Thyroid or loose nerves? What is the thyroid gland, how does it manifest itself and what does it affect in women? Thyroid gland symptoms of disease in women photos and treatment Looks neck thyroid disease

Disease of the thyroid gland, like the main part of ailments, does not proceed unnoticed, most are accompanied by a change in the quantitative ratio of hormones in the bloodstream, which affect all organs and tissues. Hormones can be either in deficiency or in excess, so diseases can have a completely opposite nature. The sooner changes are noticed, the earlier treatment will be undertaken, and the earlier treatment begins, the more the chances of success increase.

Symptoms of the thyroid gland in women

The first symptom is an enlarged thyroid gland. Most diseases are accompanied by the development of goiter, while the signs of damage are determined far from immediately. The gland takes up more and more space, the neck is noticeably rounded, it seems that there is swelling. At the same time, there are no signs of inflammation (increased local temperature, pain, redness).

If the enlargement of the gland is not prevented, it will gradually constrict and squeeze the organs in the neck (trachea, esophagus, larynx).

The person has a sensation of "a lump in the throat." When the trachea is squeezed, the patient develops shortness of breath both during exercise and in a calm position. at the same time, it is difficult for a person to perform the acts of inhalation and exhalation. The goiter can also compress nearby nerves, for example, those responsible for the work of the vocal cords. In connection with these, hoarseness of the voice appears or it disappears.

Changes in the work of the CCC:

With hypofunction of the thyroid gland, the functioning of the heart decreases, a condition such as bradycardia develops - a condition in which the number of heart beats per minute is less than 60.
Because of this, the blood flow through the vessels slows down, as a result of which edema occurs (mainly in the legs) in the second half of the day, which decrease or disappear in the morning.
In addition to edema, shortness of breath may occur.
With excessive production of thyroid hormones, on the contrary, tachycardia develops - the frequency of heart beats per minute exceeds 80.

This is bad for the heart itself, because the increased level of hormones already creates a need for various nutrients, and so it also begins to work hard. The time for feeding the blood of the heart is reduced during the pause between systole and diastole, which means a reduced trophism of the cells of the tissues of the heart muscle. Pains appear in the left chest area, the sensation is described by the person as "compression in a vice."

Body temperature changes. Basically, the general body temperature in a person signals the presence of pathology in the body. A slight increase (37.2-37.6) indicates a slight excess of thyroid hormones. The person does not even feel it. There are no other symptoms. If inflammation of the internal hormonal gland has begun, then a headache, fatigue appears, combined with a temperature above 37.6 o C. A lowered body temperature is rarely noticed. But if the thermometer stayed at 36.6 all the time, and suddenly you noticed 36.3, then you should think about it and consult a doctor. Such a change indicates the presence of hypothyroidism.

Thyroid disease: symptoms in women

Diseases of the thyroid gland are not asymptomatic, they are easy to notice.

Symptoms:

Sweating is above normal. The usual reflex is replaced by a pathological one, the palms are constantly wet, drops of sweat run down the back, and with the slightest excitement, sweat begins to flow like a stream.
Dramatic weight loss. With an increase in the production of hormones, a person begins to lose weight before our eyes. Despite the fact that a woman does not change her diet, but, on the contrary, increases its calorie content several times, due to the development of increased appetite and the active action of thyroid gland on metabolic processes.
Overweight. With a reduced production of hormones, the opposite effect is observed. This is due to the concomitant deceleration of the OM.
Frequent constipation. Constipation means stool retention for more than two days. Slowing down of bowel movements may be the most direct sign of imbalance in the body.
Ophthalmic eyes. One of the most obvious signs of hyperthyroidism, a strip of protein appears between the iris and the eyelids, which is especially noticeable if the person looks down.
Violation of the menstrual cycle. This mechanism of the interconnected work of the genitals and hormones is very sensitive to minor changes in the body, and especially to hormonal ones.

Violations occur in both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Menstruation may occur with a large gap between cycles, and the cycles themselves may increase or decrease. The amount of discharge also changes: it becomes more scarce or too abundant.

Signs of a thyroid gland in women

In addition to the huge list of symptoms that indicate a malfunctioning thyroid gland, there are additional signs.

These signs are a little less common, but they also ask to draw attention to themselves.:

Swelling. They appear mainly on the face and keep constantly, regardless of the time of day, the eyelids "swell" especially strongly.
Disorder of the nervous system. The person becomes inhibited, constantly wants to sleep. With hyperthyroidism, emotions become very vivid, anxiety and violent reaction to things that did not cause any emotions before increase. A woman can sit and smile, and after a split second, tears appear on her face for no reason.
Hair loss and changes in skin condition. The most common symptom. With hypothyroidism, the skin becomes dry, the hair splits, breaks, falls out in abnormal amounts (the norm for an ordinary person is 100-120 hairs per day).

In case of insufficient thyroid function, on the contrary, the skin is constantly oily and moist, the hair follicles excessively secrete a sebaceous secretion, which manifests itself in the rapid pollution of the hair.

Where is the thyroid gland in women: photo

The thyroid gland is located in the lower half of the neck. The body of the thyroid gland is hidden behind the muscles of the neck, covered with thyroid cartilage.

Features of the survey:

When examining a patient, the doctor asks the person to swallow saliva or take a sip of water in order to visually assess the visibility of the thyroid gland.
Under normal conditions, the thyroid gland is not visible, but movements of the cricoid and thyroid cartilage are observed.
On palpation, an isthmus is found.
Bimanual palpation is applied.

To feel the lobes of the thyroid gland, it may be necessary to move the sterno-mastoid muscles. Density, uniformity, symmetry, size are checked by palpation. If the thyroid gland is symmetrical, homogeneous and of medium density, then there are no pathologies. In other cases, we are talking about a violation of the thyroid gland.

Thyroid problems in women: symptoms

Often, ladies notice strange changes in their bodies: depression, depression, as well as a constant feeling of fatigue, drowsiness, a sudden loss of strength occurs for no reason.

In addition, there is:

Presence of anxiety and nervousness. A malfunction of the thyroid gland launches all systems of the body into accelerated work, thereby overexcitation sets in, which is splashed out with harsh emotions.
Appetite changes. A woman may not feel hunger for a long time, and vice versa, after a hearty meal, she wants to eat something else "such" in order to satisfy the insatiable body. Taste preferences can change: a person, for example, could not tolerate only one type of a certain product, and after a while he wrote it down as one of his favorite delicacies.
Decreased libido. Sexual life with a partner does not generate much interest.

A hyperfunction of the gland leads to dryness and flaking of the skin. A malfunction in the endocrine system can greatly spoil the condition of the skin, to the point that the creams become ineffective.

Patients have bouts of aggression, sore throat, tingling in the extremities, muscle cramps, "nervous tic".

Hypofunction is manifested by constant chills, excessive sweating and insomnia. These symptoms can be recognized without the help of a doctor. You should not ignore even the slightest changes in the work of your metabolism, it is better to play it safe and take the time to visit a specialist.

