Symptoms and treatment of thyroid hyperthyroidism
Excessive hormonal activity of the thyroid gland - when the body produces a large amount of thyroxine and triiodothyronine hormones - is called hyperthyroidism in medicine. The second name of the disease is thyrotoxicosis or diffuse toxic goiter. It is characterized by accelerated metabolism and requires long-term therapy.
Causes and symptoms of pathology
The disease develops as a result of the progression of some pathology. Causes of hyperthyroidism in men and women can be:
- formation of nodules in the tissues of the thyroid gland;
- benign and malignant pituitary tumors;
- inflammation of the thyroid gland - thyroiditis;
- hormonal diseases of the ovaries;
- disruption of the function of the prostate gland.
Hyperthyroidism can develop against the background of long-term use of drugs containing iodine. The congenital form of the disease, which can develop as a result of problems with the thyroid gland in a pregnant woman or due to a hereditary factor, is considered separately.
Symptoms of thyroid hyperthyroidism in women and men are intense:
- constant trembling of the upper limbs;
- violation of the psycho-emotional background - irritability, tearfulness, mood swings;
- disruption of heart rhythm;
- amenorrhea – absence of menstruation without pregnancy;
- reduction of sexual drive in men;
- gynecomastia – swelling of mammary glands in men.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in children are more pronounced - in newborns, a characteristic facial expression with bulging eyes, a slightly open mouth, and an enlarged tongue immediately appears. In elderly people, the clinical picture of the disease may be completely absent - hyperthyroidism occurs in a hidden form.
Diagnostic measures
No endocrinologist can make a diagnosis based on the patient's complaints. To confirm the diagnosis, the patient must undergo a comprehensive examination. As part of the diagnosis of hypothyroidism, the following are performed:
- laboratory examination of blood;
- ultrasound examination and computer tomography of the thyroid gland;
- estimation of the activity of individual parts of the organ - scintigraphy;
- biopsy of the thyroid gland.
The most informative diagnostic method is a blood test for TSH - with hyperthyroidism, the level of hormones will be very high. If there is a suspicion of a benign or malignant tumor in the thyroid gland, then complete information about the neoplasm can be obtained only after histological examination of fragments of pathologically changed cells.
Treatment of thyroid hyperthyroidism
If the disease is diagnosed at an early stage of development, then nutrition and diet are selected for the patient - with mild hyperthyroidism, this is the main method of restoring the function of the thyroid gland. It is necessary to reduce the number of foods rich in iodine, or completely exclude them from the menu. Dietary nutrition is selected individually - a lot depends on the patient's weight, accompanying pathologies, age.
Of the medicines, thyrostatic drugs are prescribed, which reduce the activity of the production of hormones by the thyroid gland. With a competent combination of diet and drug therapy, it is possible to achieve positive dynamics in a short period of time. If hyperthyroidism was diagnosed at a late stage of development, the patient will be recommended to take specific medications for life.
Treatment of thyroid hyperthyroidism takes place on an outpatient basis. In case of strong intoxication of the body with hormones, the patient is hospitalized. In severe cases, the doctor prescribes radioiodine therapy - the use of iodine preparations that can destroy pathological cells of the thyroid gland. Such therapy has many side effects, it is poorly tolerated by patients and requires constant monitoring by endocrinologists.
If drug therapy does not give positive results, the doctor may prescribe surgical intervention. The part of the gland that is not functioning properly is removed from the patient. If a large part of the organ had to be removed, there is a high risk of developing hypothyroidism - insufficient supply of hormones to the body. Then the patient is prescribed lifelong replacement therapy.
How to treat hyperthyroidism during pregnancy is determined only by a gynecologist. If the endocrinologist does not see a threat to the woman's health, then you can do without a diet. Medicines are selected after assessing the real risks for the future mother and fetus.
How is the diagnosis of subclinical hyperthyroidism carried out, what are the features of the course of the disease in the elderly and teenagers - you can learn about it on our website https://dobrobut.com/.
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