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What is thyroid disease. What do you know about the thyroid gland? Symptoms of diseases with a decrease in thyroid function

Thyroid dysfunction affects important metabolic parameters, body weight, the state of the nervous and circulatory systems. With a negligent attitude to health and lack of treatment in this situation, the symptoms of thyroid diseases are clearly manifested: hair loss, sexual disorders, cardiovascular abnormalities, pathologically high body weight, infertility, somatic diseases.

General symptomatic picture

General symptoms do not indicate a specific disease and are evidence of pathological processes occurring in the thyroid gland. These include:

a sharp amplitude of body weight, at which a decrease in the functionality of the gland is suspected;
an increase in the concentration of cholesterol in a blood test may be associated with a deficiency of thyroid hormones;
frequent sweating and "freezing" at normal temperatures indicates a declining thyroid function;
the inability to endure elevated environmental temperature characterizes hyperthyroid states;
with hyperthyroidism, an increased heart rate is noted;
retention or loose stools as a result of digestive disorders;
failure of activity and vigor, drowsiness during the day and insomnia at night;
muscle pain;
violation of the excretion of fluid, leading to swelling and puffiness;
sparse hairline;
decrease in attentiveness and concentration, inability to keep involuntary attention on objects. In a depressive state and malaise, thyroid hypofunction is suspected;
excessive irritability, tremor - signs of a hyperthyroid state;
heavy or scanty menstruation indicate the state of the thyroid gland in direct proportion.

Abnormalities in the work of the body can be suspected when With symptoms of thyroid diseases are manifested in a complex way. None of these signs is a direct consequence of the pathology of the endocrine organ and manifests itself with ailments that are not associated with endocrine regulation. Loose stools, for example, can be caused by increased fermentation and eating foods that relax the smooth muscles of the intestine.

Specific features of thyroid diseases in women

Functional pathologies of the thyroid gland affect the occurrence of diseases that are manifested both by general symptoms and specific features for each type of pathology. The first symptoms of the thyroid gland in women show a blurred picture, as the genesis of the disease has a more pronounced picture. More often than other pathologies in women, the following are noted:

hyperthyroid - excessive secretion of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. It is observed in women of reproductive age (20-40 years);
hypothyroidism - insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones;
the state of hyperthyroidism caused by the autoimmune action of immunoglobulins in relation to the thyroid gland and manifested in the form of Basedow's disease;
inflammatory phenomena in the glandular epithelium of the endocrine organ, detected as a result of hormonal failure after childbirth - postpartum thyroiditis;
sporadic and endemic goiter, characteristic of women of all ages.

When signs of one of the conditions appear, it is difficult to differentiate the disease solely on the basis of symptoms, therefore, when clarifying the diagnosis, all diagnostic possibilities are widely used.

These conditions in the female body are manifested taking into account gender and age, various diseases show symptoms of the thyroid gland in women:

increased fatigue;
deviations in concentration and retention of attention;
cognitive problems, memory lapses;
sharp deviations in body weight;
delayed or heavy menstruation;
infertility and other disorders in the sexual sphere;
intellectual limitation;
excessive irritability, a tendency to depressive states;
profuse sweating;
unreasonable muscle pain;
constipation during bowel movements;
dry skin, falling out brittle hair;
frequent mood swings from unbridled joy to hysterical crying;
lethargy and drowsiness;
massive muscle tremors.

An experienced physician, when collecting anamnesis data, draws attention, asking questions, to the combination of several symptoms as a criterion for differentiating the disease.

With the development of symptoms, morphological and physiological abnormalities occur, indicating the duration of the disease and a more serious severity:

exophthalmos (bulging eyes as if in great fear);
pathology of cardiac activity;
visual increase in the size of the thyroid gland;
constantly moist skin of the palms;
pale skin;
noticeable swelling in the cervicoclavicular region on the anterior surface;
detectable subfebrile temperature with certain rhythms;
increasing muscle tremors;
state of asphyxia, desire to "take a sip" of fresh air"
difficulty swallowing when eating;
periodic head spins;
dyspnea.

Women sometimes replace the explanation of the causes of the disease state with severe overload and fatigue, which are only a consequence of the violations that have begun. In case of any violations in the body, it is advisable to contact the doctor as soon as possible. Only a doctor can sensibly explain the cause of the disease state and, if necessary, prescribe diagnostic procedures.

Features of the manifestation of diseases in men

Signs of thyroid diseases in men, on the one hand, should not be overlooked in order to avoid the development of serious pathologies. On the other hand, age-related menopausal changes in the body reveal themselves in a similar way to the symptoms of thyroid disorders.