How the thyroid gland is ill: symptoms of the disease in women with a photo

An increase in the amount of hormones in the blood of girls during puberty can interfere with the proper development and formation of the body.

This is expressed in the following:

The menstrual cycle will begin later than the established age norms;
The mammary glands will not develop properly;
The appearance of excessive hair growth on the body (this indicates the predominance of male hormones over female hormones, which is also a malfunction of the thyroid gland).

The psychological factor also strongly affects the overall tone. It has been proven by many experiments that a positive person is less prone to diseases than a pessimistic person.

Unhealthy thyroid gland: signs of disease in women and how to treat

The risk of developing hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism increases in women closer to 45 years of age.

Knowing the main symptoms, you need to know the causes of the onset of pathology:

Abuse of bad habits. Smoking and alcohol in themselves are the most common etiology of all diseases. What these substances do with the body is colossal stress, and therefore failures occur in organ systems.
Iodine deficiency.
Unbalanced diet.
Rare visit to the endocrinologist.
Taking hormonal drugs. Hormones in a medicinal form are very tricky substances. Taking drugs that regulate the level of hormones is always prescribed with great care, because even a doctor is not able to predict how the body will behave even to a small amount of "foreign" hormones.
Constant stressful situations.

To prevent illness, one should adhere to a dimensional lifestyle, be an adherent of health, and refuse harmful ones.

Thyroid disease: symptoms in women and treatment

The uninterrupted operation of the gland primarily depends on the content of such a substance as iodine in the body. The daily dose of iodine ranges from 150 to 200 mcg. In old age, you can reduce the consumption of iodine-containing products, and children, a girl during pregnancy or lactation, on the contrary, should pay attention to the fact that the rate shifts slightly higher.

Of the drugs, doctors prescribe Yodomarin:

The drug has no side effects and is not terrible in case of an overdose.
For prophylactic purposes, the course can reach a duration of a year, and in some cases, a lifetime admission is prescribed.
For treatment, the duration of taking the drug is set by the doctor, because it is important to calculate the dose for a specific phase of the development of the disease.

In severe cases, the treatment of the disease is solved surgically. During the operation, the endocrine glands are not completely removed, but only their parts, because the complete absence of these parts of the body can quickly destroy a person. Use in the treatment of radioactive iodine. Entering the bloodstream, "curative" iodine reaches the thyroid gland and begins to destroy the diseased area (action at the cellular level). This method does not promise complete elimination of the disease, but it prevents development into more acute forms.

Prevention of enlarged gland function is the consumption of certain foods rich in iodine: seaweed, seafood, spinach, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, asparagus, black chokeberry, iodized salt.

When consuming vegetables, you should not subject them to heat treatment, because the main percentage of useful macro- and microelements is killed by high temperatures, and the main benefit is based only on fiber.

Many people underestimate the role of such an inconspicuous organ as the thyroid gland. An experimental survey of the population showed that not everyone is even aware of where exactly this organ is located and what its function is in the human body. In fact, the production of hormones depends on the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, which, in turn, directly affect many systems and processes in the body. Violation of the thyroid gland leads to serious diseases, often not amenable to drug treatment and requiring drastic surgical measures. Often doctors find that the thyroid gland is enlarged - this diagnosis is a common problem in our society. Why such a condition occurs, how to diagnose and treat it, we will tell in this article.

Thyroid gland: description, purpose

In translation from the ancient Greek language, the thyroid gland is translated as a shield. And the name justifies the purpose of this organ - it reliably protects the body from failures in its work due to the production of certain hormones. Namely, such as:

calcitonin;
thyroxine (T4);
triiodine thyronine (T3).

With violations of the production of these substances, human growth slows down, the maturation of various tissues, including bone material, slows down the metabolism and nutrition of cells.

The functioning of the thyroid gland affects the mental abilities of a person, his appetite and sleep, weight, the work of the heart and other organs, the condition of the skin, nails and hair. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland are also important for the normal reproductive function of both women and men.

Despite such important functions of the thyroid gland, in case of any disorders in the state of health, a person will suspect a violation in the work of this particular organ only in the last turn. Since often diseases of this organ do not cause painful sensations directly in the area of its placement. Only in an advanced case, the thyroid gland is enlarged to such a size that the pathology is visible to the naked eye. This condition occurs even when the disease has been going on for a long time and no appropriate treatment is carried out.

Causes of dysfunction of the thyroid gland

Why is the gland enlarged? The growth of the thyroid gland primarily occurs with a lack of iodine. If a person does not consume enough food and water saturated with this element, then he is susceptible to diseases of this organ. Only the inhabitants of the Mediterranean, who often eat fish and other seafood, are not prone to thyroid diseases. In our climatic zone, there is an acute shortage of iodine-containing products, which leads to an annual increase in cases of thyroid disease.

In addition, the natural location of the gland is due to the dependence on the health of the throat and oral cavity. Colds, tonsillitis, inflammation of the gums adversely affect the thyroid gland.

The hereditary factor plays a significant role. Often, the thyroid gland is enlarged due to a genetic predisposition to this disease.

Causes of an enlarged thyroid gland

If a person has an enlarged thyroid gland, the reasons for this condition can be very different. In addition to the general above factors that negatively affect the work of the organ, it is possible to note secondary reasons that contribute to the increase in the organ:

Disruption of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland directly affects the functioning of the thyroid gland.
Infectious diseases.
Poisoning with toxic substances.
General hypovitaminosis.
Lack of physical activity.
Stress.
Lack of sun exposure.

It is often difficult for a doctor to determine the exact causes of an enlarged thyroid gland. In such cases, an additional instrumental examination is carried out and external factors are excluded.

Symptoms

Thyroid symptoms can be easily confused with many other conditions. So, with increased activity, there is an increased body temperature and blood pressure, sometimes fever, insomnia, arrhythmia. The results of the analysis indicate that the thyroid hormones are increased. Bulging is a specific symptom. The presence of the above signs may indicate hyperthyroidism.

The opposite symptoms are observed in people with hypothyroidism - a lack of thyroid hormone production. The person gets tired quickly, the mood is often depressed and sleepy. Women complain of menstrual irregularities and excess weight, hair loss and brittle nails that cannot be corrected. In such a situation, is it possible to enlarge the thyroid gland? Correction of the volume of the organ and the hormones produced is performed with the help of hormonal drugs or surgical removal.

An enlarged thyroid gland can manifest itself in both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. In this case, patients may complain of shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and swallowing food, a cosmetic defect on the neck appears in the form of a swelling, which in medical circles is called a goiter.

Treatment of an enlarged thyroid gland is often complicated by the fact that the patient turns to a specialist too late, since in the early stages of the disease the symptoms do not bother the patient too much, do not affect his lifestyle.

