Weakness, great fatigue and irritability. Many have experienced such symptoms, but not everyone has tried to figure out the causes of their occurrence. Most often, people attribute the appearance of such signs to stress, problems at work or at home. But sometimes it’s not just that.
“A heavy work load and emotional experiences can really lead to overwork and stress, as well as irritability, nervousness, fatigue and a constant feeling of fatigue,” says Olga Malinovskaya, a doctor in clinical laboratory diagnostics. – However, it is often not stress that is to blame for this condition, but disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland. In Russia, certain thyroid pathologies are found in 15-40% of the population.
The main function of the thyroid gland is the production of the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), without which the normal functioning of the body is impossible. Synthesis of these hormones does not occur without thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is produced by the pituitary gland. Violation of the synthesis of these hormones in the body – an increase or decrease in their concentration – leads to problems in the work of the cardiovascular, digestive systems, affects bone strength, weight, reproductive function, sleep, appetite and emotional state.
“The most common cause of malfunctions in the thyroid gland is a lack of iodine in the body, as well as autoimmune diseases, when the immune system attacks the tissues of your body,” explains Olga Malinovskaya. – Iodine deficiency is observed in every third inhabitant of the planet. The World Health Organization is sounding the alarm and suggests introducing iodized salt into the diet: eating it will help to cope with the lack of this element and prevent further problems in the thyroid gland.
To prevent diseases, you need to monitor nutrition – consume enough iodine and make the diet balanced
In the event that there is very little T4 in the body, they speak of hypothyroidism. For such a condition, which can occur against the background of iodine deficiency, weight gain and a slowdown in metabolism are characteristic. The person is often depressed and upset.
Excess T4 in the body is called hyperthyroidism. It is characterized, on the contrary, by causeless weight loss, irritation and weakness, as well as outbursts of aggression and emotional “swings”.
Recognizing thyroid disorders is not always easy, because the first symptoms can be non-specific, that is, characteristic of a variety of diseases and conditions. However, frequent mood swings, unreasonable irritability, severe fatigue, weight jumps that cannot be explained by a change in diet should alert and become a reason to contact a specialist.
In some cases, stress and banal overwork are really to blame, but in others, the reasons can be much more serious. In order to detect violations in the thyroid gland in time, you need to consult a doctor and undergo a series of examinations that will allow you to detect hormonal imbalance in a timely manner and take timely measures.
For the prevention of thyroid diseases, doctors recommend monitoring nutrition – eating enough foods with iodine content and, in general, making your diet more balanced. In addition, you should stop smoking and try to lead a healthier lifestyle.
It is not necessary to make a diagnosis on your own and self-medicate: a doctor should prescribe treatment, he should also control how the therapy proceeds. In most cases, early treatment helps to stop the progression of the disease.
About the Developer
Olga Malinovskaya – Doctor of clinical laboratory diagnostics.