What is hyperthyroidism? Symptoms in women, causes, manifestations and treatment

Diseases of endocrine nature today are not uncommon. When the thyroid gland starts producing hormones in excess quantities, hyperthyroidism develops . Symptoms, treatment, signs, as well as the causes of this pathology in women will be considered in the materials of this article.

Thyroid function

The endocrine system includes endocrine glands that continuously produce hormones. With the help of blood, they are carried along the body of a person. Each hormone performs a certain function, thereby regulating the work of organs and ensuring their interrelation.

Endocrine glands are related to each other and the central nervous system in such a way that each hormone is synthesized at a certain time of day and in the required volumes. Thanks to such a well-organized system, the body functions in accordance with all changes in the external and internal environment.

If at least one gland begins to synthesize an insufficient or excessive amount of hormones, a failure occurs. The thyroid gland produces several hormones, the main ones are: T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). One of the conditions for a full-fledged operation of the gland is the intake of at least 150 micrograms of iodine per day in the body.

What is hyperthyroidism?

It belongs to the category of endocrine syndromes, the development of which is due to hyperthyroidism of the thyroid gland. Cells of this organ begin to produce thyroid hormones (thyroxine, triiodothyronine) in excess quantities, which affects the metabolic processes in the body, many times accelerates their course.

Hyperthyroidism is not a disease, as most people think. This is a whole symptom complex that characterizes the breach of the gland. Usually this pathology is a sign of concomitant diseases (cancer, thyroiditis, diffuse toxic goiter).

Causes of hyperthyroidism

One-third of the world's population suffers from abnormalities in the thyroid gland. Most pathologies occur in hyperthyroidism. In women, the symptoms and signs of pathology are instantly reflected in appearance. Since the thyroid gland is the main producer of hormones, it has a direct effect on all processes in the body. Increased production of thyroxine and triiodothyronine affects the weight, performance and mood of the patient. However, many prefer not to seek qualified help from a doctor, writing off the primary symptoms of a disease for heredity or banal fatigue.

What can be caused by hyperthyroidism? Among its main causes should be distinguished various disorders of the thyroid gland. These include: diffuse toxic goiter, Plummer's disease .

Uncontrolled use of hormonal drugs leads to the development of artificial hyperthyroidism. Also, the ailment can be caused by excessive use of iodine along with food. This element has a direct effect on the synthesis of thyroid hormones.

The most rare causes of hyperthyroidism include the following:

• Ovarian tumors;
• Side effects of medications;
• Tumors of the pituitary gland.

Prior pathology can be stress and experience, various diseases (rheumatism, tuberculosis), pregnancy. In rare cases, the functioning of the gland is disrupted due to a transmitted infectious disease aetiology.

How does hyperthyroidism affect a woman's body?

Symptoms of thyroid hyperthyroidism in women indicate a violation of the CNS and a metabolic disorder. Excessively emotional sick people can notice increased tearfulness, poor sleep and mood swings. Among other signs of this pathology in women can be distinguished deterioration of appearance: hair loss and fragility, the bundle of nails. However, the most characteristic symptom is an increase in the size of the gland. Even a small swelling should be the reason for a visit to the doctor. Let us consider how pathology manifests itself from various systems of organs.

1. CNS disorder. Insomnia, increased irritability, panic attacks, poor coordination of the thought process - all this allows you to suspect hyperthyroidism.
2. Symptoms in women from the side of the cardiac system are manifested by persistent sinus tachycardia, rapid pulse, elevated blood pressure.
3. The pathology of vision is characterized by limited mobility of the eyeball and its simultaneous forward bias. Patients complain of the doubling of objects, constant tearing.
4. Violations in metabolic processes. There is a sharp decrease in body weight against a background of excellent appetite. Also, women have signs of excessive sweating.
5. Muscle weakness. The patients look exhausted, making walking is difficult. Discomfort and weakness in the muscles make it difficult to perform elementary movements.
6. Sexual system and hyperthyroidism. In women, the symptoms of pathology often begin to manifest with menstrual irregularities. They can not conceive for a long time, and every successful conception usually ends in a spontaneous abortion. Menstruation is meager, accompanied by bloating and severe pain.