Diagnostics of the thyroid gland: norms and deviations

Does the doctor suggest that the patient has an enlarged thyroid gland? Treatment can be prescribed only after instrumental and laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis. In medicine, there are a number of diagnostic procedures for assessing the condition of the thyroid gland:

The most accessible method for diagnosing the condition of the thyroid gland is directly palpation. Usually it is not difficult for a doctor to detect that the thyroid gland is enlarged. It is worth noting that the gland increases during puberty and pregnancy - this condition is normal and does not require treatment. Doctors talk about an enlargement of the thyroid gland if its size exceeds 10% of the norm. Unfortunately, the doctor is not always able to correctly assess the size of the gland. Therefore, this method requires laboratory or instrumental confirmation.
The method of scinography has long been known. It is based on the ability of the thyroid gland to absorb iodine. The process uses radioactive isotopes. A day later, the patient undergoes a scan, which shows how iodine has been distributed, heterogeneous areas and volume of the thyroid gland become noticeable.
Thermography is, rather, an additional diagnostic method, which is prescribed in case of suspicion of thyroid cancer. Irradiation with an infrared ray is carried out by contact or non-contact method. Thus, on a monitor or a special film, foci of different body temperatures are recorded, analyzing which, hot malignant and cold nodes of the gland can be detected.
A biopsy is most often prescribed if thyroid nodules are enlarged and there is a suspicion of a malignant origin of the nodules. With the help of a special needle, the material is taken, which is then sent for cytological examination. This is the only pre-surgical method that determines the presence of malignant cells with almost 100% accuracy.
For various diseases of the organ, including with an increase in the thyroid gland, the endocrinologist prescribes an analysis for hormones. This diagnostic method is highly indicative and accurate. An increase or decrease in hormone levels will help the doctor make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment regimen. Hormones such as free T3, free T4, TSH, antibodies to peroxidase and thyroglobulin are analyzed.
The most widespread and reliable diagnostic method in modern medicine has become an ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the thyroid gland. Absolutely safe, painless and quick method allows you to determine the size of the organ, its morphology, detect nodes, cysts, goiter and malignant lumps.
If other methods of diagnosing thyroid diseases have not clarified the picture, have not found a problem, doctors recommend undergoing computed or magnetic resonance imaging. Such methods can detect a deeply located, small-sized tumor.

Diagnostics of the thyroid gland at home

Although doctors do not recommend self-palpation of the thyroid gland, many people do this at home. In this case, it is extremely important to approach the procedure responsibly. Can probing the body be dangerous? The thing is that in the area where the gland is located, there are large blood vessels and nerve endings. In addition, the organ itself is extremely vulnerable, since it is not protected by anything. Wrong excessive pressing can lead to respiratory arrest, irregular heart rhythm, injury. In addition, the results of such a study must be confirmed by medical methods: instrumental and laboratory.

How to palpate the thyroid gland at home? To begin with, you should clearly understand where exactly this organ is located. It is located on the thyroid cartilage of the larynx, on the front wall of the neck. It is this cartilage that is mobile during meals. Leave your thumb on its left side, and with the other four, find a soft formation on the right side - this is the thyroid gland. Feeling carefully, make sure that there are no seals and painful sensations - the gland is not enlarged. The size of the thyroid gland approximately corresponds to the nail phalanx of the thumb. In structure, it should be soft and mobile when swallowing.

There is another way to detect thyroid abnormalities. To do this, you need to stand in front of a mirror, tilt your head back and drink a sip of water. And immediately at the time of the throat, carefully monitor the area under the Adam's apple. If the proportion of the thyroid gland or the entire organ is enlarged, then at this moment it will become visually noticeable.

Also, an increase in the gland may be evidenced by a person's statements on the following assumptions:

constant hunger is felt, appetite is increased, but weight is not gained;
heat is difficult to tolerate, there is a lack of air, complaints of choking;
irritability, unreasonable tearfulness appeared;
the menstrual cycle in a woman has changed or the potency in a man has been disturbed;
worried about frequent diarrhea.

If the person answered at least half of the questions in the affirmative, then you should not postpone the visit to the endocrinologist.

Enlarged thyroid gland in children

Unfortunately, malnutrition, namely iodine deficiency in foods, causes thyroid disorders not only in adults, but even in the smallest children.

So that the child does not have an enlarged thyroid gland, leading obstetricians and gynecologists recommend that all expectant mothers use vitamins for pregnant women, which include iodine.

The improper functioning of this organ in children leads to a lag in mental and physical development, impaired speech, fragility of bones, and the lack of formation of organs and systems. Therefore, it is extremely important to be attentive to the baby's diet. It is important that he gets seafood and beef liver, nuts - these products contain a large amount of iodine. If it is not possible to eat the above products, and the doctors discovered that the child has an enlarged thyroid gland, then it is necessary to consult a pediatrician and select the appropriate vitamin complexes, and, if necessary, medications.

Thyroid enlargement

In medicine, there are 5 stages of thyroid enlargement:

The first stage cannot be seen visually. It is not always possible to detect it by palpation. In some cases, some minor symptoms are noted, but an asymptomatic course of the disease is also possible. Pathology is detected during a routine ultrasound scan or when taking tests for thyroid hormones.
At this stage, enlarged glandular lobes can be confirmed by touch and visually by swallowing.
The third stage is noticeable even without instrumental diagnostic methods. The neck thickens, breathing and swallowing becomes more difficult.
This stage threatens the patient's life. An enlarged thyroid gland compresses blood vessels and organs. Respiratory arrest is possible.
The neck takes on irregular asymmetrical shapes. It often becomes impossible to swallow solid food, sometimes the patient cannot even drink water. At this stage, treatment of an enlarged thyroid gland requires urgent surgical intervention.

Types of thyroid enlargement

The thyroid gland can be enlarged in different ways and for different reasons. In connection with these features, it is customary to classify diseases of the gland associated with an increase in its size:

If the gland increases evenly from all sides, then this state is called diffuse.
When private nodes are found, they are nodal.
If a diffuse increase has developed into a nodal one, then this condition is called a mixed type.

Photo of an enlarged thyroid gland provided in the article.

Depending on the reasons for the enlargement of the thyroid gland, there are:

goiter endemic (with a lack of iodine);
thyroiditis (inflammatory processes);
sporadic goiter (for other reasons);
congenital goiter.

It is quite difficult to determine the reason why the thyroid gland is enlarged. The norm of a separate organ lobe is as follows: up to 4 cm in length, up to 2 in width and thickness.

Treatment

In order to draw up a treatment regimen, the doctor will need the conclusions of instrumental diagnostics about the size of the gland, its structure and morphology, and hormone indicators. Based on this data, the doctor makes decisions about the tactics of treatment. If the thyroid gland is enlarged, treatment may be as follows:

So, if the hormones are normal and a slight increase in the organ has formed, then they offer expectant tactics - it is necessary to regularly monitor the level of hormones and the growth of the gland.
In case of deviations from the norm of indicators of the level of thyroid hormones, substitution therapy is used, aimed at normalizing the results. A drug such as "L-thyroxine" is often used. Such drugs as "Tyrozol" or "Metizol" suppress the excess production of hormones.
Treatment with radioactive iodine. Once in the bloodstream, the substance is absorbed into the cells of the thyroid gland, destroying them. With a properly selected dosage, the function of the thyroid gland decreases, the production of hormones decreases.
Surgical intervention is used at the 4th and 5th degrees of enlargement, as well as in cases where other methods of treatment have not brought positive results or it is not possible to carry them out.