Frequent overwork, impaired cognitive sphere, loss of interest in sexual life, a sharp surge of heat should not be taken as a disease or, conversely, a sign of old age.

Early symptoms of thyroid abnormalities are rarely taken into account when the treatment could have been simple.

Vivid signs of diseases lead patients to the clinic, and when diagnosing abnormalities, it is necessary to treat not only the thyroid gland, but also those organ systems that have been affected by an excess or lack of exposure to thyroid hormones.

When several of the following signs make themselves felt, you should not hesitate to visit an endocrinologist:

increased daytime fatigue;
insomnia at night and drowsiness during the day;
decreased activity and tone;
excessive irritability, a tendency to depression and high anxiety;
periodic lapses in memory, difficulty remembering;
constipation accompanying defecation;
indifference to sex;
frequent "freezing" at normal ambient temperature;
increasing muscle cramps;
unreasonable nausea;
tendency to obesity with any type of diet;
rapid baldness, dry and thin hair with increased brittleness;
increased dryness of the skin;
jumps in blood pressure in the absence of a problem before;
lowering the timbre of the voice, the appearance of hoarseness in it;
a blood test reveals a high concentration of cholesterol.

Diseases of the thyroid gland are successfully masked under the guise of other diseases, the presence of which can manifest itself independently or as a result of thyroid abnormalities.

How diseases manifest in children and adolescents

Morphological and physiological manifestations of thyroid diseases in children and adolescents differ little from those in adults. The difference is in the absence of signs of a violation of the reproductive system, which does not show full functionality so far in children. But changes in behavior should alert adults and serve as a signal to contact a pediatrician. It is quite possible that the pediatrician will refer you for a consultation with an endocrinologist. If the child notices:

rapid fatigue and malaise;
changes in body weight up or down;
excessive sleepiness alternates with insomnia;
excessive irritability, tendency to edema,

It is impossible to delay with such a condition in order to prevent a severe form of the disease.

Symptoms of diseases with an increase in hormone levels

Signs of hyperthyroidism appear when the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine and thyroxine begin to be secreted in excess. Hyperthyroidism enhances vegetative manifestations and "blows the roof" with mental disorders. With a strong increase in the production of thyroid hormones, they speak of thyrotoxicosis - a state of poisoning of the body with T3 and T4.

Vegetative deviations increase the rate of metabolic processes, enhance the activity of the organs of the circulatory system:

tachycardia reaches 90 beats or more. Acceleration of the work of the heart is observed during the period of neuromuscular tension and at rest. Even at night, patients wake up from a strong heartbeat. Tachycardia causes disturbances in the electrical conduction of the heart (atrial fibrillation with a long-term absent beat, followed by rapid work). Patients may experience fear of dying from prolonged cardiac rest;
excessive sweating, hot skin;
muscle trembling begins with a tremor of the fingers on the hands, subsequently turns into a trembling of the whole body, including the head and resembling Parkinson's disease;
A surge of heat is felt first under a warm blanket, then a person becomes hot at room temperature, followed by flushing of the skin of the face and a feeling of lack of air;

Accelerated metabolic processes cause a series of deviations in digestion. Defecation occurs up to 5-6 times a day, accelerated metabolism of substances leads to low digestibility of organic substances, resulting in a sharp weight loss.

In the genital area, menstruation disorders occur in women, the risk of miscarriage increases during pregnancy. Men suffer from erectile dysfunction, although there is no indifference to sexual life.

The emotional-volitional sphere of a person suffers in case of violations of the nervous system. Tearfulness, excessive irritability become frequent. The character of a sick person becomes unbearable.

Symptoms of diseases with a decrease in thyroid function

With the development of thyroid hormone deficiency, the symptomatic picture of the manifestation of diseases becomes with the opposite effect during hyperthyroidism. Metabolism decreases, which affects the condition:

bradycardia leading to fainting. The outcome of untimely treatment is heart failure;
pale skin, dull and brittle hair, hair loss;
dense edema, poorly absorbed by the action of synthetic diuretics;
low hoarse voice;
constipation, gastritis, yellowness of the skin with insufficient work of digestive enzymes;
decreased interest in life and rapid weight gain. Patients do not suffer from severe obesity due to lack of appetite;
muscle pain, impaired sensitivity of the extremities (thyroid polyneuropathy);
infertility, lack of libido, violation of the cycle in women;
weak cognitive parameters, a person works only on long-term skills;
cretinism, oligophrenia and other mental disorders in children;
myxedematous coma characteristic of older women with a prolonged hypothyroid state under the influence of many factors (hypothermia). The outcome of the condition is lethality in cardiac (respiratory) insufficiency.

