The thyroid gland is one of the most important human organs. The health and work of all body systems largely depend on its proper functioning. It creates reserves of iodine, which is necessary for the production of hormones that provide the basic processes of life.
The role of the thyroid gland in the body
The thyroid gland in shape resembles a butterfly. As a rule, it increases in adolescents and in pregnant women, and in older people decreases. An increase in its size can also indicate the presence of pathologies or diseases. In general, it performs the following functions:
- regulation of development processes and renewal of all body tissues;
- energy exchange provision;
- stimulation of protein formation and participation in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals;
- providing reactions under stress;
- stimulation of the body’s immune system;
- ensuring the correct functioning of the central nervous system.
Disorders in the thyroid gland are associated with hormonal redundancy or insufficiency. An increase in hormonal activity is called hyperthyroidism. It develops as a result of diseases such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Another abnormality of the endocrine system is hypothyroidism. It is caused by acute iodine deficiency or chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.
Today, drugs, iodine-containing drugs, or surgery are used to treat thyroid diseases.
The most important thyroid hormones
In the blood test for hormones, you can find three main designations – TSH, T3 and T4. The TSH content is from 0.4 to 4 mIU / L. Its main functions are to ensure the proper functioning of the human reproductive system, psychosomatic reactions, metabolism and the work of the heart and blood vessels. He is also responsible for the production of T3 (triiodinine) and T4 (thyroxine).
T3 is important for the work of the cardiovascular system, activates the growth of body tissues and lowers blood cholesterol. T4 is responsible for saturating the body with oxygen, obtaining energy from fats, and adjusting the heart rate.
With a low level of TSH, symptoms such as sweating, palpitations, increased blood pressure, anxiety, irritability, a feeling of “sand” under the eyelids are observed. If the level is elevated, then the patient experiences general malaise, a change in the emotional state, problems with the digestive system, and changes in blood pressure.
An elevated T3 level provokes irritability, weight loss, menstrual irregularities in women and an increase in the mammary glands in men. If an insufficient volume of T3 is produced, then the patient experiences general weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, and swelling.
With an excess of T4, the patient appears irritability, weight loss, heart rate. The lack of this hormone leads to a deterioration of the skin and hair, memory impairment and malfunction of the menstrual cycle in women.
Since the above hormones are very important for the functioning of all body systems, it is necessary to pay attention to unpleasant symptoms in time, which may indicate malfunctioning of the thyroid gland. To identify their excess or deficiency, you can use a special blood test, and then regularly visit an endocrinologist.
Thyroid Disease Prevention
Today, endocrine diseases are found in a fairly large number of children and adults. In many regions of Russia and other countries of the world, iodine deficiency is observed, which is the main cause of hormonal disruptions and malfunctions of all body systems. A significant role in their development is played by such factors as an unfavorable environmental situation, poor food quality, unbalanced nutrition, infectious diseases, and decreased immunity.
Pathologies of the endocrine system, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, lead to the development of serious diseases and pathologies. Bronchial asthma, diabetes, bone dysplasia, arthritis – this is not an exhaustive list of diseases that result from hormonal redundancy or insufficiency. But, first of all, the brain suffers. Malfunctions in the thyroid gland can cause mental retardation.
A possible means of preventing endocrine diseases will be to change the region or country of residence to a more favorable one. But if this is not possible, then you should pay attention to unpleasant symptoms in time and consult with an endocrinologist.
The probability of endocrine diseases is observed in the following patients:
- often suffering from colds;
- people with cardiac arrhythmias;
- patients experiencing skin problems such as dryness, swelling, atopic dermatitis;
- people with complaints of drowsiness, apathy, inability to concentrate on work.
The environmental situation in many large cities of Russia is not the most favorable. Iodine deficiency is observed almost everywhere. First of all, children are at risk, since the presence of endocrinological problems can lead to serious deviations in mental development. Therefore, the prevention of thyroid disease in children should be a priority for parents and health workers.
The following measures are necessary to reduce the incidence rate:
- spend less time indoors behind a computer or TV screen;
- walk more outside in sunny weather;
- to eat foods rich in iodine – seaweed, seafood, walnuts, and, of course, iodized salt;
- limit antibiotic intake;
- drink purified water;
- to perform physical exercises;
- to control the emotional state;
- visit an endocrinologist regularly.
Prevention of endocrine diseases is much more effective than their treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the hormonal background, nutrition and lifestyle from a very early age.