Content:

• Reasons for violation
• Clinical picture
• Pathology Diagnostics
• Thyroid pathology treatment

The thyroid gland is a very important organ in the human body, which does not differ in large size. This organ performs a significant function: many processes in the body are controlled precisely by the thyroid gland. Iron carries out its functioning through the hormones that it produces. Hypofunction of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) is a deviation from the normal functioning of the organ in the direction of insufficient production of hormones. This deviation can occur for various reasons (it can be congenital or acquired, primary or secondary). 

Reasons for violation

Hypofunction of the thyroid gland occurs for the following reasons:

• congenital organ abnormalities that appear several months after the birth of the baby;
• adverse environmental conditions;
•  living in an area with iodine deficiency, insufficient intake of iodine with food (iodine is of great importance for the normal functioning of the body);
• exposure to harmful toxic substances, for example, when working in hazardous industries;
• radiation exposure;
•  alcohol abuse
• hormonal disorders in the body (women are more susceptible), taking hormonal drugs;
•  thyroid injury.

Secondary hypofunction also occurs when the pituitary gland dysfunction. The hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland, which with the help of its hormones stimulates the thyroid gland. If for some reason the pituitary gland does not produce enough hormones, then the functioning of the gland is impaired.

In addition, the removal of part or part of the thyroid gland can provoke a lack of hormone production.

Clinical picture

With a decrease in the functional activity of the gland in a person, certain symptoms of deviation occur. Signs of hypothyroidism are as follows:

•  apathy, irritability;
• impaired concentration, attention and memory loss;
• general weakness, fatigue, drowsiness;
• decrease in body temperature, blood pressure and blood sugar;
• heart rhythm disturbances;
•  change in body weight;
•  impaired potency in men and disruptions in the menstrual cycle in women; these pathologies can lead to infertility in the future.

Hypofunction of the thyroid gland in children is manifested by underweight, poor appetite, moodiness and tearfulness. For children, this deviation is a dangerous condition. The physical and intellectual development of the child may be impaired, growth will also be suspended.

Pathology Diagnostics

Hypofunction should be diagnosed by a specialist. Self-diagnosis is not possible. It is also important that the diagnosis is timely, because insufficient thyroid activity leads to a number of serious diseases.

Manifestations of the acquired form of hypothyroidism develop gradually, so a person may not seek medical advice for a long time. As a result, with hypothyroidism, thyroiditis occurs (inflammation of the gland). There are several different forms of this disease.

To make a diagnosis, the patient is examined using ultrasound, laboratory tests are performed to determine the level of the pituitary and thyroid hormones. Based on the data obtained, pathology can be diagnosed.

Thyroid pathology treatment

Treatment of hypothyroidism is carried out comprehensively. It is important to consider the causes of violations. If the cause is the pituitary gland, then the main treatment should be aimed at eliminating its diseases.

To normalize the patient’s condition, he is prescribed hormone replacement therapy. The intake of hormonal drugs continues in courses. The duration of admission is determined by the doctor.

Additionally, as a treatment, the patient is prescribed a diet. The basis of the diet is the use of foods rich in iodine. The greatest amount of iodine is found in seafood (fish, seaweed). It is also useful to eat iodized salt instead of regular salt. In addition, the patient is prescribed other vitamins and minerals that can be taken with food or in pill form.

The patient should be monitored by a doctor. This will prevent the development of serious diseases and normalize the patient’s condition. After the doctor’s permission, the patient may stop taking medication.