Preventive measures

An enlargement of the thyroid gland leads to serious disruptions in the work of all systems and organs of a person. Therefore, it is important to take care of preventive measures for such a disease in advance. First of all, you should revise your diet and add seafood to it. Back in the 90s, a standard for the enrichment of table salt with iodine was introduced. Thus, almost every second inhabitant of our country, without even thinking, uses such a necessary element every day.

We showed our readers a photo of an enlarged thyroid gland - an unaesthetic sight, and the disease itself is long-term and intractable. Therefore, follow the doctor's recommendations, lead an active lifestyle, and avoid stress. Regular preventive examinations and taking care of your health will also help prevent the disease.

An enlarged thyroid gland is a pathological disorder that can occur in people of different ages.

Organ characteristic

The thyroid gland is located in the neck and visually resembles a butterfly. It is laid in the child in the mother's womb, and already at the 10th week of pregnancy, the thyroid gland is trying to start functioning on its own. Thyroid hormones affect the development of nervous activity in children during embryonic development. During this period, it is very important for the expectant mother to monitor her health, in particular, iodine deficiency in the body should be avoided, since a lack of this element can negatively affect the full development of a child who may be born with mental disabilities. An enlargement of the thyroid gland in such children is observed already at birth, together with functional disorders of other organs and systems.

Throughout human life, the thyroid gland takes an active part in the activity of the body, namely in terms of metabolic substances of redox reactions. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland are triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine. These hormones are vital for every person in order to feel normal and be active. An enlargement of the thyroid gland can occur against the background of excessive production of hormones, which is called "Graves' disease."

In fact, dysfunction of the thyroid gland will definitely affect the appearance of a person and the work of his internal organs. There are many reasons for the dysfunction of the thyroid gland and you need to know all of them in order to pay attention to this important organ in time and prevent the development of dangerous symptoms.

Etiology of the disease

The reasons for the enlargement of the thyroid gland are most often associated with a hereditary predisposition. Genetics influences the structure of the organ, its functionality and predisposition to pathological processes. Most often, if one of the parents has problems with the thyroid gland, there is a high percentage that the child will have the same disorders.

Often the thyroid gland enlarges due to a lack of iodine in the body. If a person's diet contains few products containing iodine, over time, iodine deficiency may occur, which will definitely negatively affect the functioning of the thyroid gland.

An enlarged thyroid gland can occur against the background of existing chronic throat diseases, for example, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, periodontal disease, etc.

The most common causes of thyroid enlargement are:

systemic disorders of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland;
chronic fatigue, stress;
viral and bacterial diseases;
avitaminosis;
poor physical activity, etc.

To establish the exact cause of the enlargement of the thyroid gland, the doctor conducts a visual examination of the organ, palpation, and additional tests are collected.

Pathological manifestations

Location of the thyroid gland in the lower part of the neck. The thyroid gland has a left lobe and a right lobe, connected by a special jumper. Both lobes normally have the same structure and size, which can change against the background of thyroid disease. Both the right lobe and the left can increase, which may indicate the development of tumors in the organ.

The volume of the thyroid gland can vary depending on the person's weight and age. So, for example, for an adult weighing 59 -62 kg, the volume of the thyroid gland will be 4.8 - 18.8 cm / cu. If there is an excess of indicators, then this will indicate a pathological process in the thyroid gland, about its increase. It also happens vice versa, when there is not an enlarged thyroid gland, but a reduced one. Sometimes this is not a pathology if all indicators of the body's functionality are normal, but often such dysfunction also makes doctors alert and prescribes additional examination and treatment.

In males, the right lobe of the thyroid gland may differ from the left lobe, which will indicate a slight anomaly, structural features of the organ. Abnormal development of the thyroid gland can be traced in the presence of a third lobe - pyramidal. Both lobes of the thyroid gland are composed of follicular vesicles of various shapes, the tissues of which produce a hormone-containing substance called "colloid". Follicular cells from the circulatory system are supplied with iodine, which they convert into hormones through protein synthesis.

If the left lobe of the thyroid gland is enlarged, then this may indicate the presence of a benign cystic formation. Small cysts formed from colloidal fluid are not dangerous, since they practically do not affect the functioning of the thyroid gland and do not cause negative symptoms. The danger is represented by cysts of large size, 4 cm or more, since they will definitely affect the functioning of the organ and cause some disturbances in the body. When a large cystic formation appears, squeezing of the nearest organs of the left lobe of the thyroid gland occurs. As a result of this, an external manifestation will be the presence of a tumor in the neck area, the voice will become hoarse, coughing attacks may become more frequent and persistent sore throat may appear.

An enlarged thyroid gland as a result of cystic formation requires immediate diagnosis. First of all, the doctor conducts a visual examination of the organ, palpation, puncture, after which blood is taken for hormone analysis. If a small cyst is detected, then the medical recommendation will be to regularly examine the organ. With a large cyst, an operation is prescribed to remove the formation.

Clinical picture

Symptoms of an enlarged thyroid gland can be mistaken for some kind of disease of other organs, since they appear very confusingly at the initial stage. With an enlarged thyroid gland, the following symptoms appear:

obesity or, conversely, weight loss;
depressed mood, feeling tired;
increased sweating;
unpleasant pain in the neck;
bulging eyes;
inability to fall asleep at night and a constant desire to sleep during the day;
the appearance of edema;
shortness of breath, shortness of breath;
tachycardia.

Women may experience menstrual irregularities, hair loss, increased brittle nails, and dry skin.

In the future, the most characteristic symptom of thyroid disease is added to the general symptoms - this is its increase, which becomes noticeable even visually. At first, the enlarged thyroid gland is absolutely painless, but later the swallowing tube of the esophagus and the respiratory tube are compressed, the work of the circulatory system is disrupted, especially in the area where blood vessels circulate to the head. Due to poor blood circulation in the brain, disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system occur, manifested by neurological and mental disorders.

Diagnostic measures

Diagnostics of the thyroid gland is carried out during a preventive examination of children at school, in the future, the examination of the thyroid gland is carried out only if there is a suspicion of organ dysfunction. There are several procedures that are used to diagnose the thyroid gland.

Palpation examination. Using this method, the doctor can easily determine if there is an increase in the thyroid gland. During pregnancy, the thyroid gland may increase in women, which will not be a pathology, the same is observed during the period of sexual development. If an enlargement of the thyroid gland is observed during palpation, further studies will be required to establish a more accurate diagnosis.

The second method for diagnosing the thyroid gland is scinography. This method is based on the use of radioactive isotopes and iodine. After 24 hours, the thyroid gland is examined using a scanner, during which you can see the distribution of iodine in the organ, the volume of the thyroid gland and possible follicular changes.

