Thyroid gland – characteristic symptoms of thyroid disorders. What is worth knowing about it?

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The thyroid gland is an extremely important gland for the proper functioning of the entire body. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland are needed by every cell in our body. How does the thyroid gland work? How do diseases of the thyroid gland affect not only the work of other organs, but also the well-being? We check how we should act in the case of thyroid disorders.

How does the thyroid gland work?

The thyroid gland works in our body in a feedback system – the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, hypothalamus. The thyroid gland is regulated by the so-called tropic hormones. upper floor. Therefore, diseases of the thyroid gland may result from disorders of the pituitary or hypothalamus, or from the problems of the thyroid gland itself.

1. What do we know about pituitary adenomas?

Thyroid disorders and iodine deficiency in Poland

For many years, Poland has been in the area of ​​iodine deficiency. Therefore, compensatory mechanisms were developed in our bodies, which means that the thyroid gland, in order to keep up with the needs of the organism, grew pathologically. Not only the goiter was formed, that is, there was a simple hypertrophy of the thyroid gland, but also the formation of nodules. Currently, according to estimates, about 9 million people have an abnormally developed thyroid precisely because of iodine deficiency. This applies to a small extent to the young generation, and more often to people around 50 and 60 years of age.

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Thyroid disorders may not have any effect on the organ’s appearance. Even with a lot of goiter, hormone production can be normal, which is why it is difficult to determine whether the thyroid is functioning well. For this reason, it is worth checking the level of TSH in the body regularly.

Prophylactically and as an auxiliary in treatment, it is worth drinking herbal tea. For the thyroid gland, use evening primrose oil and a dietary supplement with licorice root. You can buy these preparations together in a special Thyroid Kit, which is available at a favorable price on Medonet Market.

Symptoms of thyroid disorders

The most common symptoms that indicate thyroid problems are:

1. Dry skin;
2. Mood swings;
3. Depression;
4. Constant feeling of cold;
5. Problems losing weight or putting on weight.

To support the work of the thyroid gland, we recommend EutroHerbs thyroid – a herbal mixture containing herbs such as: rowan fruit, knotweed herb, licorice rhizome, nettle leaf, rose fruit, Icelandic lichen and valerian root.

Thyroid diseases and hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a very commonly diagnosed condition involving the thyroid gland. Among the noticeable symptoms of malfunction of the thyroid gland are: weight gain, hair loss, constipation, drowsiness, fatigue, menstrual disorders, infertility, dry skin, dry hair and a feeling of cold.

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After blood tests with the determination of TSH, you should visit an endocrinologist who will determine the treatment method adjusted not only to the results, but also to the patient’s health condition. The main treatment for hypothyroidism is to take medications designed to increase TSH levels.

Thyroid diseases and hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is most commonly diagnosed in women between the ages of 20 and 40. Excessive sweating, hot flushes, palpitations and a noticeable weight loss are characteristic symptoms that accompany the patient. Chest pain may occur with an overactive thyroid gland. Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to a heart attack or stroke, so the condition should not be taken lightly.

Thyroid diseases and Hashimoto’s

Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease often diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The disease is accompanied by fatigue, drowsiness, changeable moods, hair loss, and a perceptible dry skin. Hashimoto’s treatment is largely based on medications that should be taken for the rest of your life.

Thyroid cancer – what is the diagnosis?

Thyroid cancer is a malignant type of cancer that can be papillary cancer (iodine deficiency) or follicular cancer (iodine deficiency). The most common causes of thyroid cancer include:

1. Genetic predispositions;
2. Ionizing radiation – radiotherapy in the neck area, which was performed in childhood, significantly increases the risk of malignant thyroid neoplasm;
3. Gender – women suffer from thyroid cancer more often than men.

Cancer in numbers. There are more and more cancer patients in Poland

The symptoms of thyroid cancer are distinctive. Hoarseness, enlarged cervical nodes, problems with swallowing and / or breathing, and neck pain are diagnosed for cancer. In addition to the interview with the doctor, ultrasound of the thyroid gland, fine needle biopsy and histopathological examination should be performed.

Treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the type of cancer you have. It may consist of:

1. Complete removal of the thyroid gland;
2. Radioiodine treatment;
3. Teleradioterapii;
4. Pharmacotherapy (taking levothyroxine);
5. Chemotherapy.

Thyroid diseases – can I go to the seaside?

Sea water is invaluable in preventing thyroid diseases. Iodine contained in it is released into the atmosphere, therefore people deficient in this element should walk along the seashore and inhale the air deeply. It is best to do it at dawn, in late summer.

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Experts believe that there is no danger of overdosing with iodine in this way. The organism of a healthy person simply released it with urine. On the other hand, people who are treated for hyperthyroidism should consult a doctor for a trip to the seaside.

What does the thyroid hormone level test look like?

A blood sample is taken from the vein to test the concentration of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland. It is worth coming for a diagnostic examination on an empty stomach. It is best to test TSH at least once a year. People who have already been diagnosed with thyroid disorders should perform the test every two months. The price of a morphology marked with TSH is about PLN 25. The cost is similar for the FT3 and FT4 markings.

The thyroid gland – what tests should be performed?

