Subclinical hypothyroidism is a complex thyroid disease. At the same time, the organ cannot work in a normal mode and gradually begins to destroy itself. During normal functioning, the thyroid gland releases hormones into the bloodstream that allow the patient to live a full life.
The activity of this organ affects the entire body, stimulating the functioning of organs. Violation occurs with a deficiency of hormones, as well as with an excess of them in the body. The manifestation of these types of violations can be quite different. With a lack of thyroid hormones, the body begins to gradually fail, and all its resources are depleted. With an excess of hormones, the thyroid gland begins to eliminate itself, which adversely affects the functioning of all organs.
The danger of the disease lies in the fact that it can disguise itself as somatic disorders, the treatment of which does not give any result at all. A patient with existing symptoms turns to a cardiologist, gynecologist and neuropathologist. And only in the last stagesgets an appointment with an endocrinologist.
If the thyroid gland is dysfunctional, it is important to start treatment in a timely manner in order to prevent complications.
Feature of the disease
The thyroid gland is located on the neck and has the shape of a butterfly. Normally, it is not palpable. The hormones produced by this organ are required for the normal functioning of many organs and systems. Thyroid hormones affect weight, reproductive function, metabolism, thermoregulation.
To prescribe the right treatment, you need to know what subclinical hypothyroidism is and how this disease manifests itself. This is the initial form of destruction of the thyroid gland, but there are no pronounced symptoms. With a pronounced hormonal imbalance, there may be a violation of the functioning of all organs and systems. The disease proceeds hidden and is characterized by a slow extinction of the main functions of the thyroid gland.
It is very important to carry out treatment in a timely manner, since the consequences of the pathological process can be very dangerous. In women, this condition can cause menstrual irregularities and infertility, and in men it provokes problems with potency. In addition, the disease can provoke a deterioration in the functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems of the body. Depending on the stage of subclinical hypothyroidism, the prognosis and nature of the course of the pathology is determined.
Causes of occurrence
Causes of subclinical hypothyroidismcan be very different, in particular, some other diseases, the use of medications, as well as hormonal and radiation therapy can provoke a violation. In addition, among the provoking factors, it is necessary to highlight such as:
- improper development of internal organs in a child;
- partially or completely removed thyroid gland;
- lack of iodine in the body;
- long-term use of drugs that affect this organ;
- inflammatory processes in adjacent tissues;
- exposure to radioactive iodine.
In the presence of one or more causes of subclinical hypothyroidism, it is necessary to periodically undergo an examination in order to recognize the course of the disease in a timely manner. The pathology can be inherited and have a congenital character or manifest itself in adolescence. The development of hypothyroidism can be triggered by inflammation of the thyroid gland or an overdose of iodine. Patients who have goiter or autoimmune thyroiditis are at risk.
Main symptoms
Despite the fact that the symptoms of subclinical hypothyroidism are not too pronounced, nevertheless, such a condition may be accompanied by certain specific signs. The manifestation of this disease can be easily confused with other psychogenic and somatic disorders. Often, among the main manifestations, constipation is distinguished, which can alternate with diarrheal syndrome. The appearance of signs of gallstone disease is also likely.
In addition, with hypothyroidism, there may be diseases of the cardiovascular system, in particular, increased pressure, effusion in the pericardial cavity. In women, subclinical hypothyroidism can manifest itself in the form of intermittent bleeding, as well as the progression of osteoarthritis.
Of the specific signs, coarsening of the voice, an increase in the tongue, swelling of the face should be distinguished. As the disease progresses, the symptoms increase somewhat. As a result of a lack of hormones, there is a gradual deterioration in the intellectual abilities of a person and a deterioration in memory. At the last stage of subclinical hypothyroidism, there is an increase in pressure and deterioration of vision. At the same time, the hair becomes brittle and thin, and the skin becomes gray-yellow. In addition, against the background of a decrease in thyroid function, anemia and bradycardia are observed.
Diagnostics
To determine how to treat subclinical hypothyroidism, you need to initially diagnose. The diagnosis is made mainly on the basis of blood tests. Characteristic in this case is an increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone with normal levels of thyroid hormones.
In addition, additional research methods may be prescribed, in particular, such as:
- antibody test;
- electrocardiography;
- ultrasound diagnostics;
- radiography;
- scintigraphy;
- blood biochemistry.
Such techniques make it possible to determine deviationsin the functioning of the thyroid gland, as well as disturbances in the work of other organs resulting from the course of the disease.
Hypothyroidism during pregnancy
Many women during pregnancy are interested in what it is - primary subclinical hypothyroidism and how exactly it affects the bearing of a child. It is worth noting that the disease will not go away on its own and therefore treatment should be carried out immediately. Basically, disorders appear in the first 3 months of pregnancy, and from this the child may develop abnormally or even die.
That is why you need to visit the doctor regularly even at the stage of pregnancy planning. This will make it possible to determine the course of the disease at the initial stage of development and to carry out treatment in a timely manner. If a woman is only planning a pregnancy, then it is imperative to use contraceptives before the normalization of hormone levels.
Therapy is carried out with medications that help normalize the level of hormones in the blood. For treatment, the doctor prescribes replacement therapy with synthetic thyretoxins and iodine-containing drugs. The dosage is selected individually depending on the weight of the woman and does not change throughout the entire time of the drug. It is undesirable to use folk remedies during pregnancy, as this can provoke a significant deterioration in well-being and adversely affect the development of the fetus.