If you suspect the presence of malignant tumors, thermography and biopsy are prescribed. In thermography, an infrared ray is irradiated, the readings of which are displayed on the monitor screen. When analyzing the readings obtained, you can see tumors, the temperature of which will be different. In malignant tumors, the temperature will be increased, while in benign tumors it will be normal or "cold". During a biopsy, the fluid contained in the tumor is taken, which is then sent for cytological analysis. The reliability of this method is very high.

If the thyroid gland is enlarged, a hormonal analysis is required.

One of the simplest and most reliable methods for finding out the volume of the thyroid gland, the presence of tumors and other changes is ultrasound.

Sometimes computed and magnetic resonance imaging is prescribed. With the help of these diagnostic methods, it is possible to reveal hidden cysts and tumors that cannot be detected with other research methods.

Diagnosis of the thyroid gland at home is possible, but its reliability is highly questionable. Therefore, if symptoms of an enlarged thyroid gland are observed, it is better to be examined by an endocrinologist in order to avoid negative consequences.

Types and degrees of the disease

The first stage of enlargement of the thyroid gland is characterized by the absence of symptoms and signs. The thyroid gland is not visible visually and during palpation diagnostics. An enlargement of the organ is detected by chance, during a preventive ultrasound procedure or during the donation of blood for hormones. At the second stage, there are difficulties in swallowing, at the third stage, external signs of an enlarged thyroid gland appear. At the fourth stage, the organs and blood vessels are compressed, which poses a direct threat to the health and life of the patient. The fifth stage, which is also the last, is the most difficult and requires exclusively surgical intervention to remove the thyroid gland.

Thyroid enlargement is classified into the following types: diffuse enlargement, nodular (nodular goiter) and mixed type.

With a lack of iodine in the body, thyroid disease is called "endemic goiter", in the presence of inflammatory processes - thyroiditis, sporadic goiter occurs for any other reasons. There is a congenital type of goiter.

Treatment activities

The consequences of thyroid disease are very dangerous for human health, therefore it is imperative to treat the disease, and the sooner the better. With a slight increase in the thyroid gland, treatment is not prescribed, only regular monitoring of the state of the organ.

With hormonal dysfunction, hormone therapy is prescribed to help reduce the excess of hormones in the body.

The drugs Metizol, L-thyroxine are often prescribed. Radioactive iodine also has a special effect on thyroid follicles, destroying their excess number. If the dosage is observed, over time, a decrease in the thyroid gland is observed and the intense, excessive production of hormones stops.

With a late diagnosis of the disease or if conservative therapy has not brought positive results, an operation to remove the organ is prescribed.

To prevent an enlargement of the thyroid gland, you need to monitor your diet and the nutrition of children. The diet must necessarily contain sea fish, iodized salt, seaweed, walnuts. It is necessary to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, take walks more often in sunny weather and, if possible, avoid stressful situations.

An enlarged thyroid gland is difficult to treat, so it is better to prevent the development of unpleasant symptoms than to try to cure them.

What are the sizes of thyroid nodules?

The right and left parts of the thyroid gland should normally be equal in size, the width of the jumper is 4-5 mm. Externally, the thyroid gland looks like a bow tie. In a healthy state, it weighs 17-19 grams for women, 18-20 grams for men. With the birth of a person, the thyroid gland grows rapidly, reaching the peak of growth in adolescence. In old age, after menopause, the size of the thyroid gland in women and its weight decrease.

As a rule, the thyroid gland does not bother a healthy person. When there is reason for concern, it is necessary to visit an endocrinologist. By palpation, the doctor determines the size of the organ, nodes and compliance with the norm. To find out more accurate parameters, deviations from the norm, neoplasms and their characteristics, an ultrasound scan is prescribed.

The volume of the thyroid gland is determined by its size. In men and women, the size of the gland is different. The normal volume of the thyroid gland in women is usually higher than in the male population. For women, this indicator is not higher than 18 cm3, for men - 25 cm3. Deviations from the norm within 1-5 mm are allowed. In the absence of complaints and other signs of pathology, a deviation from the established indicators will be the individual structure of the thyroid gland in a person. The volume limits depend on the patient's weight. The norm in women and men is presented in the following comparative table:

The volume of the gland may have deviations in the direction of increase during the period of gestation, after the birth of the baby, lactation and puberty. And this will be the norm. After the regulation of the hormonal background, iron gradually returns to its previous form.

Thyroid contours

Contours are understood as the outlines of the thyroid gland on the monitor screen. With ultrasound of the thyroid gland, the norm of the contours is determined by the evenness and clarity of the size of the organ. Vague outlines indicate inflammatory processes in the tissues. On the screen, such lines are reflected in a variety of colors, this indicates a different density of the gland.

Thyroid pathology

Thyroid abnormalities are classified into two types:

imbalance in the production of hormones (a large number of hormones or their lack);
an increase in the size of the thyroid gland.

When a large number of hormones are produced, hyperthyroidism develops, which is characteristic of women between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Hypothyroidism is characterized by low levels of hormone production and can occur in women at any age. Basedow's disease is a consequence of hyperthyroidism. Thyroiditis is an inflammatory disease of the thyroid gland. Women suffer after childbirth.

Goiter is a fairly common disease, 75% of the population, including children, are susceptible to this disease. It is characterized by a deviation from the normal volume of the thyroid gland in the direction of increase. Because the goiter is uncomfortable for swallowing and breathing, compresses the esophagus and trachea, it is often removed by surgery. The classification of goiter has three degrees:

zero - no goiter, parts of the gland are less than the length of the distal phalanx of the thumb;
the first - the goiter is palpable, but in the normal position of the neck it is not visible;
the second - the goiter is noticeable with the standard location of the neck.

Causes of thyroid pathology

Even the most experienced specialist will not tell you the specific cause of pathological changes in the structure of the thyroid gland. The normal size of the thyroid gland can be changed in the direction of increase or decrease under the influence of a complex of reasons, namely:

hereditary factor;
iodine deficiency;
the presence of chronic diseases of other organs;
neck injuries;

strong, prolonged stress;
improper nutrition;
unhealthy lifestyle (excessive alcohol and smoking);
unfavorable ecology;
a weakened immune system;
age, gender. Women more often than men suffer from thyroid pathologies. According to statistics, every 8th woman has certain problems with the gland.

One of the main reasons for an enlarged thyroid gland is the low iodine content in the body. It is iodine that ensures the effective functioning of the organ and the whole organism as a whole. Russia is a country in which the problem of iodine deficiency is very acute. According to statistics, Russians receive two to three times less iodine than they need.

Signs of the development of pathologies

Symptoms of diseases of the gland grow very slowly, and, in addition, they can be harbingers of diseases in other areas. The following signs of thyroid dysfunction are predominantly common:

visual enlargement of the gland;
sudden weight gain or loss;
frequent heartbeat and pulse;
increased sweating and trembling in the hands;
irritability, nervousness, aggressiveness;
excessive fatigue, weakness, drowsiness;
decreased mental performance;
disorder of the cycle of menstruation, infertility (more than two years), frequent miscarriages;
gastrointestinal disorders (chronic constipation, diarrhea);
dry skin, various rashes;
hair loss;
weakened libido.

Any of these disorders can signal a hormonal imbalance in the body.