To assess the work of the thyroid gland, six types of tests can be carried out:

1. Blood test – blood serum measures the level of thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and the pituitary gland: thyrotropin (TSH). This way, you can see if the thyroid gland produces the right amount of them, and if the hormone reaches it from the pituitary gland. Such a test helps to diagnose hyper- or hypothyroidism;
2. Ultrasonography (USG) – consists in examining the thyroid with a head that sends ultrasounds, which draw an image of its interior on the monitor screen. Ultrasound of the thyroid gland allows you to determine the size of the thyroid gland and find out if there are nodules in it and what size. Ultrasound can detect small nodules, even 2mm, but it is not possible to tell if they are benign or malignant;
3. Chest x-ray – the thyroid gland can grow inwards and form the so-called retrosternal goiter. The X-ray picture shows whether this is the case and whether the thyroid gland presses the trachea and esophagus (then the patient has trouble breathing);
4. Scintigraphy – instead of the usual iodine, the patient is given a radioactive isotope in a capsule or liquid to drink. The thyroid gland absorbs it like iodine from food or air. If there are nodules in the thyroid gland, the isotope is not absorbed evenly. All iodine is captured by the so-called hot lumps. They are the ones that produce too much thyroxine and cause hyperthyroidism. Cold lumps that do not produce hormones do not absorb iodine. When the thyroid gland absorbs the iodine from the capsule, a specialist looks at it through a special device called a gamma camera. On the monitor screen, he can see, in different colors, places that have absorbed radioactive iodine and places that have not absorbed it. This creates a map of the thyroid gland, i.e. a scintigraphy. Although the dose of radioactive iodine is minimal and safe for us, scintigraphy cannot be done by pregnant women;
5. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) – under ultrasound control, the doctor punctures the lump with a thin needle and takes a little tissue. Then, under a microscope, it checks whether there are cancer cells in the sample. The procedure is not painful and does not require anesthesia;
6. Urine iodine – this test is performed when diagnosing goiter. Urine should be collected in a large glass vessel (preferably with a scale) around the clock. In the morning you have to take a small part of it for analysis and tell the laboratory technician how much urine was collected in 24 hours. An iodine concentration below 50 mcg / L (micrograms per liter) indicates a significant iodine deficiency in the body. The standard is 100 mcg / l.

What is the correct level of thyroid hormones?

The normal level of thyroxine (T4) is 5-12 mcg / dL, while the level of triiodothyronine (T3) is between 0,7 and 1,8 mcg / dL. Prophylactically, it is worth checking the concentration of these hormones around the age of 20-25, and then when the doctor orders the analysis.

Check your thyroid gland. Buy a package of diagnostic tests at Medonet Market.

Pregnancy and thyroid disease – can treatment be stopped?

Women who are pregnant must not stop treatment, especially if they have an underactive thyroid gland. Disturbances in the functioning of this gland may lead to miscarriages, fetal death, developmental disorders of the child (especially the nervous and skeletal systems) or to congenital hypothyroidism in the child.

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On the other hand, untreated hyperthyroidism is also a risk of miscarriage, worse child development and congenital hyperthyroidism. A woman suffering from thyroid gland should plan pregnancy and be under the care of a gynecologist and endocrinologist throughout its duration.

Is excess iodine dangerous?

Iodine is a naturally occurring element that is not dangerous to a healthy person. Its excess is excreted in the urine. On the other hand, radioactive iodine is dangerous, as it can get into the environment, e.g. after a nuclear power plant accident. It can damage the thyroid gland and even cause cancer of the thyroid gland.

1. Check the effect of low doses of radiation on the body

Iodine – where can we find the most of it?

We find the most iodine in food. Unfortunately, with food, we provide the body with only 1/3 of the daily requirement for this element. For this reason, we should use iodized salt.

We should also choose products rich in this element, i.e. fish and seafood, beef and pork, milk and dairy products, eggs, rice, rye bread, oatmeal, vegetables (especially green lettuce, carrots, white cabbage, spinach, radish, potatoes. , cucumbers) and raw fruit (especially pineapples, apples, pears).

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Hyperthyroidism and diet

Due to the fact that patients with hyperthyroidism need to provide the body with more energy (calories), nutritionists recommend eating 5-6 meals a day and composing them specially.

You need to eat more protein: milk, kefir, yoghurt and cottage cheese, eggs, lean meat (beef, veal, chicken, turkey, rabbit) and cold cuts (poultry, sirloin and ham), as well as lean fish (cod, pike perch, pike) . High-protein foods must be included with every meal.

Dishes should be rich in vitamins, especially vitamin A (carrots, peppers, tomatoes, apricots, peaches), vitamin C (parsley, red pepper, spinach, citrus, strawberries), vitamin B1 (cereals, milk and its products, eggs , buckwheat) and minerals, mainly calcium (milk and milk products).

The diet should be easily digestible, so avoid fatty and fried foods. It is good to steam, stew without browning and bake in foil.

It is worth giving up hot spices and eating hot dishes. You also need to limit vegetables in which there are substances that inhibit the activity of the thyroid gland, i.e. goitre. They are found in cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli, horseradish, kohlrabi, radishes, spinach, and peanuts.

Hypothyroidism and diet

In the case of hypothyroidism, not only is the iodine intake very important, but also:

1. Selenium – fish, turkey, beef, mushrooms, whole grains;
2. Zinc – eggs, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, onions, garlic, oysters, chickpeas, beans.
3. Iron – meat offal, egg yolk, bran, parsley, sorrel, wild strawberries, raspberries, avocado, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds.

Exercise is very important in hypothyroidism (as well as Hashimoto’s disease). You do not have to do competitive sports right away, but walks (about 30 minutes) will support the diet, including faster metabolism.

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