The number of diseases of the thyroid gland (in everyday life - "thyroid gland") is steadily growing every year. The causes of pathologies associated with a violation of the production of iodine-containing hormones can be different - from the influence of psycho-emotional stress to malnutrition and unfavorable environmental conditions. Let's find out what role the thyroid gland plays in a person's life, signs of the disease of this organ and diagnoses.
The thyroid gland in the body system
The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that is part of the endocrine system. The main function of the gland is to regulate and maintain the homeostasis of the body. It is located in the trachea and looks like two lobes connected by a short isthmus.
The thyroid gland, the signs of the disease of which we will consider below, has a different weight at certain age stages of a person's life. For example, induring pregnancy in women, an enlarged thyroid gland is a natural phenomenon that disappears six months, a year after childbirth.
Hormones and thyroid
Signs of thyroid disease are often mistaken for symptoms of completely different pathologies. In addition, the disease may not manifest itself for a long time, and its symptoms are regarded as a general physical malaise. Why are the symptoms of thyroid disease so non-specific? This is due to the fact that the hormones synthesized by the thyroid gland are involved in almost all body processes. In the tissues of the thyroid gland, the synthesis of iodine-containing and peptide hormones occurs, which is impossible without the amino acid tyrosine. With its participation, as well as under the influence of molecular iodine and the TPO enzyme, the hormones calcitonin, thyroxine and triiodothyronine are produced in the epithelium.
The effect of hormones on body systems
These hormones are involved in the structure and maintenance of immunity, in metabolic processes, in the formation and breakdown of free radicals. In addition, thyroid hormones maintain normal body temperature, are involved in the structure of new cells, the decay of old ones.
ShchZ hormones also regulate the flow of oxygen into cells, the oxidative process and energy production. They also directly affect the mental, physical and mental spheres of a person.
Thyroid: signs of disease
Thyroid diseases, depending on the nature of the pathology, can be divided into 3 categories:
- violations caused by increased synthesisthyroid hormones (thyrotoxicosis);
- disorders caused by reduced synthesis of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism);
- disorders that occur without a change in synthesis, expressed by deformation of the thyroid gland (formation of goiter, nodes, development of hyperplasia).
With a lack of hormones (hypothyroidism), all metabolic processes slow down, which affects the formation of energy. This, in turn, leads to the following consequences (symptoms):
- lethargy;
- drowsiness;
- weaknesses;
- fatigue;
- puffiness;
- memory impairment;
- weight gain;
- dry skin, brittle nails and hair.
In addition, menstrual irregularities, early menopause, and chronic depression are regarded as signs of thyroid disease in women.
When hyperfunction of the thyroid gland (increased amount of thyroid hormones in the blood), the classic signs are observed:
- irritability, irascibility;
- weight loss against the background of increased appetite;
- heart palpitations;
- sweating, sleep disturbance.
