Due to a lack of thyroid hormones in the body, hypothyroidism develops. The frequency of its occurrence in women is much higher than in men. Diagnosis of this disease in some cases is difficult. Consider why hypothyroidism occurs in women, the symptoms and treatment of this disease.
Features of hypothyroidism
Thyroid dysfunction leads to inhibition of all major processes in the human body. This is due to the fact that thyroid hormones affect the intensity of energy metabolism.
The features of dysfunction are as follows:
- Rarely is a separate disease.
- Hypothyroidism is not the only diagnosis in a patient (with some rare exceptions).
- Hormonal dysfunction is based on functional disorders of the thyroid gland.
- The disease causes a violation of hormonal and energy metabolism in the body.
Why does thyroid dysfunction develop?
Causes of hypofunction of the thyroid gland:
- Pathological processes in the thyroid gland itself. In this case, we speak of primary hypothyroidism.
- Underdevelopment of the organ. Diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism.
- Congenital deficiency of enzymes that synthesize thyroid hormones.
- Pathological processes that occur in the hypothalamic -pituitary system.
- Autoimmune damage to thyroid tissue.
- Temperature, drug effects on the body.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism in women
Among the symptoms of this pathology, it is worth noting the following:
- depression, apathy and increased drowsiness;
- tearfulness and intolerance to cold weather;
- gradual deterioration of memory;
- muscle weakness, arthralgia;
- hair loss, as well as hyperkeratosis in the elbow, knee and plantar areas;
- fragility of nails, fragility of hair;
- swelling of the face, hands and feet. Taking diuretics only aggravates this condition, as the violation of water-salt metabolism increases;
- gradually develops atherosclerosis due to a progressive increase in the amount of cholesterol in the blood;
- a woman gradually gains weight;
- hematopoietic processes worsen, anemia and shortness of breath develop;
- appetite decreases;
- develops arrhythmia and shortness of breath, not associated with cardiac activity;
- flatulence;
- violation of the menstrual cycle.
If these signs begin to bother you, then you should consult a doctor, since the progression of the disease is very dangerous. The consequences of hypothyroidism depend on the degree and duration of the hormonal deficiency. If there are no thyroid-stimulating hormones in the blood, then the clinic of the disease will only increase. A severe form of this pathology is called myxedema.
How does hypothyroidism affect a woman’s reproductive function?
Thyroid dysfunctions adversely affect women’s health, causing menstrual irregularities and infertility. Hypothyroidism is one of the factors of impaired reproductive function, since it depends on the coherence of the general hormonal background.
Therefore, the insufficiency of the functioning of the thyroid gland negatively affects women’s health, stimulates the development of hormonal and gynecological diseases.
The hormones of this gland regulate the processes of development, maturation and regeneration of all tissues of the body, including the sex glands. Often the disease develops in menopause, worsening the already disturbed hormonal balance.
Treatment of hypothyroidism
Treatment of this disease can be effective only after a thorough examination. Diagnosis of hypothyroidism includes an analysis that establishes the presence of thyroid-stimulating and thyroid hormones in the blood. To confirm the autoimmune nature of the disease, the presence of antibodies in the body is determined.
Treatment of hypothyroidism is aimed at increasing the level of these substances in the blood. This can be done by taking medications that replace thyroid hormones. Replacement therapy drugs are prescribed by an endocrinologist, the dosage is selected individually.
When using computer reflexology, it is possible to restore the functioning of the thyroid gland without the use of hormone replacement therapy. The structure of the organ and its functions are restored.
Women are advised to take medications containing sex hormones as directed by a gynecologist. This is necessary to restore normal menstrual and ovulatory function.
Nutrition for hypothyroidism should be complete. It is important to reduce the amount of foods rich in cholesterol and saturated fats. Useful seafood, raw vegetables and fruits, dried fruits. For salting food, iodized salt should be used.
Hypothyroidism is a dangerous disease. Women need to closely monitor all the changes that occur with health and respond to them in a timely manner.