One of the common pathologies of the endocrine system are disorders associated with the work of the thyroid gland. In many cases, apply drugs aimed at correcting the work of the body, including in the form of synthetic hormones, when pronounced hypothyroidism is formed (suppression of the functions of the gland). In addition, for prophylactic or therapeutic purposes can be used and iodine preparations, especially in regions with a pronounced deficit in food and water. But all treatment and selection of drugs is carried out only by an endocrinologist, who selects doses and controls the tolerance of therapy.
Thyroid pathologies requiring treatment
In the body’s metabolic processes, the thyroid gland has a pronounced effect, regulating the exchange of energy and fats, proteins and some other compounds. Due to constantly maintained stable concentrations of hormones synthesized by the thyroid gland, a normal weight, body temperature and general well-being, stable work of the nervous system are maintained. Severe abnormalities in the organ’s work invariably lead to the appearance of extremely unpleasant symptoms of hypothyroidism (when thyroid synthesizes few hormones) or thyrotoxicosis (if the functions of the organ are sharply strengthened). A significant role in the stable functioning of the thyroid gland is played by the sufficiency of iodine, which is part of the thyroid hormones and with a deficiency of which the endocrine function of the organ can be significantly affected. Accordingly, therapy is aimed at correcting those disorders that are present – iodine subsidy at the expense of nutritional supplements or drugs, suppression of the synthesis of hormones during thyrotoxicosis, or subsidy from outside, with a sharply reduced thyroid function.
Hormone drugs: when are they shown?
In hypothyroidism, caused by various lesions of the thyroid gland, when the synthesis of its own hormones is sharply suppressed or impossible (for example, when part of the gland is removed), replacement therapy is indicated. In some cases, hormones are prescribed to suppress the activity of the gland against a background of diffuse goiter (non-toxic) or in the presence of tumors in its structure. Showing hormones and the prevention of recurrence of goiter on the background of partial resection of the gland. In any case, the indications for taking hormones from the outside, in the form of drugs, are determined by the doctor in each case individually, all the drugs are selected in strictly defined dosages, taking into account tolerability. Typically, synthetic hormones for treatment are used in the form of levothyroxine and triiodothyronine, and combination therapy is applicable. The main medication for maintenance treatment is the drug of choice, this is Levothyroxine.
Tactics of the doctor in the selection of drugs
Based on whether it is a primary hypothyroidism (associated with the problems of the gland itself) or secondary (associated with problems of the pituitary gland), the doctor during treatment with hormonal drugs strictly controls the level of tropic hormones (plasma TSH) and the level of the hormone T4 in plasma. Initially, the doctor selects the starting dose of drugs, and after two months carries out the control of plasma hormones, if the treatment is chosen adequately, then hormonal background control is carried out every six months.
In elderly patients, doctors usually begin therapy with minimal doses of drugs, gradually increasing their level to therapeutic concentrations over a period of 8–12 weeks. Especially careful to approach the treatment of thyroid hormones of people suffering from hypertension and coronary heart disease with kidney and liver problems. Against the background of medication, regular monitoring of cardiac activity with the help of ultrasound of the heart and ECG is necessary.
What medicines can be used?
Endocrinologists in their practice are actively using such drugs for hormone replacement therapy like Levothyroxine or L-thyroxine, Eutirox in tablets of different dosages. These drugs belong to the synthetic analogues of the natural hormone gland – thyroxine. The main indications when these drugs are applicable are considered – the state of hypothyroidism, treatment or prevention of non-toxic diffuse goiter, the presence of autoimmune thyroiditis and after removal of the gland for tumors. All drugs are selected and dosed strictly individually, only by a specialist – the independent use of these drugs is dangerous!
It is important to consider the possible side effects when taking these drugs and an extensive list of contraindications, as well as the presence of existing diseases that require the use of other drugs, as hormones can both positively and negatively affect the action of drugs.
Drugs like Triiodothyronine or Liothyronine can also be used. These are synthetic analogues of the natural hormone triiodothyronine (T3). They are indicated in the presence of primary cases of hypothyroidism in the form of cretinism or myxedema, as well as in various disorders in the brain and pituitary, the hypothyroidism becoming one of the symptoms. These drugs can be used in the presence of obesity on the background of hypothyroidism, as well as in the treatment of endemic goiter or after surgery for a tumor of the gland.
Preparations with iodine
In the practice of endocrinologists, they can also use combined medications that contain apparently hormonal substances also iodine in a certain concentration. Such drugs include Tireocomb – it contains triiodothyronine and thyroxin in combination with iodine (in the form of potassium iodide).
In addition to it, the drug Iodthyrox is used – it contains levothyroxine in combination with iodine (in the form of potassium iodide). These drugs are used in the treatment of pathologies of the thyroid gland, with an existing shortage of hormones.
Food supplements and drugs containing iodine are also applicable to compensate for iodine deficiency or prevent such conditions. They are shown to people living in endemic regions, pregnant women and children during the period of active growth, when a deficiency of this mineral is likely.In addition, they are prescribed to patients in the complex therapy of thyroid pathologies under the supervision of a physician for a long period of time.