Symptoms of thyroid diseases appear separately, are associated with each other, and sometimes are contradictory. Only a doctor can in this case establish a true diagnosis and identify the dominant symptoms.

Today, thyroid diseases, unfortunately, are not uncommon, and the fair sex suffers from them much more often than men. The signs of the disease depend on how the function of the thyroid gland is impaired, and there is not always a change in the level of its hormones. Diseases of this endocrine gland can be divided into 3 groups:

diseases in which the concentration of thyroid hormones is increased (for example,);
diseases in which the concentration of thyroid hormones is reduced (for example, hypothyroidism);
diseases in which the level of thyroid hormones remains normal.

This article will discuss how to identify signs of thyroid disease in women.

Signs of thyroid disease with an increase in the level of its hormones (thyrotoxicosis)

Often the first symptoms of thyrotoxicosis are changes in the neuropsychic sphere of a woman: she becomes irritable, tearful, sleep is disturbed (insomnia occurs more often).

Disorders in the work of the cardiovascular system, usually manifested in the form of tachycardia, or.
Heart palpitations, high blood pressure persist at rest, even if measured after a night's sleep without getting out of bed.
There is an increase in appetite, but there is a decrease in body weight, sometimes significant. This is due to the fact that with hyperthyroidism there is an acceleration of the metabolism in the body. However, in rare cases, and with increased thyroid function, obesity can occur.
Violation of thermoregulation. Women suffering from hyperthyroidism constantly complain of a feeling of heat in the body, even in a cool room, in the cold season they prefer to dress lightly enough. This symptom is also associated with the acceleration of metabolic processes, and the release of a large amount of thermal energy, which must be removed from the body.
Trembling in the body, sometimes only trembling of the hands is noted. Sometimes, outwardly, hand trembling is imperceptible to a woman, but a change in handwriting may attract attention.
Endocrine ophthalmopathy ("bulging eyes") - this symptom is not always found in thyrotoxicosis, most often it appears with diffuse toxic goiter, and in diseases of the thyroid gland it is always bilateral. With severe exophthalmos, a violation of the closure of the eyelids is possible, as a result of which dryness of the cornea, tearing, and a feeling of "sand in the eyes" will be observed.
Violations of the psycho-emotional sphere can appear much earlier than the external signs of the disease. The woman becomes irritable, quick-tempered, anxious, and periods of anger can be abruptly replaced by tearfulness. Sleep disturbances, more often insomnia, may occur.

Signs of thyroid disease with a decrease in its function (hypothyroidism)

Changes in the condition of the skin, nails and hair. Women note that the skin becomes dry, flaky, pale and less elastic, especially dryness is expressed on the knees, elbows and face. There may be increased brittleness and dullness of the hair, as well as their loss, the nails begin to exfoliate, lose their luster. These changes are due to the fact that with a decrease in the level of thyroid hormones in the blood, collagen synthesis suffers.
Chilliness. Women suffering from hypothyroidism feel uncomfortable and cold even in hot weather. This is due to the fact that the metabolic processes in the body slow down, including the reduced production of thermal energy.
Puffiness. With hypothyroidism, edema is most often observed under the eyes, in severe cases, edema spreads to the entire body, up to anasarca. This is due to violations in protein metabolism. A characteristic sign of thyroid diseases with a decrease in function is a large swollen tongue, due to which speech is impaired. Also, due to swelling of the vocal cords, hoarseness may appear.
Increase in body weight. This is due to the accumulation of excess fluid in the subcutaneous tissue and slow energy metabolism. In this case, it is possible to get rid of obesity only by normalizing the level of thyroid hormones; no amount of physical activity will help get rid of fullness. In very rare cases, in patients, body weight does not change or even decreases.
Decrease in heart rate and hypotension occur in 70% of patients with hypothyroidism.
Slowness and inaccuracy of movements. This happens due to a slowdown in almost all metabolic processes, in addition, memory and attention deteriorate, women complain of constant drowsiness and fatigue.
. A frequent companion of thyroid diseases with a decrease in its function, and the cause of this symptom is again a slowdown in all processes in the body, and the motility of the digestive tract also slows down.

Fortunately, with proper treatment of hypothyroidism and restoration of normal hormonal levels in the body, all these disorders disappear, and the woman's condition returns to normal.

