What is hypothyroidism?

If you ask the doctor what hypothyroidism is, he will explain to you that in medicine this term indicates a disease that is caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormones. That is why the disease is characterized by a decrease or total loss of thyroid function.

Varieties

Answering the question about what hypothyroidism is, it should first of all be noted that the disease has two forms - primary and secondary. The development of primary hypothyroidism is explained by the pathology of the thyroid gland, the secondary one by the disrupted work of the pituitary gland. To date, primary hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disease. According to doctors, most often the disease is diagnosed in women aged 65 years.

Possible reasons

So, what is hypothyroidism, you know. Now let's look at the factors that can somehow provoke its development. In most cases, the development of the disease occurs against a background of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, that is, inflammation of the thyroid gland caused by problems with immunity. Often there are also such reasons as congenital increase or decrease of this organ, unsuccessful operation, lack of iodine in the body, influence of some antibiotics, as well as tumors and all kinds of infections (tuberculosis, abscess, actinomycosis). As for secondary hypothyroidism, it usually appears in the presence of inflammation, hemorrhage, or necrosis. It can also be caused by removal of the pituitary gland and subsequent surgical hypophysectomy.

Course of the disease

What is hypothyroidism? How is this disease? As the amount of thyroid hormones decreases in the body, the work of the stomach deteriorates sharply, heart problems begin, and metabolism slows down. Most patients complain of a sharp decline in sexual function. As a rule, the symptoms develop gradually, so at the initial stage of the disease, few people think about what it should look like to a specialist.

Symptomatics

Thyroid hypothyroidism can be diagnosed by such symptoms as persistent lethargy, weakness, memory impairment, inability to concentrate, hair loss, flaky skin, the appearance of edema, unreasonable weight gain and constipation. Women may experience a delay in menstruation, while men may experience a deterioration in potency. In the elderly, a person can develop a so-called hypothyroid coma - it is dangerous because it can result in the death of the patient. Call anyone can anything, from general hypothermia to an infectious disease.

Diagnostics

If you notice any of the above symptoms, be sure to visit the endocrinologist and explain to him in detail all your complaints. In order to be convinced of the correctness of the diagnosis, he will conduct a series of examinations: he will study blood, make biochemistry, ultrasound and scintigraphy of the thyroid gland. Only after this it will be possible to begin treatment. It usually consists of hormone replacement therapy. In addition, patients are recommended to include seafood in the diet - they are rich in iodine.