Thyroid nodes

In women, the norm of thyroid nodes in size should not exceed 2 mm of a homogeneous structure. These nodes are called follicles. The node can be one or several. Different in structure and size.

Thyroid nodules are neoplasms that differ from the underlying tissue. May be:

benign (cyst, colloidal formations, adenoma);
malignant (cancer).

To determine the classification of the neoplasm, a biopsy method is used. A biopsy is indicated when the size of the node is more than 5-7 mm. More accurate information about the structure, parameters, density of nodes is given by ultrasound. It is recommended to take a blood test for hormones. As a result of collecting all the information, an accurate diagnosis is made.

Structural nodes can be:

normal, the same as healthy tissue;
dense, on ultrasound they look like light spots;
loose, dark spots are visible on ultrasound.

Types of nodes:

A cyst is a round-shaped nodule filled with fluid. It is characteristic for women after 40. It grows slowly.
Colloidal formations, grow slowly, in most cases do not cause inconvenience, do not disrupt the functioning of the organ, treatment is not required.
Adenoma.
Thyroid cancer.

Cancer types and survival statistics are presented in the table:

Benign lesions are treated with therapeutic methods. In a malignant tumor, all the gland and nearby tissues in which the cancerous tumor has spread are removed.

Diagnostics

At the first visit, the endocrinologist analyzes the patient's complaints and sets the volume of the patient's thyroid gland by palpation. Determines the norm and deviations from it. Are there nodules and what is their density. Evaluates external changes in the neck. As a result, he prescribes an additional study of ultrasound, biopsy, blood for hormones or blood biochemistry.

The next step in the diagnosis is thyroid ultrasound. Deciphering the research results is done by the doctor, but women must have the most basic knowledge in this area. The rate of ultrasound results will depend on the age and gender of the patient. Diagnosed:

the work of the lymph nodes of the neck;
condition of the parathyroid glands;
presence or absence of inflammatory processes (echo structure);
shape, contours and volume;
dimensions and width of the lintel;
images of contours (clear, indistinct or blurred);
the existence of formations and their description;
the functioning of the blood flow is assessed.

The norm of the thyroid gland by ultrasound is as follows:

clear outlines;
homogeneous structure;
echo structure is homogeneous;
lintel width up to 5 mm;
knots larger than 3-4 mm;
blood flow is not enhanced;
no seals.

If a neoplasm is found, a biopsy should be done. It is impossible to determine a benign or malignant tumor using ultrasound. A biopsy will help to identify the presence of cancer cells in the structure of the gland and adjacent tissues.

Blood for hormones

In addition to biopsy, the doctor may prescribe a blood test for the hormones thyroxin T3, triiodothyronine T4, thyroid stimulating hormone TSH, calcitonin, etc. Thyroid stimulating hormone is produced in the pituitary gland, stimulates the smooth functioning of the thyroid gland, provides it with iodine. In order to obtain accurate analysis data, it is important to properly prepare for its delivery. It is forbidden to eat 8 hours before taking the analysis, you can only drink clean water. You can not drink alcohol the day before blood sampling, one hour before the procedure is not allowed to smoke. Donate blood in a balanced state. X-rays are not taken two days before delivery, and physiotherapy and diagnostic studies are unacceptable on the day of delivery. Only a qualified doctor is able to evaluate the results of blood for hormones.

The normal functioning of most of the vital systems depends on the correct functioning of the thyroid gland in the body. At the slightest suspicion of a malfunction in the work of this body, you must immediately contact a specialist. The sooner deviations from the volume of the thyroid gland, the norm and pathology of the nodes are diagnosed, the types of formations are determined, and the appropriate treatment is prescribed, the more chances of recovery and a happy life are.

How is a thyroid biopsy performed?

How to prepare for thyroid ultrasound?

Diagnosis of the thyroid gland using scintigraphy

Techniques and methods of palpation of the thyroid gland

What characterizes the latent form of hypothyroidism and can it be cured

Endonorm drug for autoimmune thyroiditis

Where is the human thyroid gland?

And hormones, in turn, control almost every system and process that occurs in the body, including growth, and sex drive, and blood circulation, as well as the action of the immune system.

The thyroid gland is of great importance not only for the performance of the body, but also for the mind. A disturbed metabolic process adversely affects the functioning of the human brain, and the likelihood of developing symptoms of premature aging, such as mental fatigue, poor memory, inability to concentrate on a particular subject, and constant mood swings, increases. In the event that the normal functionality of the thyroid gland is disturbed, then a person develops a number of characteristic symptoms that indicate this.

Organ location

The thyroid gland is considered the largest endocrine gland, and the thyroid hormones that it produces contribute to normal carbohydrate, energy and mineral metabolism in the human body. In addition, these hormones are responsible for the functioning of all systems, and a violation of their production threatens with a slow withering of the body.

Throwing your head back, you can feel your thyroid gland by running your hand along your neck. And if at the same time you also drink a sip of water, then you can feel how the gland first rises and then descends. However, not everyone can see or feel their thyroid gland, so do not be upset if someone does not succeed, besides, the iron is more noticeable in the stronger sex than in the fairer sex.

The location of the human thyroid gland has its own specific characteristics, in other words, being in the cervical region in front of the larynx, it covers it in front and from the sides. Each lobe is in contact with the initial part of the esophagus and is adjacent to the carotid artery. The laryngeal nerves are also in contact with the organ, and the parathyroid glands, which can be from two to eight, adjoin the posterior surfaces of the lobes.

In the field of surgery and topography, the thyroid gland appears to be one of the structures on which it is very difficult to carry out operations, due to the risk of damage to the formations adjacent to it. Even the slightest damage can have serious consequences.

In a normal state, the thyroid gland weighs no more than thirty grams, and its size depends on age and puberty. So, for example, during puberty, it significantly increases in size and adds to the mass. In elderly people, on the contrary, the opposite process occurs, and the thyroid gland begins to decrease.

The weight of the thyroid gland changes throughout a person's life and depends on age:

Newborn babies - one to five grams;
The first year of life - from two to two and a half grams;
Fourteen years - from ten to fourteen grams;
From twenty years to sixty - from eighteen to twenty-four grams. It is in this age group that the mass of the organ does not change significantly.

Outside, the thyroid gland is covered with two capsules, which are interconnected with the help of connective tissue. From the connective tissue of the capsules in the tissue of the thyroid gland, partitions depart, which divide it into indistinctly expressed lobules, and along these partitions, the vessels and nerves enter the organ.

Hormones that are produced by a healthy body:

Responsible for regulating the process of oxygen consumption by the body;
Control the oxidation processes;
Promote the formation of free radicals;
Take part in the neutralization of radicals;
Ensure the balance of all processes of consumption and production of energy in the human body.

Lack or excess of hormones that are produced in the thyroid gland leads to the fact that a variety of diseases occur, such as weak immunity, cretinism and bone destruction.

