Contents
Hormonal problems are very common conditions in which neglect of treatment can result in serious consequences. Diagnosis of abnormalities may indicate hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not secrete enough hormones. The same term also describes the effects of such a deficiency. It is therefore worth taking care of the regularity of controlling the level of hormones and undergoing a blood test determining the level of thyroxine (the main hormone secreted by the thyroid gland) and thyretropin (a hormone that stimulates the secretion of thyroxine).
Thyroid hormones – when the results indicate a problem
The most common cause of this type of disorder is thyroiditis, especially Hashimoto’s disease. Other reasons are the removal of the gland for medical reasons, other times (less often) problems result from a congenital disorder or iodine deficiency. An increasingly noted cause is the effect of certain drugs. It is estimated that hypothyroidism affects 1% of men and 5% of women. It is important to distinguish between full-blown and subclinical hypothyroidism. In the case of the latter, i.e. giving scanty, difficult to notice symptoms, one can only notice: states of depressed mood; lipid metabolism disorders, i.e. an increase in cholesterol levels, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis; depression.
This type is often considered the mildest form of hypothyroidism. In addition, there is also a severe and moderate form. Symptoms of full-blown hypothyroidism include:
- frequent constipation,
- fatigue,
- exertional dyspnea,
- swelling of the neck
- shortness of breath,
- feeling cold all the time, even when it’s hot
- hoarse voice,
- weaker memory,
- excessive sleepiness,
- weight gain, despite eating small meals or a complete lack of appetite,
- muscle stiffness
- arthralgia,
- swelling of the eyelids,
- dry skin,
- eyebrow thinning,
- depressive thoughts,
- depressed mood,
- swelling of the neck
- impaired concentration,
- the appearance of the so-called double chin
- night blindness,
- disappearance of the dimples above the collarbones,
- brittle, falling out hair,
- menstrual disorders
- water retention in the body,
- dry skin,
- impotence, decreased libido, problems with maintaining pregnancy,
- loss of armpit hair,
- slow movements
- accumulation of fluid in the peritoneum,
- symptoms of coronary artery disease.
TSH and ft4 test – what are the normal results?
Hormonal tests are needed to find out if you have hypothyroidism. With the help of them, the concentration of TSH in the blood is checked, and if its result is above normal, the level of thyroxine should also be checked. The ft4 test consists of taking blood (usually from the area of the cubital vein). Low ft4 is determined in relation to the accepted standards (10-25 pmol/l (8-20ng/l), with normal TSH levels, i.e. 0,4 – 4,0 µIU/ml). A reduced level of free thyroxine with a simultaneous increased level of TSH may indicate thyroid cancer, hypothyroidism, iodine deficiency. Ultrasound of the thyroid gland also helps in making the diagnosis, which will help determine the cause of hypothyroidism.
Thyroid hormones below normal – how to treat?
The treatment of hypothyroidism consists in the constant intake of missing hormones in the form of special preparations. The doctor determines the initial dose of the drug, then he can make changes – but the patient cannot do it on his own. It is very important to take the preparations regularly, it is best to do it always at the same time, on an empty stomach. It is necessary to eat them 20-30 minutes before meals.