The concept of "hyperthyroidism" once associated only with diffuse toxic goiter, but that has been described and other diseases associated with thyrotoxicosis. Since the mid-sixties of the last century, thyrotoxicosis was clearly defined as a set of symptoms caused by excess thyroid hormones in the blood. This condition can accompany many diseases of the thyroid gland Thyroid disease - when to start worrying? , The pituitary gland and other organs.

How does the thyroid gland

The thyroid gland is located on the front of the neck and secretes hormones that affect the whole body by affecting the metabolism. Basic two thyroid hormones - triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine or tetraiodothyronine (T4). Thyroid hormones are synthesized in the cells of the thyroid gland from the amino acid tyrosine and iodine.

The work of the thyroid gland is under the control of the main endocrine glands - the pituitary gland, which affects the thyroid gland using your thyroid-stimulating hormone. In turn, on the pituitary gland is the "Head" - part of the brain responsible for the operation of the entire endocrine system - the hypothalamus. It produces hormones tireoliberin tireostatin and regulating the production of thyroid stimulating hormone.

The main function of the thyroid hormone - effects on metabolism. They stimulate carbohydrate metabolism, promoting glucose absorption in the gut and potentiating insulin action. As a result, under the action of insulin absorbed tissues increased amount of glucose - a source of energy. Stimulated and fat metabolism, mainly fat breakdown - is an additional energy source. Because additional energy tide accelerated and protein metabolism, including the breakdown of protein. In this regard, while elevated levels of thyroid hormones in the blood of people lose weight and lose protein. Signs of protein deficiency are muscle weakness, decreased immunity. Since all kinds of accelerated metabolism, the body requires more substances involved in biochemical reactions - vitamins Vitamins for everyone , Minerals and oxygen.

Causes of hyperthyroidism

Elevated levels of thyroid hormones in the blood may be interested in diseases of many organs. First of all, it is, of course, diseases of the thyroid gland (Graves' disease, thyroid tumors that produce hormones), diseases of the pituitary gland (pituitary tumor, a violation of the susceptibility of the pituitary to the thyroid hormone), a disease in which the thyroid hormone is produced outside the thyroid (some benign ovarian tumors, metastatic cancer of the thyroid gland to produce hormones in other organs).

The development of hyperthyroidism in people with a family history of thyroid disease, contribute to long-term sun exposure, physical therapy, massage the neck.

Hyperthyroidism may be the first time in the neonatal period, and at older children and adults. Hereditary predisposition to hyperthyroidism persists throughout life.

How to detect hyperthyroidism

If you suspect hyperthyroidism conduct a full examination of the patient in order not only to establish the fact of the presence in the blood of a large number of thyroid hormones, but also find out the cause of this phenomenon, that is to establish the basic diagnosis.

First of all, we investigate blood on hormones - determine the blood levels of thyroid hormones (thyroxine - T4 and triiodothyronine - T3) and thyroid-stimulating hormone pituitary gland. Already on the basis of this analysis, you can pre-suppose a body of "fault" in the event of hyperthyroidism.

Then, a thyroid ultrasound that can detect or eliminate the disease of the thyroid gland. More precisely, the nature of thyroid disease will help to establish scintigraphy - study using radioactive iodine (iodine whole immediately enters the thyroid gland). The shape and size of the thyroid gland, and the extent of its impact on the surrounding organs and tissues can be set using a computer or magnetic resonance imaging.

Sometimes, to clarify the nature of education in the thyroid biopsy - taking the content of the thyroid gland by means of puncture (puncture). Taken material sent to a laboratory, where a microscope examines the cells of the thyroid gland. This study helps to identify malignant tumor cells differ from normal tissue cells.

Hyperthyroidism is characteristic of many diseases, and before you start to treat it, you need to establish the correct diagnosis.

Galina Romanenko

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