Causes and symptoms of the disorder

Most often, hormonal imbalance occurs as a result of insufficient iodine levels in the human body due to improper nutrition. Usually, due to the lack of foods in the diet that contain a sufficient amount of minerals and vitamins, one or another type of disease develops. However, not only iodine deficiency contributes to the disruption of the functioning of the gland, but also excess, so you should not get carried away with healthy foods, you should find a middle ground.

If necessary, to draw up a diet, you can contact a qualified nutritionist who will not only help you choose the optimal menu for every day, but also advise on which foods are important to consume.

In addition to malnutrition, the ecological situation of the environment also plays an important role. Thyroid disease most often occurs in people living in areas with unfavorable conditions and low iodine content. Therefore, it is very important for people at risk to visit the endocrinologist's office at least twice a year and, if possible, plan their vacation at sea, where the iodine concentration is at the maximum level.

Psychological and emotional stress, as well as stressful situations, contribute to the fact that the gland begins to accelerate all metabolic processes in the body, which subsequently lead to its increase.

According to medical statistics, the very first thing a qualified specialist pays attention to when examining patients is the thyroid gland. Moreover, if patients indicate the presence of the following characteristic symptoms: weakness, weight change, depression, decreased mental abilities, dry skin, hair loss, and decreased sexual activity. If the specialist doubts the diagnosis, relying only on the symptoms, then the patient will be sent a referral for further laboratory examination.

The most common diagnostic methods are computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and thermography. The main task of all these techniques is to establish the initial cause of the detected disease, which led to a violation of the functionality of the organ.

Only after the patient undergoes all the necessary studies, and the doctor receives the results, can we talk about an accurate diagnosis and the appointment of adequate treatment. Without deciphering the results, not a single professional endocrinologist will diagnose, and even more so will not prescribe treatment.

Despite the fact that organ diseases are now quite common, many do not know the location of the thyroid gland. It should be remembered that it is located in the front of the neck, in the upper part of the trachea and in front of the larynx. Absolutely everyone should know where they have iron, since its increase or decrease can provoke the development of diseases with irreversible consequences.

The function of the organs of the endocrine system is the production of hormones, without which no process in the body is possible. Deviations lead to disruption of the functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous, reproductive and other systems. This is manifested by a deterioration in well-being, a disorder of reproductive health, and changes in appearance. One of the most important hormone-forming organs is the thyroid gland. In women, there are characteristic manifestations of her pathologies associated with a change in the general hormonal background.

It stores stores of iodine, which is necessary for the production of iodothyronines (the so-called thyroid hormones). These include thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). In the same organ, calcitonin, a hormone responsible for the regulation of phosphorus-calcium metabolism, is produced.

The functions of the thyroid gland include:

regulation of metabolism (accelerating the breakdown of fats, protein synthesis and glucose production);
energy exchange in the body;
maintaining normal blood composition, erythrocyte and hemoglobin levels;
ensuring the functioning of the heart, blood vessels, nervous system, brain, respiratory organs, kidneys;
regulation of human growth (influence on the production of growth hormone growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland);
ensuring the correct formation of the skeleton and muscles of the embryo, the development of bones and teeth in a growing child, protection of the adult body from osteoporosis and caries.
participation in the production of sex hormones.

In women, this gland is involved in the regulation of the reproductive organs, ensuring the normal course of pregnancy and fetal development.

Causes of diseases

One of the causes of thyroid diseases is considered to be a lack of iodine, selenium and fluoride in the body, which are necessary for the production of hormones. Deficiency occurs due to the insufficient content of these elements in food and water. Especially often, thyroid problems occur in people living in areas characterized by a low iodine content in water and soil.

Note: Excessive consumption of soy products can lead to overgrowth of thyroid tissue. It contains the so-called strumogenic substances that suppress the effect of iodine and the production of hormones. Therefore, soy lovers should definitely include in their diet a large amount of seafood, where the iodine content is increased.

An equally important factor provoking the occurrence of thyroid pathologies is an unfavorable ecological situation. Industrial poisons contained in air, water and soil destroy the DNA of cells, interfere with the synthesis of proteins and, accordingly, the production of hormones.

Stress, increased nervous stress and overwork play a negative role. They are the cause of immune malfunctions and the occurrence of autoimmune thyroid diseases. The presence of a hereditary predisposition to the occurrence of such pathologies is of great importance.

Types of diseases

There are the following types of thyroid pathologies:

Euthyroidism. Changes occur in the tissues that do not affect the production of hormones. The gland functions normally, the disturbances arising in it do not cause deviations in the work of other organs and systems.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which there is a deficiency of thyroid hormones, which leads to metabolic and energy production disorders.
Hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis) - excessive production of hormones, leading to poisoning of the body.
Autoimmune diseases - they occur with hyperthyroidism due to the fact that the cells of the immune system begin to over-actively produce antibodies that destroy thyroid cells.
Malignant tumors.

Video: Signs of thyroid disease

Signs and symptoms of pathologies

At the initial stage, it is not easy to recognize diseases of the thyroid gland, since ailments occur, typical for many ailments associated with hormonal disruption in the body.

The first signs of pathologies in the thyroid gland include a sharp change in weight (both up and down), constant fatigue, as well as drowsiness, depression. Digestive upset occurs, muscle pains, sweating disturb.

Due to changes in the hormonal background in women with diseases of the thyroid gland, menstrual disorders occur, and sexual activity weakens. Memory deteriorates, unusual lethargy of consciousness and absent-mindedness, irritability, aggressiveness appear. Dry skin, brittleness and hair loss are common symptoms.

The appearance of these signs should force a woman to turn to an endocrinologist and check the condition of the thyroid gland. If deviations are not noticed in time, then more serious symptoms arise, such as an increase in the size of the thyroid gland, thickening of the neck, bulging, difficulty swallowing. There are cardiac arrhythmias, dizziness, shortness of breath. From time to time the temperature rises to 37.4 ° -37.5 °.

Hypothyroidism

The characteristic signs of a lack of thyroid hormones in the body are obesity, fear of cold, drowsiness, weakness, hair loss on the head and eyebrows. There is a slowdown in the heart rate (bradycardia), a decrease in blood pressure. Perhaps the development of heart failure, various types of arrhythmias, the attacks of which lead to fainting. In women, as a rule, an early menopause develops.

Video: Causes and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism

This condition is characterized by increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, shortness of breath, sleep disturbance. A woman loses weight a lot, she becomes nervous and irritable. Urination becomes more frequent, there are bouts of heat and subsequent chills (hot flashes). Hands trembling occurs. Eyesight deteriorates sharply. Snoring appears during sleep. The woman is tormented by an obsessive feeling of anxiety. Perhaps a coma.

Autoimmune thyroiditis

It can be acute and chronic.

Acute thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland). In terms of symptoms, a thyroid gland disease resembles a woman's common cold. Her temperature rises, chills appear, sore throat when swallowing, hoarseness occurs.

Treatment is carried out with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs. Occasionally, hormonal drugs are prescribed. The illness can last for several weeks.

