Disturbances in the functional ability of the thyroid gland are in the form of hyper- or hypothyroidism. Also isolated autoimmune thyroiditis, euthyroidism (a condition characterized by normal secretory activity of the thyroid gland).
Almost 50% of women over the age of 50 suffer from this pathology. It has a chronic course and is characterized by autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid gland, which, according to clinical manifestations, resembles hypothyroidism and occurs as a result of immunological disorders in which antibodies to thyrocytes are formed. Treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis in this case is carried out taking into account the volume of lesions of thyroid cells.
Clinical manifestations
With intact thyroid function, there are no complaints. Only in some cases, patients may complain of slight discomfort in the anterior region of the neck, as well as intolerance to scarves or collars.
With severe hypothyroidism (secretory thyroid insufficiency), patients become pale, with a swollen face, weak facial expressions,slow movements and slurred speech. They complain of severe weakness, decreased performance and drowsiness, hoarseness and poor memory, as well as frequent constipation. In women, there is a violation of the menstrual cycle, mastopathy develops. In men, libido decreases, impotence occurs. Children have retarded physical and mental development.
When thyroid cells are damaged, a lot of hormones enter the bloodstream. This leads to the clinical signs of hyperthyroidism - limb tremors, sweating, tachycardia and high blood pressure.
How to treat autoimmune thyroiditis? Therapy of this pathology is carried out after the results of blood tests for the level of antibodies and hormones are obtained, as well as after an ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland, if necessary - after its biopsy.
Treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis with traditional methods
The treatment is based on hormone replacement therapy. The most commonly prescribed drug is L-thyroxine. This hormone should be taken even in cases where there are no obvious signs of thyroid dysfunction. This is due to the following properties of the drug:
• inhibits the synthesis of thyroid-stimulating hormone;
• prevents thyroid deficiency;
• neutralizes lymphocytes that destroy the thyroid gland.
Treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis may also include taking Thyroidine, Thyroxine, Triiodothyronine hydrochloride. If adequatereplacement therapy does not give the desired results, corticosteroids are used.
In malignant degeneration of the thyroid gland, as well as compression of the trachea or esophagus, surgical treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis is performed.
In the treatment of this disease, folk remedies based on pine buds, beetroot and carrot juice, seaweed, plantain, horsetail can also be used. The duration of treatment depends on the effect obtained. But it is worth remembering that for any form of thyroid lesions, one should not self-medicate and use folk remedies in isolation from traditional methods of therapy. Only an integrated approach can provide positive results.