Symptoms of thyroid disease without disturbing the production of hormones by it

At the initial stage of thyroid diseases, their symptoms may be absent, but the doctor detects certain changes by palpation.

Such diseases include autoimmune thyroiditis and endemic goiter without hypothyroidism, nodular colloid goiter, cysts and neoplastic diseases of the thyroid gland, retrosternal goiter. With these diseases, there may be symptoms that are not associated with a change in the level of hormones produced by this endocrine gland.

External changes. Most often, there is an increase in the size of the organ, which is noticeable even to the woman herself, tumor-like protrusions in the projection of the gland can be seen and palpated. Sometimes this is the only sign of the initial stage of the disease. As the disease progresses, an enlarged thyroid gland may begin to compress the trachea and esophagus, resulting in impaired swallowing and breathing.
Internal changes. In oncological diseases, the organ may not be visualized, however, the appearance of pain in the projection of the thyroid gland and hoarseness of voice may indicate the spread of the process outside the organ.

Retrosternal goiter is not visualized, as it is located behind the sternum, however, reaching a large size, it can compress the large vessels and nerves of the mediastinum, causing symptoms that are often not associated with thyroid pathology, which is detected only with in-depth examination.
As we can see, in diseases of the thyroid gland, many different symptoms can be observed, which are often similar to signs of other diseases, therefore, to find out the cause of their appearance, an examination by a doctor is necessary.

Which doctor to contact

Thyroid diseases are treated by an endocrinologist. Quite often, these diseases affect the heart, nervous system, eyes, so it will be useful to consult a cardiologist, neurologist, ophthalmologist. With thyroid cancer, the patient is treated by an oncologist.

In this video you can learn about the life cycle of the thyroid gland.

The thyroid gland is an organ of the endocrine system of the body, an endocrine gland (from gr. endo - inside, krino - I single out). The thyroid gland is it is a kind of "factory" for the production of special chemicals - hormones. Hormones enter directly into the blood thanks to a developed network of blood vessels that densely braid the organ. Despite its miniature size (normally, the volume of an organ in women is less than 18 ml and in men, less than 25 ml), the gland controls the work of almost all of our organs. The most important purpose of thyroid hormones is to maintain normal metabolism in the body.

Thyroxine and triiodothyronine (T4 and T3) are formed in the thyroid gland. Each of the hormones consists of a protein residue and iodine. It is through iodine that the action of thyroid hormones on the cells and tissues of the body is carried out. No iodine - no hormone!

There are three "hormonal" conditions of the thyroid gland - euthyroidism (normal function of the gland), hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis (increased function of the organ, the amount of hormones in the blood is above normal) and hypothyroidism (decreased function of the gland).

Symptoms of thyroid diseases are very diverse and can be completely opposite. It depends on the violation that occurred in the organ.

Thyroid diseases caused by thyrotoxicosis and their symptoms.

Graves' disease (Graves' disease, diffuse toxic goiter);
Multinodular toxic goiter;
Functional autonomy of the thyroid gland (toxic adenoma);
Thyroiditis: acute, subacute, painless and postpartum, hyperthyroid phase of autoimmune thyroiditis;

All these diseases have in common thyrotoxicosis syndrome- a condition caused by an increase in the amount of thyroxine and / or triiodothyronine in the blood. Due to the excess of thyroid hormones in the body, the metabolism is accelerated. An accelerated metabolism leads to the symptoms and complaints that accompany this condition.

Classic (general) symptoms of thyrotoxicosis:

palpitations, violation of the rhythm of heart contractions;
arterial hypertension;
trembling in hands and body;
insomnia;
increased sweating;
impaired concentration;
irritability/emotional lability, tearfulness;
weight loss with increased appetite;
poor heat tolerance;
shortness of breath with little physical exertion;
increased fatigue, muscle weakness;
frequent unformed stool;
fragility of nails, hair loss.

With each disease, the causes of thyrotoxicosis are different.

