Diseases of the endocrine nature are not uncommon today. When the thyroid gland overproduces hormones, hyperthyroidism develops. Symptoms, treatment, signs, as well as the causes of this pathology in women will be discussed in the materials of this article.
Thyroid function
The endocrine system includes endocrine glands that continuously produce hormones. With the help of blood, they are carried throughout the human body. Each hormone performs a specific function, thereby regulating the functioning of organs and ensuring their interconnection.
Endocrine glands are interconnected and the central nervous system in such a way that each hormone is synthesized at a certain time of the day and in the required volumes. Thanks to such a well-functioning system, the body functions in accordance with all changes in the external and internal environment.
If at least one gland begins to synthesize an insufficient or excessive amount of hormones, a failure occurs. The thyroid gland produces several hormones, the main ones are: T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). One of the conditions for the full functioning of the gland is the intake of at least 150 micrograms of iodine per day.
What is hyperthyroidism?
It belongs to the category of endocrine syndromes, the development of which is due to hyperfunction of the thyroid gland. The cells of this organ begin to produce thyroid hormones (thyroxine, triiodothyronine) in excessive amounts, which affects the metabolic processes in the body, accelerates their course many times over.
Hyperthyroidism is not a disease like most people think. This is a whole symptom complex that characterizes a malfunction of the gland. Usually, this pathology is a sign of concomitant diseases (cancer, thyroiditis, diffuse toxic goiter).
Causes of hyperthyroidism
A third of the world's population suffers from thyroid disorders. Most pathologies are due to hyperthyroidism. In women, the symptoms and signs of pathology are instantly reflected in the appearance. Since the thyroid gland is the main producer of hormones, it has a direct impact on all processes in the body. Increased production of thyroxine and triiodothyronine is reflected in the weight, performance and mood of the patient. However, many prefer not to seek qualified help from a doctor, attributing the primary symptoms of the disease to heredity or banal fatigue.
What can cause hyperthyroidism? Among the mainits causes should be distinguished by various disorders of the thyroid gland. These include: diffuse toxic goiter, Plummer's disease.
Uncontrolled use of hormonal agents leads to the development of artificial hyperthyroidism. Also, the disease can be caused by excessive consumption of iodine along with food. This element has a direct effect on the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
The most rare causes of hyperthyroidism include the following:
- ovarian tumors;
- side effects of medications;
- pituitary tumors.
Pathology can be preceded by stress and anxiety, various diseases (rheumatism, tuberculosis), pregnancy. In rare cases, the functioning of the gland is disrupted due to an illness of infectious etiology.
How does hyperthyroidism affect a woman's body?
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism of the thyroid gland in women indicate a disruption of the central nervous system and a metabolic disorder. Overly emotionally ill people may experience increased tearfulness, poor sleep, and mood swings. Among other signs of this pathology in women, deterioration in appearance can be distinguished: hair loss and fragility, stratification of nails. However, the most characteristic symptom is an increase in the size of the gland. Even a slight swelling should be a reason for a visit to the doctor. Consider how pathology manifests itself from various organ systems.
- CNS disorder. Insomnia, increasedirritability, panic attacks, poor coordination of the thought process - all this leads to suspect hyperthyroidism.
- Symptoms in women from the cardiac system are manifested by persistent sinus tachycardia, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure.
- Pathology of vision is characterized by limited mobility of the eyeball and its simultaneous displacement forward. Patients complain of doubling of objects, constant tearing.
- Irregularities in metabolic processes. There is a sharp decrease in body weight against the background of excellent appetite. Women also show signs of excessive sweating.
- Muscle weakness. Patients look emaciated, it becomes difficult to walk. Discomfort and weakness in the muscles make it difficult to perform basic movements.
- Reproductive system and hyperthyroidism. In women, the symptoms of pathology often begin to appear with menstrual irregularities. They cannot become pregnant for a long time, and each successful conception usually ends in spontaneous abortion. Menstruation is scanty, accompanied by bloating and severe pain.
How else does hyperthyroidism manifest itself? Symptoms in women in menopause are practically the same as the clinical picture in young girls. Hot flashes, heat intolerance, tachycardia, palpitations - all these signs usually accompany the disease.
Hyperthyroidism can lead to secondary diabetes. The patient gradually manifests characteristic signs of hyperglycemia: thirst, dry mouth, profuse urination. Treatment of this pathology is carried out with the help of strictdiets and medicines. Insulin is not usually needed.
Subclinical hyperthyroidism
There are no symptoms in women with this form of pathology, so it is difficult to identify it at the initial stages of development. Especially often, subclinical hyperthyroidism is diagnosed in elderly women who have been suffering from multinodular goiter for a long time. Sometimes the disease occurs in people with thyrotoxicosis who have undergone complex therapy. There are no clinical manifestations of the pathology, while changes at the hormonal level remain.
Hyperthyroidism and pregnancy
Doctors warn that pregnancy combined with an overactive thyroid can be dangerous. Women with this diagnosis usually develop severe toxicosis, and with it the likelihood of spontaneous abortion and the occurrence of congenital malformations in the baby increases. That is why, even at the planning stage, each representative of the fair sex must undergo a comprehensive examination, paying special attention to the state of the thyroid gland. With the progression of pathology during pregnancy, the possibilities of doctors to eliminate it are very limited. Most of the treatment regimens used involve the use of drugs that are dangerous to the fetus.
Medical examination
When hyperthyroidism is suspected, symptoms in women play an important role in making a diagnosis. At the initial stages, the pathology proceeds without obvious signs, thereforepatients are in no hurry to see a doctor.
The final verdict is determined by the doctor based on the patient's complaints and the results of the examination. When making a diagnosis, the content of thyroid hormones in the blood is assessed. Ultrasound is used to determine the size of the thyroid gland. Localization of nodular formations can be determined using computed tomography. If necessary, an additional biopsy of the gland is prescribed for the purpose of cytological examination.
Treatment methods
When hyperthyroidism is suspected, symptoms and treatment in women should be identified as soon as possible. Lack of adequate therapy can lead to life-threatening complications.
In total, there are three treatment options: conservative, surgical, radioiodine therapy. In each specific case, either one of them or a combination can be used. The choice of the final option depends on the doctor. The specialist must take into account several factors at the same time. First of all, this is the age of the patient, the presence of other diseases, the individual characteristics of the body.
Choosing a conservative treatment option, the patient is prescribed thyreostatic drugs ("Metamizol", "Propylthiouracil"). Medications prevent the accumulation of iodine in the body, reduce the production of thyroid hormones.
Surgical treatment involves the excision of a part of the gland, which is characterized by increased secretion. If it is necessary to remove the entire organ, the patient is prescribed hormone replacement therapy until the endlife.
Very often, radioiodine is combined with a conservative therapy option. The patient is prescribed a single dose of a capsule with radioactive iodine. The drug is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women. As a result of such treatment, iron decreases in size, the secretion of hormones decreases.
Conservative and surgical therapies can cure hyperthyroidism. Symptoms in women become less pronounced if they use the radioiodine method of dealing with the disease.
Prevention
To prevent hyperthyroidism, doctors recommend following simple rules:
- Regularly undergo an ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland, take blood tests to determine the level of hormones.
- Eat right. The diet must be balanced. Preference should be given to foods that are rich in iodine.
- Refuse to visit the solarium, and sun exposure should be dosed.
Now you know what hyperthyroidism is. Symptoms and treatment in women of this pathology are two interrelated issues that require qualified medical attention. If you take the necessary measures to eliminate this problem in a timely manner, you can avoid the development of dangerous complications.