How else does hyperthyroidism manifest itself? Symptoms in women in menopause practically do not differ from the clinical picture in young girls. Tides, heat intolerance, tachycardia, heart palpitations - all these signs usually accompany the ailment.

Hyperthyroidism can lead to secondary diabetes mellitus. The patient gradually manifests the characteristic signs of hyperglycemia: thirst, dry mouth, profuse urination. Treatment of such pathology is carried out with the help of a strict diet and medicines. The introduction of insulin is usually not required.

Subclinical hyperthyroidism

Symptoms in women with this form of pathology are absent, so it is difficult to identify at the initial stages of development. Especially often subclinical hyperthyroidism is diagnosed in women in old age who suffer from multinodular goiter for a long time. Sometimes the ailment occurs in people with thyrotoxicosis who have undergone complex therapy. Clinical manifestations of pathology are absent, and changes at the hormonal level are preserved.

Hyperthyroidism and pregnancy

Doctors warn that pregnancy in combination with hyperthyroidism can be dangerous. Women with this diagnosis usually develop a strong toxicosis, and with it the probability of spontaneous abortion and the occurrence of congenital malformations in a baby increases. That is why even at the planning stage, each fair sex representative should undergo a comprehensive examination, paying special attention to the state of the thyroid gland. With the progression of pathology during pregnancy, the capacity of doctors to eliminate it is very limited. Most of the treatment regimens used involve the use of drugs that are dangerous to the fetus.

Medical Examination

If you suspect a hyperthyroidism, the symptoms in women play an important role in the diagnosis. At the initial stages, pathology proceeds without obvious signs, so patients are slow to consult a doctor.

The final verdict is determined by the doctor on the basis of the patient's complaints and the results of the examination. When the diagnosis is made, the content of thyroid hormones in the blood is evaluated. Ultrasound is used to determine the size of the thyroid gland. Localization of nodal formations can be determined using computed tomography. If necessary, an additional biopsy of the gland is also prescribed for the purpose of cytological examination.

Methods of treatment

If suspected of hyperthyroidism, symptoms and treatment in women should be determined as soon as possible. The lack of adequate therapy can lead to life-threatening complications.

In total, there are three treatment options: conservative, surgical, radioiodine therapy. In each case, one of them can be used, as well as a combination. The choice of the final version depends on the doctor. The specialist must consider several factors simultaneously. First of all, this is the age of the patient, the presence of other diseases, individual characteristics of the body.

Choosing a conservative treatment option, the patient is prescribed thyreostatic drugs (Metamizol, Propylthiouracil). Medicines prevent the accumulation of iodine in the body, reduce the production of thyroid hormones.

Surgical treatment involves excision of part of the gland, which is characterized by increased secretion. If it is necessary to remove the entire organ, the patient is prescribed hormone replacement therapy for the rest of his life.

Very often, a radioiodine is combined with a conservative variant of therapy. The patient is prescribed a one-time administration of a capsule with radioactive iodine. The drug is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women. As a result of such treatment, iron decreases in size, the secretion of hormones decreases.

Conservative and surgical methods of therapy make it possible to cure hyperthyroidism. Symptoms in women become less pronounced if a radioiodine method is used to combat the disease.

Prevention

To prevent hyperthyroidism, doctors recommend following simple rules:

1. Regularly undergo an ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland, take blood tests to determine the level of hormones.
2. Healthy food. The diet should be balanced. Preference should be given to products that are rich in iodine.
3. Refuse to visit the solarium, and stay in the sun should be dosed.

Now you know what hyperthyroidism is. Symptoms and treatment in women of this pathology - two interrelated issues that require qualified medical help. If timely action is taken to eliminate this problem, you can avoid the development of dangerous complications.