For Graves' disease the cause of the increased work of our miniature organ is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, "their" cells and organs are recognized by the immune system as foreign, and it negatively affects them, damages, destroys them. In this case, such aggression is directed at the thyroid gland. Elements of the immune system (antibodies) cause an increased production of hormones in the body. Over time, the thyroid gland increases in size, a person may experience discomfort in the neck, impaired swallowing, and a change in voice. This disease can damage the soft tissues of the eye and the optic nerve, in which case eye symptoms occur. Thus, in addition to the classic symptoms of thyrotoxicosis, with Graves' disease can be:

discomfort in the neck;
hoarseness of voice;
visually noticeable enlargement of the thyroid gland;
eye symptoms:

"bulging" eyes, "bags" under the eyes, redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, "strabismus", puffiness around the eyes, "non-closure" of the eyelids;
feeling of "sand" in the eyes, photophobia, decreased visual acuity;
a painful feeling of pressure behind or in front of the eyes, pain and double vision;

With toxic adenoma (TA) and multinodular toxic goiter (MTZ) there is an excess production of thyroid hormones by nodular formations of the thyroid gland. Such nodes secrete hormones uncontrollably and in large quantities. More often the disease occurs in the older age group. Not pronounced classic symptoms of thyrotoxicosis may be present, but complaints about:

violation of the rhythm of heart contractions;
weight loss;
weakness, decreased performance and increased fatigue.

With a large node size, the following may occur:

discomfort in the neck, feeling of "coma" in the throat;
swallowing disorder, mainly solid food.

Acute and subacute thyroiditis are inflammatory diseases of the thyroid gland. In acute thyroiditis, the cause of inflammation is bacterial, in subacute - viral infections. The work of the thyroid gland itself is not disturbed, and the increase in T4 and T3 in the blood is caused by the destruction of thyroid cells. The classic symptoms of thyrotoxicosis in both forms of thyroiditis may be present in an erased form. Most often with acute thyroiditis patients complain about:

acute onset of the disease;
sudden pain in the neck;
swelling and redness of the front of the neck
fever - an increase in body temperature up to 40 * C;
chills;
hoarseness of voice, violation of swallowing;
severe weakness, fatigue, lethargy.

In subacute thyroiditis, the following symptoms predominate:

the disease develops 2-8 weeks after a viral infection;
acute or gradual increase in pain in the throat and front of the neck;
neck pain radiates to the lower jaw, ear, head;
the pain is aggravated by coughing and turning the head;
increase in body temperature up to 38*C;
severe weakness, lethargy, fatigue;
pain in muscles, joints;
sweating, trembling in the body, palpitations.

Painless and postpartum thyroiditis — these diseases are often grouped together and called asymptomatic thyroiditis. It is more common in women, often during the first year after childbirth. The cause of the disease is a temporary change in the immune system. In this case, the period of thyrotoxicosis is short, from several weeks to 3-4 months. After the phase of thyrotoxicosis, a short phase of hypothyroidism (decrease in thyroid function) may occur, followed by a complete restoration of organ function. Symptoms of thyrotoxicosis are insignificant, or they are absent at all.

Autoimmune thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland caused by an autoimmune disease. The disease can occur with a change in the phases of thyrotoxicosis, euthyroidism (normal state of the thyroid gland) and hypothyroidism. Thus, with this disease, one can see both the classic symptoms of thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism, which will be discussed later.

Thyroid diseases caused by hypothyroidism and their symptoms.

Primary hypothyroidism;
Secondary and tertiary hypothyroidism;
Transient (temporary) hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism - this is a syndrome caused by a decrease in the amount of thyroxine and / or triiodothyronine in the blood, or the loss of the action of thyroid hormones on organs and tissues. In this case, the metabolism slows down, which leads to the typical symptoms of this disease:

fatigue, weakness, drowsiness, lethargy, memory loss;
pale skin, icteric skin tone;
poor cold tolerance, low body temperature;
depression;
weight gain, decreased appetite;
swelling of the face and limbs;
pain in the joints;
constipation;
dry skin;
hair loss, often alopecia areata;
violation of the menstrual cycle, infertility;
difficult, slurred speech with swelling of the tongue, hoarseness of voice;
hearing loss and difficulty in nasal breathing.

Any form of hypothyroidism can be mild (subclinical hypothyroidism) or more severe (manifest hypothyroidism). Depending on this, the symptoms will be more or less pronounced.

Primary hypothyroidism - In this disease, the thyroid gland is not able to produce the right amount of hormones. Most often the reason is chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (HAIT), which was mentioned earlier. The disease progresses slowly, and in the early stages there is no decrease in thyroid function. However, over time, when there are fewer “working” cells in the thyroid gland, it no longer copes with its function, and hypothyroidism sets in.

In addition to CAI, primary hypothyroidism can occur after surgical treatment of the thyroid gland (removal of the entire gland or part of it), as a result of infectious and asymptomatic thyroiditis, overdose of certain drugs (amiodarone, thyreostatics, lithium preparations) and toxic substances, due to severe deficiency or excess iodine, as well as with a congenital anomaly of the thyroid gland, when its volume is very small from birth.

