Chronic fatigue, excess weight, hair loss and brittle nails are symptoms familiar to many. They are more common in women, but are sometimes seen in men as well. In some cases, these signs are simply ignored. Fatigue is associated with constant work, and weight gain is associated with malnutrition. However, these symptoms often indicate the development of a pathology such as secondary hypothyroidism. In adults, such a disease can occur in a latent form. Symptoms of this pathology can be confused with symptoms of other ailments. After all, hypothyroidism affects almost all systems of the body. The treatment of this disease is controlled by an endocrinologist.
Hypothyroidism: a description of the pathology
Hypothyroidism is characterized by hormonal changes associated with disruption of the thyroid gland or brain (pituitary gland). This disease is characterized by various clinical manifestations that cover almost all organs and systems. Despite changes in hormone levels, the thyroid glandwith secondary hypothyroidism is considered he althy. The fact is that this pathology has a central genesis. It develops with violations of the pituitary gland - an endocrine organ located in the brain. This, in turn, leads to secondary thyroid damage.
Secondary hypothyroidism is more commonly diagnosed in younger patients. It is more common among the female population. This disease is especially dangerous for children. Laboratory signs of pathology are an increase in the level of TSH and a compensatory decrease in the amount of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Due to changes in the functioning of the pituitary gland, there may be disturbances in the functioning of other endocrine structures. In particular, the adrenal glands, gonads, etc.
Secondary hypothyroidism: causes of the disease
The causes of the pathology are associated with structural changes in the brain tissue. The central genesis has primary and secondary hypothyroidism. So what is the difference between them? As you know, the hypothalamic-pituitary system controls all peripheral endocrine glands present in the body. It is located in the brain. The main endocrine formation is the hypothalamus. This organ is located between the right and left hemispheres of the brain. In violation of the secretion of hormones in this department, primary hypothyroidism develops. Biologically active substances are produced in the hypothalamus, which then enter the pituitary gland. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced there. The pituitary gland communicates with endocrine organsparticularly with the thyroid gland. Therefore, with an increase in TSH secretion, the production of thyroxine and triiodothyronine decreases.
Causes of secondary hypothyroidism include:
- Inflammatory diseases of the pituitary gland. The defeat of this organ may be associated with viral and bacterial encephalitis.
- Congenital hypoplasia, or absence of the pituitary gland.
- Cancerous or benign growths.
- Ischemic brain damage.
- Hemorrhage in the pituitary region.
- Exposure to radiation from irradiation of brain tumors.
- Atrophic diseases.
Due to damage to the pituitary gland, secondary hypothyroidism develops. Do not confuse this condition with thyroid disease. When this organ is damaged, tertiary hypothyroidism occurs. Regardless of the etiology and source of hormonal disorders, the endocrinologist is engaged in the treatment of this pathology.
Development of postpartum hypothyroidism
During pregnancy, many different changes occur in the body, to a greater extent they relate to the endocrine sphere. This is due to the fact that some of the hormones are secreted by the placenta. Due to the excess of certain biological substances in the body, their secretion in the pituitary gland decreases. Conversely, a decrease in hormone production serves as a signal for an increase in their production in the brain. As a result of these changes, some women develop secondary hypothyroidism after childbirth. The risk of its occurrence is much higher among patients,who have antibodies to thyroid cells in their blood.
Autoimmune inflammation of this endocrine organ causes activation of the pituitary gland. Thyroid-stimulating hormone begins to be produced faster and in large quantities. A similar condition after childbirth is considered temporary, that is, transient. Hypothyroidism occurs in women 4-5 months after the birth of a child. Most often it does not have a pronounced clinical picture. The decrease in thyroid hormones is preceded by the reverse process - thyrotoxicosis. It is observed in the first months of the postpartum period. During the year, the hormonal background normalizes. If this does not happen, then the disease occurred before pregnancy, but was not detected earlier.
Acquired hypothyroidism: symptoms and treatment in women
Hypothyroidism of central origin is more common in women. Symptoms of the disease depend on the severity of hormonal failure. How does hypothyroidism progress? Symptoms and treatment in women, as in the case of other pathologies, are interrelated. The main signs indicating the presence of an ailment:
- Irregular menstruation.
- Drowsy.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Brittle nails and hair.
- Weight gain.
- Edematous syndrome.
- Tendency to constipation.
In some cases, there is only a certain manifestation of pathology, while others are less pronounced. Sometimes hypothyroidism is asymptomatic. The most common reason for visiting the clinicbecomes overweight, alopecia (hair loss) and pronounced edematous syndrome.
Treatment of hypothyroidism begins with the appointment of hormonal drugs. At the same time, the cause of the disease is found out. In some cases, substitution therapy is not the primary treatment.
Signs of hypothyroidism in children
Secondary hypothyroidism in children is a dangerous disease that can lead to mental retardation and delayed physical development. The fact is that thyroid hormones are especially needed at an early age. They influence the processes of growth and the formation of intelligence. The disease can be caused by abnormalities of the pituitary gland, as well as insufficient intake of iodine in the baby's body (with tertiary hypothyroidism). Regardless of the source of hormonal changes, replacement therapy should be started as soon as an increase in TSH concentration is detected.
Diagnosis of secondary hypothyroidism
How to elicit secondary hypothyroidism? Diagnosis of pathology begins with the collection of complaints and examination of the patient. Patients often report constant fatigue and drowsiness, weight gain. Attention should be paid to chilliness and the occurrence of edema. In some cases, hypothyroidism is detected by chance, such as a missed period that is not related to pregnancy.
On examination, there is a decrease in heart rate and hypotension. Edema can be located on any part of the body, more often on the face. Palpation reveals that they havesoft mucous consistency (myxedema).
The final diagnosis can be made after laboratory tests. Patients have an increase in TSH levels and a decrease in the amount of thyroid hormones. To identify the source of the disease, radiography of the Turkish saddle, CT scan of the brain is performed.
Methods of treating hypothyroidism
Secondary hypothyroidism is an indication for long-term hormone therapy. Treatment should be supervised by an endocrinologist. Every 3 months, laboratory diagnostics are carried out to determine the levels of TSH and thyroxine. Stabilization of these indicators confirms the correctness of treatment. With a high level of TSH, the dose of hormones is increased. As replacement therapy, the medications "Eutiroks" and "Levothyroxine" are used.
In addition, the cause of the pathology should be identified. In inflammatory diseases, antibacterial and antiviral therapy is carried out. In some cases, surgical treatment is required (for adenoma and pituitary cancer).
Prediction and prevention of complications
With the constant use of hormonal drugs, the prognosis for hypothyroidism is favorable. Properly selected dose of medication helps to completely stop the symptoms of the disease. To prevent complications, you should systematically take an analysis to determine the level of TSH and be observed by an endocrinologist. You cannot change the dosage of drugs or cancel treatment on your own.
