Problems with the thyroid gland in women are not uncommon. But, as a rule, not knowing the symptoms, many simply ignore them, and as a result, the disease develops. There are a number of reasons why thyroid symptoms in women appear and result in serious consequences. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the main symptoms and learn about the methods of treatment.
Structure of the thyroid gland
This organ is responsible for internal secretion and is an important part of the endocrine system. With its help, certain hormones are synthesized, which are essential for the body's homeostasis to be maintained within the normal range. The thyroid gland is a symmetrical organ consisting of an isthmus and two lobes. The left and right halves are adjacent to the trachea, and the isthmus is located on its front surface. The thyroid gland in women changes constantly. But the average weight varies from 65 to 20 grams. WhereinThe size of the shares depends on a number of factors, including gender and age. During puberty, it usually increases in size, and closer to old age, it begins to decrease. The volume of the thyroid gland in women may be increased due to pregnancy. But after giving birth within a year, this effect subsides, and the organ returns to normal.
Functions of Organ
The thyroid gland produces a number of specific processes associated with the synthesis of hormones containing iodine and peptides. These are thyroxine, triiodothyronine, calcitonin. These same hormones are the regulators of normal life and homeostasis of the body. They provide a number of metabolic processes in organs and tissues, carry out processes responsible for the formation of new cells and their structural differentiation, as well as for their death, which is programmed at the genetic level.
Also, these hormones are responsible for maintaining normal body temperature, energy production (calorific effect). The thyroid gland regulates the process of energy production, oxidation, oxygen uptake by cells, they are responsible for the production and neutralization of free radicals. Also, these hormones are responsible for mental, emotional, mental and physical development. That is why the symptoms of the thyroid gland in women can proceed unnoticed by the patient until the immune system begins to fail. Although here, too, many begin to dismiss it until it gets really bad.
Thyroid disease
To define this or thatdisease, it will be necessary to conduct a number of studies, including instrumental, laboratory, physical methods that will allow us to assess the functional activity of the organ and its morphological structure.
Now more about the diseases that are visible through the diagnosis and symptoms of the thyroid gland in women. They are divided into three groups:
- Thyrotoxicosis.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Knot formation, goiter, hyperplasia and more.
In the first case, the production of hormones is enhanced. In the second, the level of produced substances is reduced. The third case may be accompanied by different levels of hormones and a large number of other diseases.
Thyroid symptoms in women
As a rule, all the symptoms depend on the content of hormones in the body. If it is reduced, then the metabolism slows down significantly, the production of heat and energy decreases significantly. There is a feeling of constant fatigue, weakness, chilliness, swelling, memory and performance deteriorate, weight gain, dry skin, fragility and dullness of hair appear. There is a violation of the menstrual cycle, early menopause may occur, accompanied by severe depression.
The increase in hormones leads to the fact that metabolic processes accelerate, a person becomes irritable, quick-tempered, appetite increases, but body weight, on the contrary, decreases, the heartbeat quickens, and the rhythm may be disturbed. Patients also experience insomnia, sweating, and elevated body temperature.
The problem is that inin older people, these symptoms may be less pronounced. It is also difficult to diagnose thyroid problems in women during menopause, when hot flashes are felt. Many of the fair sex may think that this is the onset of menopause. As a result, the disease is diagnosed quite late. Often manifested in women "goiter", that is, an increase in the volume of the thyroid gland, which should normally be in the range of 9-18 ml.
Causes of thyroid disease
Diseases always appear for a number of reasons, which can be both single and group. But the fact is that psycho-emotional overload, insufficient and unbalanced nutrition, radiation and unfavorable ecology, infections, chronic diseases and taking certain drugs can cause the development of thyroid diseases in any person. If you think that you have the above symptoms and you are at risk, contact an endocrinologist who will conduct an examination and prescribe the correct course of treatment.