With secondary and tertiary hypothyroidism The disorder occurs in the brain—the pituitary or hypothalamus. As mentioned earlier, the work of the thyroid gland is controlled by the structures of the brain. If this control is violated, the thyroid gland malfunctions. These forms of hypothyroidism are characterized by typical symptoms, as well as:

lack of obesity or even low body weight;
swelling on the face and limbs;
signs of heart failure;
often combined with insufficiency of other endocrine glands.

Transient hypothyroidism This is temporary, transient hypothyroidism. It occurs with painless, postpartum, viral or bacterial thyroiditis; in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases; in some cancers. After the cause of these diseases is eliminated, hypothyroidism spontaneously “leaves”. The symptoms of transient hypothyroidism are typical. Its duration is about 3-4 months.

Volumetric formations in the thyroid gland that do not lead to hormonal disorders:

Nodular (multinodular) euthyroid goiter.
Nodular colloid goiter;
Follicular neoplasia (follicular adenoma);
Thyroid cancer.

The term "euthyroid" means "normally functioning". All volumetric formations of the thyroid gland, which will be discussed later, do not lead to a violation of the hormonal function of the thyroid gland, that is, the thyroid gland synthesizes thyroid hormones commensurate with the needs of the body.

nodular goiter is a collective concept. It unites all volumetric formations of the thyroid gland, which have a different nature, structure, type of growth, etc.

As the name implies, with this disease of the thyroid gland, one or more nodes are revealed in its structure. A node is a formation that is larger than 1 cm.

Complaints and symptoms:

the disease is most often asymptomatic;
dyspnea;
swallowing disorder, especially solid food;
hoarseness of voice;
feeling of pressure in the neck.

Nodular colloid goiter - the most common form of nodular goiter (more than 97%), is benign. This is a NON-TUMOR education. This is a formation from normal, unaltered thyroid cells that have "grown." Such a node will NEVER be cancer! Small nodules have no symptoms. Symptoms and complaints can occur with large nodes, with the proximity of the nodes to the larynx, which is extremely rare. Node growth is usually slow.

Follicular adenoma - also a benign formation, but there is a risk that it can "develop" into cancer. Such nodes can grow both slowly and quite quickly. When the node is exposed to the trachea, esophagus, nerves - there is a violation of swallowing and speech.

thyroid cancer Unfortunately, there are no special symptoms and complaints with this disease. With small formations, they may not be, and with large ones, there may be a violation of swallowing and speech. But there is also good news - mortality in thyroid cancer is extremely low - less than 1%.

It is worth saying that if you have a nodule in the thyroid gland, with a 97% probability it will be a harmless nodular colloid goiter, which will not change either your health or life prognosis. Therefore, one should not be afraid if such a change is found in the organ.

Iodine deficiency diseases:

Diffuse euthyroid goiter;
Nodular (multinodular) euthyroid goiter;
Nodular (multinodular) toxic goiter.

The cause of all these diseases is insufficient intake of iodine. As mentioned earlier, the thyroid hormone molecule consists of a protein residue and iodine. In conditions of iodine deficiency, the thyroid gland "adapts" in such a way as to ensure sufficient production of hormones. Special growth factors are activated that cause an enlargement of the thyroid gland. Formed diffuse euthyroid goiter , and over time, nodular formations may occur (nodular or multinodular goiter). Some nodes, due to tissue mutations, can become hormonally active, that is, synthesize hormones on their own - it is formed nodular (multinodular) toxic goiter . Such nodes secrete hormones uncontrollably and in large quantities.

Complaints and symptoms:

enlargement of the thyroid gland, a cosmetic defect is possible;
with a large size of the gland or large nodes - shortness of breath, impaired swallowing, especially solid food, hoarseness, a feeling of pressure in the neck.
With nodular toxic goiter - the classic symptoms of thyrotoxicosis (see above).

As can be seen from our review, the symptoms of thyroid diseases are very diverse. Sometimes there is such a situation when a person goes to different doctors for several years - he turns to a neurologist, a cardiologist, an ENT doctor, a gynecologist, receives treatment - and still feels bad. The thyroid gland is a unique organ that affects all systems of our body, and we must not forget about it! If you have noticed the symptoms indicated in the article, or if you had thyroid diseases in your family, this is a reason to consult a doctor. With timely diagnosis and treatment, even a formidable disease - thyroid cancer - can be cured completely. There is also no doubt about the need to treat hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis - the earlier the cause of the condition is identified and treatment is started, the lower the risk of severe complications and long-term consequences.