Chronic thyroiditis (called Hashimoto's disease). It is especially common in young women. A malfunction in the immune system leads to destruction of the thyroid gland. Symptoms of the disease are fatigue, apathy, a constant feeling of lack of sleep. Peeling skin, hair loss, swelling of the eyelids and ankles, low blood pressure, fear of cold, and constipation are common. Such patients recover dramatically and cannot lose weight by any effort. Menstrual irregularities occur.

Video: Signs of thyroid inflammation

Diffuse toxic goiter (Basedow's disease)

The pathology is of autoimmune origin. There is an overgrowth of thyroid tissue, the formation of a goiter. Often this disease is hereditary.

There are 3 stages in the development of such a pathology:

Lightweight. The pulse rate is not more than 100 beats / min, weight loss is 10%.
Average. Heart rate 100-120 beats / min, weight loss up to 20%.
Heavy. Pulse is 120 beats / min and more, weight loss is more than 20%.

Symptoms include a thickening of the neck, the formation of a tight knot, swelling of the face, and bulging of the eyeballs. At the same time, the eyes are wide open, the blinking is rare. Damage to the optic nerve can lead to blindness.

There is a sharp weight loss, trembling of fingers, palpitations, vomiting, nausea, intestinal disorders, darkening of the skin and an increase in its moisture. Complications of the disease can be fatty degeneration of the liver and diabetes mellitus, as well as infertility.

Malignant tumors

Nodules in the thyroid gland appear as a result of hyperplasia of its tissue, excessive cell division. They can be benign, but in some cases they develop into cancer. The main symptoms in the occurrence of malignant tumors are pain in the neck and ears, difficulty breathing and swallowing, coughing, hoarseness of the voice, and a rapid increase in neck lumps.

Symptoms of pathologies in women of different ages

Hormonal disorders negatively affect the course of the vital processes of the female body. The nature of the symptoms and the severity of the consequences in the occurrence of thyroid pathologies in women largely depend on age.

In adolescents

Thyroid pathologies in children can be congenital, but sometimes they occur later, during puberty. The impetus is an infectious disease, psychological stress, lack of nutrition (especially the use of iodine-containing foods and vitamins).

Disruption of the work of this organ and a lack of hormones can cause abnormalities in growth, physical and mental development. A decrease in intelligence is possible.

Symptoms that parents of teenage girls should pay attention to are delayed puberty: absence of menstruation, poor development of the mammary glands. There is growth retardation, lack of learning ability, slowness or fussiness, absent-mindedness, aggressiveness.

In women of reproductive age

At the age of 20-50, they most often develop hyperthyroidism and autoimmune diseases.

Hormonal disruption leads to the appearance of symptoms such as delayed menstruation, their excessive abundance. As a rule, women with chronic thyroid diseases suffer from infertility.

During pregnancy, the activity of the thyroid gland can increase excessively, which leads to the occurrence of thyrotoxicosis. Weakness appears, heart rate increases, temperature rises. Hands trembling occurs, the woman becomes irritable, suffers from insomnia.

Perhaps, on the contrary, a decrease in the production of hormones and the occurrence of hypothyroidism. The development of a similar pathology of the thyroid gland in a woman is indicated by symptoms during pregnancy such as joint pain, muscle cramps, decreased heart rate, too fast weight gain, dry skin, hair loss. Depression and irritability appear.

Often there are complications during childbirth, the birth of children with such defects as physical underdevelopment, mental retardation, deafness is possible.

Signs of menopause

During this period, there is a sharp decrease in the production of sex hormones and a change in the general hormonal background. This situation provokes diseases of the thyroid gland, which further exacerbates the manifestations of climacteric syndrome. These include anxiety, grumpiness, worsening joint pain, seizures, hand tremors, baldness, brittle nails, and the development of osteoporosis.

Diagnostics

A woman can detect some symptoms of thyroid disease on her own. To clarify the assumptions at home, you can use the basal temperature measurement method. It is effective for hypothyroidism. The temperature is measured in the morning without getting out of bed. If it is below 36.3 ° for several days, then in the presence of other symptoms, you should see an endocrinologist, do an ultrasound of the thyroid gland and be tested for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

For example, in Hashimoto's disease, external manifestations may be subtle, but the presence of pathology is indicated if the TSH level is significantly higher than normal, and the level of T3 and T4 is normal. After an external examination, the doctor prescribes an analysis for the content of iodine and antibodies in the blood, biochemical tests of blood and urine to determine the state of metabolism. X-ray, CT, MRI are used. A biopsy of suspicious nodes is performed.

Treatment of diseases

The method of treatment depends on the type and severity of the symptoms of the pathology. Drug therapy is used or an operation is performed to remove the nodes.

In hypothyroidism, the main method is hormonal therapy, that is, compensating for the lack of iodothyronines with the help of special drugs. They must be taken throughout life, since it is impossible to restore the production of hormones in this pathology.

For the treatment of hyperthyroidism, thyrostatic drugs are used, which suppress the production of thyroxine and other hormones. It usually takes about 2 years for the symptoms of this thyroid disease to resolve. The course of treatment is monitored using blood tests.

In the treatment of such pathologies, cardiac drugs, vitamins, and means for restoring the state of the nervous system are additionally used. In the presence of goiter, treatment with radioactive iodine is carried out, which, getting into the cells of the compaction, is capable of destroying them.

With a significant proliferation of the thyroid gland, when the node interferes with swallowing and breathing, as well as when malignant tumors are detected, surgical removal of the affected area or the entire organ is performed.

Video: How to check the thyroid gland at home

Instructions

The control of the processes that take place in the human body is provided not only by the nervous system, but also by the organs of internal secretion, that is, by the glands. The thyroid gland is a solid organ located in the front of the neck near the larynx and the top of the trachea. This gland consists of two lobes, right and left, which are connected by a narrow isthmus.

The thyroid gland is shallow. In front of the gland are the muscles of the neck, as well as the superficial part of the fascia of the neck. Behind, the gland is concave and covers the front and sides of the lower segments of the larynx and the upper part of the trachea. The isthmus of the thyroid gland, with the help of which its lobes are connected, is located at the level of the second and third (less often - at the level of the first) tracheal cartilage. In rare cases, the lobes may not be connected to each other.

The lateral part of each lobe of the thyroid gland contacts the laryngeal part of the pharynx, the beginning of the esophagus, and the common carotid artery that runs behind. From the isthmus of the gland or from one of its lobes, the pyramidal lobe departs upward and is located in front of the thyroid cartilage. This education is not always present. It can be found only in 30% of cases. With its apex, this part of the thyroid gland can reach the hyoid bone.

The gland is covered with connective tissue - the so-called fibrous capsule. This capsule is fused with the trachea and larynx. Due to this structure, the thyroid gland may be displaced during movements of the larynx. Inside the gland there are peculiar septa - trabeculae, which divide the gland tissue into lobes, which consist of vesicles (follicles). Inside the follicles there is a thick substance - a colloid.

The colloid contains thyroid hormones - thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These substances can accumulate in follicles, and, if necessary, enter the bloodstream and be delivered to tissues and organs. Thyroid hormones affect the metabolism in the human body, increase heat exchange and accelerate oxidation processes.