thyroid gland that are often the cause of infertility.

Nowadays, all pregnant women must necessarily undergo an ultrasound procedure of the thyroid gland, as well as a blood test for hormone levels. And even if everything is normal, during pregnancy, the doctor sometimes prescribes iodine preparations for the prevention of disease. These two survey methods complement each other. Ultrasound shows the size of the thyroid gland and the presence of pathologies. But this examination cannot determine how the thyroid gland works. There are cases when the results of ultrasound examinations were normal, and human well-being left much to be desired. In this case, a hormone level analysis helps to diagnose.

The most common disease of the thyroid gland is hypothyroidism – a decrease in the synthesis of hormones and hyperthyroidism – an increased production thereof.

Signs of hypothyroidism are: the appearance of lethargy, drowsiness, swelling in the morning. An increase in dryness of the skin, hair loss, and problems with the stool are observed. In women, there is a violation of the menstrual cycle, and in men – problems with potency. A blood test can detect a decrease in hemoglobin levels, as well as high cholesterol levels.

Hyperfunction of the thyroid gland is observed less frequently. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are difficult to determine, since they are similar to the symptoms of other diseases. Patients have a sharp weight loss for no apparent reason, increased irritability, irritability, sweating, sensitivity and sleep disturbances. People of age may experience irregular heart rhythms.

Sometimes people with hyperthyroidism develop complex relationships in the family. Households justify the obnoxious behavior of a nasty character. And to blame for all the increased hormone levels of the thyroid gland. Most often, these symptoms appear under the influence of stress or as a result of a viral infection.

The occurrence of nodes in the area of ​​the thyroid gland is quite frequent. Unfortunately, with age, such changes appear in many women. In the case of nodular goiter, a puncture of the node is usually made to determine the nature of the formation, and after that the person is under the supervision of doctors. This is done in order to detect a possible tumor in time and start its treatment.

Treatment of diseases of the thyroid gland: drugs or surgery?

If you have symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, it is necessary, without delay, to go to an appointment with an endocrinologist, who will conduct an examination, including an ultrasound of the thyroid gland, and   blood test   hormones, and prescribe the necessary treatment.With the correct diagnosis and timely treatment, the pancreas functions are stabilized, and the patient’s general condition improves.

The basic principle of the treatment of hypothyroidism is the replenishment of hormone deficiency. Basically prescribed use of L-thyroxine in the form of tablets. The course of treatment begins with a small dose.   drugs, gradually increasing it depending on the age and state of health of the patient. During the period of therapy, it is necessary to monitor the general condition of the patient, making a hormonal blood test twice a year and once a year an ultrasound of the thyroid gland.

Treatment of hyperthyroidism – increased hormone production – is somewhat more complicated. In this situation, three types of therapy are used:

• Medication – with the help of drugs. In most cases, mercazole is used, which inhibits the production of hormones, weakening negative autoimmune processes. The duration of the course is about two years with further observation by a doctor.
• Radioisotope – is carried out with the help of radioactive iodine, which contributes to the suppression of the secretion of hormones.
• Surgical treatment, which is carried out in the case of the threat of cancer tumors or in the case of diffuse toxic goiter severe. In the latter case, it is possible to remove both a separate part of the organ and the entire thyroid gland. After the operation, patients are given an appropriate course of treatment, as a result, their state of health improves, and they continue to live a full life.

Thyroid Disease Prevention

To prevent thyroid disease, you need to think about adhering to some measures.   prophylaxis:

• physical activity;
• interesting work and normal relations with colleagues;
• eating iodized salt, especially in areas where there is an insufficient iodine content in groundwater.

In addition, an important role is played by proper nutrition. It is recommended to include in the menu: fermented milk products, sea kale, all nuts, except peanuts, dried fruits, lemons, sunflower seeds, greens and vegetables, rosehips, hawthorn, green tea, honey, wholemeal bread. It is advisable to limit or exclude from consumption: sugar with confectionery, margarine, chips, spirits, pickles, canned products, ketchup, mustard, all kinds of sauces, fast food products, canned meat, fast food. It is very useful to eat sea fish, but only 20% of iodine remains in frozen fish. For this reason, those who have the opportunity to relax on the beach, it is recommended to pamper yourself with freshly caught sea fish.

Some people wonder whether it is worth spending so much effort – are there foods containing iodine and taking iodine-containing drugs? Can I just use iodine in its natural form?

This can not be done. Such a misconception is one of the most common. Pharmaceutical tincture contains such a huge amount of iodine, which is undeniably harmful to health.

Currently, you can also find many recipes for the treatment of diseases of the endocrine system, offered by supporters of alternative medicine.

In some cases, they can be used as an adjunct to drug treatment, but only after consulting an endocrinologist.