Take care of yourself and be healthy!

Endocrinologist Akmaeva G.A.

Most thyroid disorders are asymptomatic.

Often, only those around them begin to notice changes, the person himself realizes the presence of the disease only when pain and aesthetic defects appear in the neck.

In order to suspect pathology in a timely manner, you need to know the first signs of thyroid disease.

Thyroid disease

Thyroid hormones are involved in many vital, vital processes.

The following physiological processes depend on the level of hormones:

thermoregulation;
hematopoiesis;
division and differentiation of tissues;
transmission of a nerve impulse;
maintaining homeostasis;
regulation of the strength and frequency of heart contractions;
stabilization of metabolic processes.

Fluctuations in the hormonal background immediately cause changes in the patient's well-being.

According to the nature of the changes, all diseases of the thyroid gland can be divided into three large groups:

Euthyroidism(a condition of the thyroid gland, in which the levels of thyroid (T3, T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormones do not go beyond the normal range, while iodine deficiency is observed). A group of diseases with this syndrome proceeds without a violation of the level of hormones, only structural deformations of the gland are noted. With euthyroid nodules or goiter, iron may increase in volume, but still cover the body's need for hormones.
Hypothyroidism(increased thyroid function). Deficiency of thyroid hormones due to a decrease in secretion or a decrease in the concentration in the blood.
thyrotoxicosis. The development of pathology is associated with an increase in the secretion of hormones T3 and T4, an increase in their concentration in the bloodstream.

Any disease of the thyroid gland can be described by the effect on the hormonal background.

The following diseases of the thyroid gland are distinguished by the nature of the changes:

Autoimmune thyroiditis. Inflammatory process in which cells of the immune system perceive thyroid cells as foreign and begin to attack them
Diffuse goiter, sometimes toxic or euthyroid. Changes cover the entire tissue of the thyroid gland, often leading to an increase in the volume of the gland.
Nodular goiter. There are many nodes or macrofollicles with pronounced boundaries of the pathological process. The rest of the gland remains unchanged.
Malignant tumor. The structure of the gland is disturbed at the cellular level. There are foci of malignancy in which cancer cells are grouped. They differ from healthy cells in size, appearance, and function. Malignant cells divide rapidly and uncontrollably, often have an irregular shape, too many or too few nuclei. The spread of such cells leads to cancer of the thyroid gland and other organs.

All diseases have similar clinical manifestations, an accurate diagnosis is established only after a detailed laboratory and instrumental examination.

What is characteristic of all thyroid diseases?

Various diseases of the thyroid gland have a number of common clinical manifestations.

are nonspecific, the mood and mental state of the patient changes.

People are concerned about:

tearfulness;
causeless aggression;
general weakness;
noticeable changes in weight;
heart rhythm disturbances;
sweating;
tremor, trembling in the muscles.

The vast majority of people associate the appearance of the above symptoms with stress and a difficult life situation.

Others often perceive changes in behavior as a "corruption" of character.

In fact, sudden changes in temperament are due to thyroid disorders.

How to recognize euthyroidism?

In clinical practice, euthyroidism is considered a variant of the norm, but without careful control, this condition may well lead to the formation of a goiter or a cancerous tumor.

If the pathological process is not accompanied by an increase in the thyroid gland, there are no symptoms of the disease.

When a goiter is formed, compression of nearby organs occurs, the disease manifests itself as follows:

external defect on the anterior surface of the neck;
neck fatigue;
hoarseness and hoarseness of voice;
dry cough;
dysphagia (difficulty swallowing food).

The primary appeal to an endocrinologist in 95% of cases is associated with an aesthetic defect, other symptoms are ignored in most cases.

The presence of such manifestations indicates a far advanced pathological process, malignancy is possible - transformation of a goiter into a cancerous tumor.

Manifestations of thyrotoxicosis

Excess production of thyroid hormones affects the activity of all organs and systems.

The following symptoms are typical:

Psychoneurological symptoms: irritability, attacks of aggression, increased anxiety, depression, hysteria, panic attacks, drowsiness, memory impairment, headaches, dizziness.
Reproductive disorders in women: decreased sexual desire, dysmenorrhea (irregular painful periods), amenorrhea (absence of the menstrual cycle), infertility.
Reproductive disorders in men: decreased libido, impotence, gynecomastia (breast enlargement).
Cardiovascular symptoms: palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, changes in blood pressure.
Symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract: dyspeptic disorders, increased appetite, weight loss.
Changes in the skin and appendages: fragility and hair loss, premature gray hair; fragile deformed nail plates; moist hot skin.

