Small thyroid gland is related to everything that happens inside us. Professor, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Oksana Dipkina answers questions about the health of this unique body managing an entire organism, as well as the importance of iodine.
1. For which the thyroid gland is responsible?
The thyroid gland is a small organ that is located in the neck and resembles a butterfly in shape. She produces hormones: triiodotironin (T3), thyroxine (T4) and calcitonin. They regulate metabolism, growth and development of cells and, in general, the whole organism. If the thyroid gland functions, the person’s weight will be normal, the temperature, the frequency of heart contractions, the work of the gastrointestinal tract, the condition of the hair and skin, reproductive function, mood and much more.
2. What are thyroid diseases?
The most common thyroid diseases are associated with the abnormal production of its hormones.
Excess hormones is called hyperthyroidism. It can be compared with a stove that works at full power. With hyperthyroidism, there is a decrease in body weight even with increased appetite, insomnia, invisibility of heat, rapid heartbeat, anxiety and irritability. In rare cases, a thyrotoxic crisis can develop – a sharp increase in the blood of thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which can even lead to death. Hyperthyroidism is more often caused by Graves disease, toxic multi -sized goiter, taking some drugs.
The opposite state – hypothyroidism, insufficient production of thyroid hormones. In this case, the processes in organisms resemble a weakly smoldering coal. Typical symptoms: increased body weight, fatigue, constipation, hair loss, slow heartbeat. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is iodine deficiency in the diet and autoimmune thyroiditis Hashimoto. Hypothyroidism for children in whom it causes a severe delay in physical and mental development is especially dangerous.
3. Who is prone to thyroid diseases?
Thyroid diseases can affect anyone, however, in women they are diagnosed five to eight times more often. The risk is higher, if you have blood relatives with thyroid diseases, there are already autoimmune diseases, you take amiodarone or lithium preparations, have been subjected to radiation therapy in the head and neck.
4. How are the thyroid diseases diagnosed?
In the diagnosis of thyroid diseases, several methods are used. One of the most accurate diagnostic methods is a blood test. Most often determine the level of T3, T4 and thyroidropic hormone – the hormone of the pituitary gland that controls the production of thyroid hormones. Additionally, the level of antibodies to the thyroid gland can be examined in case of suspicion of autoimmune diseases, calcitonin for the diagnosis of malignant tumors. In people with a history of thyroid cancer, the level of thyroidoglobulin is measured.
Ultrasound examination allows you to identify changes in the structure of the thyroid gland – for example, nodes or calcinates.
5. What to do if nodes are found on it?
More than half of people over 45-50 years have nodes in the thyroid gland. The main reason is iodine deficiency. Russia remains one of the few countries where iodine deficiency remains throughout the territory.
Everything begins with an increase in the gland, which thus tries to compensate for the lack of hormones, over time the accumulations of its cells are formed, which form the nodes. There is another group of nodes – those that developed against the background of autoimmune thyroiditis. And finally, there are nodes that are malignant neoplasms.
What to remove and which leave, you need to solve it individually. A biopsy is performed, and according to its results, the doctor makes a decision whether to send the patient to the surgeon or not and how much the operation is needed.
6. How thyroid diseases are treated?
The purpose of treatment is to restore the normal level of hormones. This can be done in different ways. If you have a high level of hormones (hyperthyroidism), treatment options may include the following.
Antitiraoid drugs – drugs that suppress excess thyroid activity.
Radioactive iodine – it destroys thyroid cells, reducing the production of hormones.
Beta-blockers-they do not change the number of hormones, but help to control the symptoms.
Surgical treatment (thyroidctomy) – with it all iron or its part is removed.
With hypothyroidism, the main treatment option is to take synthetic thyroid hormones to maintain their normal level.
7. Does everyone need iodine preparations?
There is no need to take iodine
preparations without a doctor’s prescription. To prevent a deficiency of this element, it is enough to have iodized salt in the kitchen. A group of persons who really recommend taking special drugs is very limited. First of all, these are pregnant and lactating women, iodine deficiency in which can affect the development of the nervous system of the child.
8. Is it possible to play sports with thyroid diseases?
Regular physical activity are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. You do not need to change the training mode if you have a thyroid disease. Talk to your doctor if you want to start a new exercise program.
9. Is it possible to live an ordinary life with thyroid diseases?
Thyroid diseases are usually chronic conditions that need to be constantly monitored. This is often due to daily medication. Your doctor will monitor treatment and, if necessary, make adjustments.
It may take some time to find the right version of the treatment, but people with thyroid diseases live ordinary life.
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