Today, thyroid pathologies are quite common. Along with diabetes, they are among the most frequent reasons for writing to an endocrinologist. If the body weight changes dramatically in just a few months, if there are constantly constipation or there are other signs of hypothyroidism, you should not hesitate with the examination.

When do I need to write to the endocrinologist?

First of all, any bulge in the front of the neck should be an occasion to write to the endocrinologist. it most visual sign pathologies thyroid glands . But beyond that , find phone good clinics and to consult at Specialists need to with a number of symptoms, which, at first glance, may seem signs of other diseases, but taken together testify in favor of lesions   thyroid gland. Discuss the 10 major signs of a possible hyper- or hypothyroidism.

Changes in the size of the thyroid gland (goiter)

The thyroid gland is a small organ on the front of the neck that regulates heartbeat, calorie burning rate and other metabolic functions. Thyroid hormone receptors are present in almost all organs. That is why when it is enlarged or malfunctioning, the consequences are so great that they can lead to heart, muscle, bone anomalies, infertility and other health problems if the patient is not treated.   Record to the endocrinologist, first of all, is needed in cases when the neck swelling is visually visible – uniform or in the form of nodes.  

Several millions of people suffer from this or that form of thyroid pathology in our country. Autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto’s disease and Graves disease , are the most common causes of hypothyroidism (when the thyroid gland produces too few hormones) and hyperthyroidism (the opposite situation is an excess of hormones), respectively. Women are 8 times more likely than men to have problems with the thyroid gland. It is believed that every eighth may have a thyroid problem during life. Detection of thyroid disorders is especially important in pregnant women.They are at a higher risk of miscarriage, premature delivery and fetal malformations if hyper -or hypothyroidism is not treated .

Body mass fluctuations

The reason for writing to the endocrinologist should be sharp fluctuations in body weight – its set or a sharp loss. When hypothyroidism metabolism slows down, which can lead to an active weight gain. In hyperthyroidism, the body can consume too much energy, which can lead to loss of body weight. However, the opposite may occur, which is associated with hormonal effects on appetite. Since people with hypothyroidism do not always want to eat, and their body weight does not come, while people with hyperthyroidism often have an increased appetite, and can consume excessive amounts of calories while gaining weight. Some even say that they are hungry all the time and constantly eat.

Muscle weakness with hypothyroidism

An entry to an endocrinologist is important if there are problems with physical activity, difficulties with performing physical work due to shortness of breath and muscle weakness associated with hypothyroidism. Although muscle fatigue and weakness are usually associated with reduced gland function, they can also be a symptom of hyperthyroidism. Against the background of excessive organ activity, patients can also perspire heavily and do not tolerate heat well, while hypothyroidism usually leads to chilliness, freezing even in a warm room.

Resistant constipation

Just as hypothyroidism slows down the metabolism, it inhibits the work of the gastrointestinal tract, causing constipation. When hyperthyroidism is often the opposite situation: patients may visit the toilet too often. But, as with many of the other symptoms typical of a thyroid lesion, constipation is often a sign of problems associated with other pathologies. So, constipation can be triggered by poor nutrition, taking medication, a violation of biliary excretion.

Eye symptoms

People with Graves disease may complain that their eyelids are swollen and their eyes bulge out of their orbits. This may be due to the fact that immune cells attack the tissues and muscles of the eye in the same way as they affect the thyroid gland. The reason for writing to the endocrinologist can also be redness of the eyelids, irritation, lacrimation and double vision. Sometimes people with hypothyroidism can experience hearing loss, which is completely reversible with adequate diagnosis and treatment.

Lump in throat, discomfort in the neck

An important entry to the endocrinologist is to check the neck area. On examination, the doctor will ask you to take a sip of water or swallow saliva, while carefully inspecting the front surface of the neck. If the area under the Adam’s apple appears to be convex during swallowing, the doctor may prescribe an ultrasound or biopsy to identify the problem. The most dangerous lumps, seals or enlarged gland nodes, as they may be a sign of cancer. A hoarse voice and difficulty swallowing are also alarming signs, although experts say that thyroid cancer is usually “silent” and does not manifest itself. But there is good news. Almost 85% of the thyroid nodules are benign, and those that are malignant are surgical treatment.

Emotional instability

Patients with hyperthyroidism may not always notice that they are more grumbling and emotional, but their spouses or family members often pay attention to this. Patients may also feel more tense and nervous, agitated or aggressive. Depression in hypothyroidism is also not uncommon, and in people with excessive thyroid activity, neuroses are possible (nervous tic, enuresis). However, mood changes can sometimes be incorrectly diagnosed, they are associated with stress or other problems, while problems of the thyroid gland are not determined.

The more a patient has the listed signs and symptoms, the more likely it is that the culprit is hypothyroidism or excessive gland activity. Even if one or two signs are determined, it is worth asking the attending physician to perform a test for TSH – a simple   a blood test that measures how many thyroid hormones are produced in the body. If the thyroid gland is excessively active or inactive , it can be cured with medication or surgery.