The clinical picture of hyperthyroidism also includes common symptoms: increased sweating, fever, trembling, muscle spasms and cramps, fatigue, general weakness.

If thyrotoxicosis was not diagnosed in the early stages, exophthalmos (bulging eyes) develops.

The appearance of this symptom is characteristic of an autoimmune disease called Basedow's disease and is associated with uncontrolled production of thyroid hormones. This condition requires immediate treatment.

How does hypothyroidism manifest itself?

A decrease in the functional activity of the thyroid gland in hypothyroidism is accompanied by the appearance of symptoms from all organs and systems:

Neurological symptoms: decreased reflexes, paresthesia (sensitivity disorders), polyneuropathy.
Psychiatric manifestations: irritability, aggression, depression, nervousness, sleep disorders.
Gastrointestinal symptoms: loss of appetite, change in taste, weight gain, atony, constipation, mucosal atrophy, biliary dyskinesia.
Reproductive disorders: decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction in men, dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea in women.
Respiratory symptoms: swelling of the upper respiratory tract, hoarseness, perspiration, dry cough, prolonged rhinitis.
Musculoskeletal disorders: muscle weakness, joint and muscle pain.

A distinctive feature of pathological conditions associated with weak secretion of hormones is the appearance of edema.

At first, edema appears in the morning, with the progression of the disease, it is always present.

In the absence of medical treatment, a long-term deficiency of the hormones T3 and T4 develops.

Organism - this condition is called myxedema.

Hypothyroidism without treatment inevitably progresses, leading to serious consequences. A decrease in functional activity in children is fraught with the development of "cretinism".

This condition is manifested by physical developmental delay, characterized by mental and intellectual abnormalities.

They lead to violations of the activity of the whole organism, therefore it is very important to know what symptoms are characteristic of the pathology of this organ.

Sharp changes in temperament, seemingly insignificant changes in the activity of all organs and systems, are the reason for contacting an endocrinologist.

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If the thyroid gland is enlarged

A healthy person weighs about 20 grams. The thyroid gland produces two important hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones regulate the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, the cardiovascular system, mental and sexual activity, the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It also secretes the hormone calcitonin into the blood, which is involved in the regulation of calcium levels. The functioning of the thyroid gland depends on the amount of iodine in the body. For the normal functioning of this organ, a person should receive about 150-200 mg of iodine per day. The best natural sources of this element are sea fish, seafood, sea kale, persimmon, bell pepper. To find out if your iodine is enough, draw an iodine mesh on the inside of your forearm and notice when it disappears. Normally, the drawing should remain on the skin for more than 2 hours, if it disappears earlier - iodine is clearly lacking.

Thyroid diseases

Thyroid dysfunction can be manifested by an increase (hyperthyroidism) or a decrease (hypothyroidism) in hormone production. In our country, the most common hypothyroidism, which occurs when there is a lack of iodine in the body. The thyroid gland begins to produce insufficient hormones, which leads to a decrease in motor activity, drowsiness, weakness, impaired attention, slow thinking, obesity, increased cholesterol levels, impaired potency, and obesity. External symptoms of hypothyroidism - dry pale skin, hair loss, brittle nails. In order to capture as much iodine from the blood as possible, the thyroid gland begins to increase and a goiter gradually grows. Without treatment, a goiter can reach several kilograms.

The reverse situation, when thyroid hormones are produced more than normal, is called hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis. There is an acceleration of metabolism, nervousness, palpitations, excessive sweating, trembling, poor sleep, increased fatigue, decreased libido and potency, in advanced cases - exophthalmos (protrusion of the eyeballs). Patients may have a brutal appetite, but still lose weight. A goiter can also appear with hyperthyroidism, in this case it is a diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland - Basedow's disease.

Treatment of thyroid pathologies

Hypothyroidism is, in most cases, irreversible. Patients have to take artificial thyroid hormones for life. The dose of hormonal drugs should be determined by the doctor. Hyperthyroidism also requires treatment, otherwise the condition progresses, changes in the heart muscle begin, heart rhythm disturbances occur, and liver damage occurs. Without treatment, death from heart failure or thyrotoxic crisis is possible. Treatment of thyrotoxicosis is complex and lengthy. Drugs that inhibit the production of thyroid hormones are prescribed. In rare cases, radioactive iodine is used, which kills some of the thyroid cells. In severe cases, full surgical

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