Hypothyroidism - a disorder that occurs when the thyroid gland produces less hormones than the body needs. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and to some extent affect the operation of almost all organs.

Symptoms

The lack of thyroid hormones slows down the work of many body systems. This caused the most typical symptoms of hypothyroidism:

• Fatigue and lack of energy;
• Depression;
• Decreased heart rate;
• The increase in weight for no apparent reason;
• Intolerance to cold;
• Muscle aches;
• Dry, rough skin;
• Puffy face;
• Hair loss Hair: structure, characteristics of growth and development ;
• Constipation;
• Trouble concentrating;
• Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland).

Causes

The causes of hypothyroidism can be:

• Hashimoto's disease;
• Thyroiditis, or inflammation of the thyroid gland;
• Congenital hypothyroidism;
• Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland;
• Thyroid;
• Some medications.

In more rare cases, hypothyroidism is caused by excess or shortage of iodine in the diet of the patient, or problems with the pituitary gland.

Hashimoto's disease - one of the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the world. It is an autoimmune disease in which there is chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. Normally autoimmune system protects the body from various diseases, however in autoimmune disorders, it causes damage to the tissues of the body - in this case, the thyroid gland. As a consequence, it becomes inflamed, and the development of thyroid hormone significantly reduced.

Thyroiditis. In this first breach occurs leakage of thyroid hormones, whereby their concentration in the blood. This continues for one or two months, and then the level of thyroid hormone is reduced. In some cases, the disease clears itself after a few months, but sometimes it leads to the development of hypothyroidism.

Congenital hypothyroidism. In some children, the thyroid gland from birth underdeveloped or not well functioning. If congenital hypothyroidism is not treated, it can lead to mental retardation and delayed physical development. Early treatment helps prevent these complications, so in many countries, be sure to check newborns for hypothyroidism.

Removal thyroid surgically. If part of the thyroid gland is removed, the remaining part is usually produce enough thyroid hormone, but in some people it can not cope with this task, and they develop hypothyroidism. Complete removal of the thyroid gland always leads to hypothyroidism. Surgery to remove the thyroid gland is performed to treat hyperthyroidism (a disease associated with elevated levels of thyroid hormones), enlarged thyroid gland, benign and malignant thyroid tumors.

Irradiation of the thyroid gland during treatment for hyperthyroidism sometimes also leads to the development of hypothyroidism.

Medications. The cause of hypothyroidism can be some drugs, such as amiodarone, interferon-alpha, lithium, interleukin-2.

Risk factors

The following factors increase the chance of developing hypothyroidism:

• Have any problems with the thyroid gland in the personal history;
• Moved previous surgery on the thyroid gland;
• Thyroid disease is a family history;
• Age older than 60 years;
• Childbirth - probability of disease is hypothyroidism increased for six months after birth;
• Turner syndrome - a genetic disorder that occurs in women.

Diagnostics

Analysis for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is usually the first step in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism. It is the most accurate of today's way of evaluating the activity of the thyroid gland. Generally, an increase of TSH level indicates hypothyroidism, and a decrease is a sign of hyperthyroidism. With a slight increase in TSH levels can be diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism. In such cases, some doctors prescribe immediately, while others prefer to watch the patients and prescribe specific drugs only if TSH levels will rise even more.

Analysis on thyroxine. Patients with hypothyroidism thyroxine levels generally below normal.

Analysis of antibodies to thyroid peroxidase. These antibodies are detected when the cause of hypothyroidism in patients is Hashimoto's disease. This test is used to diagnose hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroid disease Thyroid disease - when to start worrying? .

Treatment

For the treatment of hypothyroidism is usually assigned to receive synthetic thyroxine, on properties similar to natural thyroid hormone T4. The dose is calculated based on the age and weight of the patient, the severity of hypothyroidism, the presence of other health problems. Also it matters whether the patient takes any other medication. After approximately six to eight weeks after the start of treatment was analyzed TSH, and if necessary, the dose is adjusted. So it may be repeated several times until the doctor will determine the optimal dose for the patient. After that, within one year of a blood test carried out every six months, and then - once a year. In most cases, using a synthetic thyroxine can successfully control hypothyroidism, although it can not be cured - patients have to take medication throughout their lives.