It is worth noting that this disease can be inherited to the fetus. There is a chance that the child will have the disease in a more advanced stage. After completion of treatment and the birth of a child, a woman should be periodically observed by an endocrinologist until complete recovery. You may have to register the child as well.
Hypothyroidism in children
Symptoms and treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism are almost the same as in adults, but the disease is more complicated in the congenital type. The presence of disorders can be recognized by the results of tests for the level of thyroid hormones. In this case, there are no pronounced symptoms or the signs are blurred.
In newborns, tests are taken in the first hours after they are born. Be sure to consult a doctor if you have symptoms such as:
- puffiness;
- jaundice;
- hoarse crying;
- dry skin;
- low body temperature;
- fast weight gain.
These signs signal the beginning of the development of the disease. Subclinical hypothyroidism in older children is characterized by impaired mental and physical development, as well as somewhat impaired vision.
Treatment should begin immediately after diagnosis. During therapy, thyroid hormones are used. The dosage of the drug largely depends on the weight, age of the child and the severity of the course of the disease. In addition, it is imperative to control its level in the blood.
When the content is loweredthese hormones in the body, you need to consume food rich in iodine, and if necessary, the drug "Iodomarin" is indicated. If the disease was detected in a child under 2 years old, then he will have to take hormonal drugs throughout his life.
During the course of the disease, the baby may experience negative changes in the cardiovascular system. Diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism in adolescents is carried out in the same way as in adults, however, hormone levels may return to normal on their own.
Features of treatment
Subclinical hypothyroidism can be cured if the disease was detected at the initial stage. In each case, the method of therapy is selected purely individually. Each patient develops their own program to restore the amount of hormones in the body.
In some situations, treatment is not prescribed, in case of serious diseases of other organs and systems. Often, substitution therapy is prescribed, but only for young patients. Synthetic hormone thyroxine is used as a drug. Dosage and course of therapy is selected individually in each case.
In addition, it is desirable to additionally use alternative therapy that has a positive effect on the body. It is also required to follow a certain diet and introduce foods containing a large amount of iodine into the usual diet.
Medicated treatment
If subclinical hypothyroidism occurs due to iodineinsufficiency, you should immediately begin treatment with hormone replacement drugs. During therapy, it is imperative to monitor the level of hormones and undergo an examination every 6 months. It is impossible to completely cure the disease, but it is possible to control the functioning of the thyroid gland and reduce negative manifestations.
Levothyroxine is used as a replacement therapy. The dosage is calculated according to the weight of the patient. The medicine is applied in the morning strictly on an empty stomach. It is not recommended to change the dosage on your own, as this may make you feel worse.
In addition, symptomatic therapy may be required, which involves the use of cardiac, hormonal drugs, cardioprotectors, vitamin complexes. To eliminate depression and apathy, it is recommended to use Amitriptyline.
Traditional medicine
Many people use folk remedies to treat subclinical hypothyroidism. Herbs and fruits of plants have healing properties, which have been known for a long time. For therapy, such herbal preparations are used as:
- St. John's wort, elecampane, chamomile, cocklebur, wild rose;
- birch buds, St. John's wort, mountain ash, elecampane, cocklebur;
- celandine, coltsfoot, chamomile, yarrow, licorice, angelica.
These combinations of medicinal herbs are considered the most common and are used in diseases of the thyroid gland. It is worth remembering that in subclinical hypothyroidism alternative treatment can be used only after consulting a doctor, so as not to provoke the occurrence of side effects.
Nutrition for Hypothyroidism
With subclinical hypothyroidism, your diet must be reviewed. Some foods should be excluded from the usual diet, in particular, such as:
- soy products;
- sugar;
- fatty fish and meat;
- butter;
- peanuts.
It is not recommended to consume a lot of liquid, as it contributes to the formation of edema and provokes kidney problems. When hypothyroidism occurs, it is recommended to include in your diet:
- selenium and iodine fortified foods;
- fresh fruits and vegetables;
- coffee;
- lean meat and poultry.
Such a diet enables a person to restore he alth much faster and get rid of an existing disease. Throughout the entire period of dieting, you need to control your weight and note all its fluctuations.
Consequences of the disease
Normal indications of thyroid hormones during the course of subclinical hypothyroidism allow you to maintain the vital activity of the body. However, it is worth noting that this disease adversely affects sexual function, as well as the work of the cardiovascular system and other organs. Among the main consequences are the following:
- vascular atherosclerosis;
- high cholesterol;
- anemia;
- menstruation disorder;
- reduced sex drive;
- infertility;
- depressive states.
All these effects are observed only in some patients. The most sensitive to the occurrence of hypothyroidism are people under 40 years old. An advanced form of the disease can lead to a coma of the patient.
Prophylaxis
Prevention is the control of iodine in the body. To do this, you need to ensure proper nutrition, in particular, consume foods high in iodine. In addition, you need to control your weight and your doctor should monitor its normalization.
People with a predisposition to thyroid disease should avoid significant physical exertion. It is advisable to limit yourself to walking in the fresh air, swimming, yoga. It is important to avoid emotional overstrain. Spa treatment has a good effect.
