The thyroid gland is a very important organ, it controls the entire body. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the conditions that disrupt its functioning.
1. Hypothyroidism.
It is a pathological condition that occurs when there is a lack of thyroid hormones.
Hypothyroidism can occur due to problems in the thyroid gland itself, for example, in the inflammatory process – thyroiditis; or as a consequence of problems with the hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal glands.
Most often hypothyroidism occurs in women (especially after 60 years) in 19 women out of 1000, while among men, this indicator is only 1 out of 1000. It is difficult to diagnose it yourself. The first symptom is chronic fatigue.
Synthetic thyroid hormone analogs (Eltroxin, Thyronorm) are used to treat hypothyroidism.
2. Hyperthyroidism
It is manifested by excessive activity of thyroid hormones. With hyperfunction, all metabolic processes in the body are accelerated, nutrients break down faster to metabolites, and person losing weight.
Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism: menstrual disorders, aggression, nervousness, bulging eyes, hair loss, sleep disturbance, anxiety, tearfulness, fatigue.
3. Basedow’s disease (diffuse toxic goiter)
The reason for this lies in the improper functioning of the human immune system: it begins to produce specific antibodies directed against the patient’s own thyroid gland.
Antibodies do not destroy the thyroid, but rather make it work very actively. Thus, the patient has hyperthyroidism and associated symptoms: fever, sweating, heart palpitations, irritability, weight loss, etc.
A specific sign indicating a diffuse toxic goiter is a characteristic eye enlargement.
4. Goiter
This is a pathological condition that is manifested by the proliferation of tissue and, accordingly, an increase of the size thyroid gland. Most often occurs with iodine deficiency in the diet.
Most often, patients do not complain about anything. If the goiter increases in size, the patient is worried about the feeling of squeezing of the respiratory tract and esophagus, his breathing and swallowing function may be disturbed, there is hoarseness, pain in the thyroid gland, etc.
5. Thyroid cancer
The feature of the tumors of the thyroid gland is their insensitivity to chemotherapy. But some new developments inspire hope. For example, kinase inhibitors (Soranib, Sorafenat) help block the enzyme present in the cells of the formations. They also prevent the growth of new blood vessels. Tumors often survive because they germinate with blood vessels that feed them.
6. Plummer’s disease (toxic adenoma)
It is a formation that in no way affects the functioning of the thyroid gland and the production of a sufficient amount of hormones.
Because of this, the adenoma is difficult to diagnose and is found already in the late stages of the disease.
It is manifested by abdominal pain, abnormal liver function, frequent bouts of nausea, and frequent diarrhea. In a number of patients, weight is dramatically reduced, even with a good appetite.