The psychological state of patients with hypothyroidism article. Symptoms of hypothyroidism

An important area in the study of the influence of psychological factors on the occurrence of bodily diseases is psychosomatics - the female thyroid gland is more susceptible to autoimmune diseases. The fair sex dedicate their lives to those around them, suppressing your desires and needs .

  • Hyperthyroidism and psychology
  • Picture of personality
  • Fighting fear
  • Psychotherapy of patients
  • Main Factors

Metaphysical Causes of SH Problems

The thyroid gland enters into a relationship with the physical characteristics of a person, his throat chakra (energy center). It affects the willpower of people and their ability to independently make decisions that meet the needs of the individual, as well as lifestyles, based on their own preferences and individual characteristics.

The thyroid gland is affected in individuals who have resigned themselves to forced inactivity, believing that their life is not going the way we would like. These discontents manifest themselves in different forms.

The bodily reaction to conflict experiences determines pathological disorders in the organs (goiter, thyroid dysfunction, tumors).

Patients with impaired thyroid gland - what are they like?

In 99% of situations, the thyroid gland is affected under the influence of cumulative factors. Particular attention is paid to the state of the nervous system. On the basis of psychological research, the main character traits of individuals prone to pathological diseases of the thyroid gland were determined.

  • Kindness.
  • Vulnerability.
  • Self-criticism.
  • Sensitivity.
  • Anxiety.

The natural purpose of the fair sex is to preserve the hearth. The female body is tuned to take care of loved ones, create comfort and warmth. Upon reaching the desired, it maintains harmony in the soul and a healthy state of the body.

Modern women are forced to work and show masculine qualities for self-defense. The formation of an imbalance manifests itself in the form of ailments and diseases. They signal the need to direct the body in the right direction.

The influence of the psychological image on the state of the body

If a woman takes on psychological roles (see below), her thyroid gland is more at risk for disease:

  • The role of the prisoner.
  • Victims.
  • Losers.
  • Desperate.
  • Evil.
  • Hunted.

Many patients try on different roles, moving in circles. Each game causes a reaction of the body in the form of an increase in the disease. It is believed that a change in reactions and attitudes of a person allows the disease to recede. Otherwise, the thyroid gland is not subject to treatment.

Hyperthyroidism and psychology

The increased functionality of the thyroid gland manifests itself in the form of a goiter (diffuse or toxic form). It is the result of psychological trauma, diseases and conditions (tuberculosis, rheumatism, conception, etc.), less often with past infections. The disease is accompanied by high excitability of n / s, reflex indicators, rapid fatigue, increased heart rate, rattling of the hands, profuse sweating, accelerated metabolism, weight loss with increased appetite.

Hereditary factors and the influence of external factors in childhood cause a tendency to hyperthyroidism. Treatment is carried out with drugs that soothe n / s, microdoses of iodine, etc.

Picture of personality

Classical psychosomatics is the manifestation of the disease in the absence of a sense of security and hope. From an early age, they are caused by the death of parents or rejection, negative relationships in the family. Unsatisfied desires of attachment are expressed in identification with the object of aspirations. This causes a physical-psychological overload, which leads to a stable struggle, lack of confidence or phobias.

Typical psychosomatics is inevitable with a pronounced consciousness of responsibility and readiness for action, suppressed by a sense of fear. The conscious image of the anticipated result, to which the activity is directed, is overcome by the exertion of one's own forces. Researchers note the willingness of patients to take care of others. This is displayed in the form of taking on the responsibilities of a mother in relation to younger brothers and sisters, which leads to a high level of compensation for aggressive impulses and struggle with them. Safety risks are seen in people of all ages.

Fighting fear

Thyrotoxicosis is indirectly accompanied by fear and need. It manifests itself in taking responsibility along with counterphobic denial.

The desire to achieve social success, work and responsibility performs the function of complacency. Most patients inspire themselves with a sense of duty, leading them into a state of exhaustion. Patients constantly strive to overfulfill their tasks. Perhaps they were forced from childhood to a high level of independence.

They appear in society as a mature personality, with difficulty hiding their weakness and fear (before separation or a sense of responsibility). Their imagination is filled with death. Hyperthyroid diseases are characteristic of people who are trying to "survive the struggle with their phobias." There is a restless and excited state, timidity, decreased initiative, capacity and depressive disorder.

Psychotherapy of patients

Psychosomatics (unbalanced state, insomnia) persists even with a healthy thyroid gland. The reason is the high productivity of hormones, which causes an active and lively state, and when the level normalizes, they accept their state as passive-apathetic and lack of initiative. Psychotherapeutic conversations, along with an analysis of potential conflict, contribute to the suppression of a crisis situation.

Psychosomatics is directly related to the experiences of family relationships and organizational activities. When studying crisis situations and the nature of pathologies, it is possible to direct the patient's strength to develop a lifestyle. Recommended techniques include: transactional analysis, art therapy, cognitive and gestalt therapy, psychosynthesis.

Hypothyroidism due to inactivity

Hypothyroidism is a decrease in the performance of the thyroid gland. Characteristic signs are manifested in the form of fatigue, physical and mental lethargy, slowness, swelling of the eyelids, dry skin, hair loss and metabolic disorders.

Personality Picture:

Patients are characterized by a lack of interest or initiative in all areas of activity and everyday life. The development of hypothyroidism is observed after the refusal to achieve the desired goals, the loss of hope and submission to unacceptable routines.

Psychosomatics manifests itself in the form of emotional blocking. People are frustrated with their true preferences and abilities. They are forced to do boring work against their will, where there is a development of their own form of protest and aggressive fantasies.

Main Factors

  • Physical - prisoners restricted in movement due to fences, bad weather affecting the impossibility of harvesting, low income.
  • Biological - diseases, age restrictions and physical disabilities.
  • Psychological - phobias, low level of intelligence.
  • Sociocultural - the presence of norms, rules and prohibitions that impede the achievement of goals.

Psychic Therapy:

Medical intervention or diets that eliminate iodine deficiency. Many are helped by a change of circumstances that contribute to the realization of their true motives. In more complex situations, systematic psychotherapy will help.

Do you still think that it is difficult to cure the thyroid gland?

Since you are currently reading this publication, the fight for thyroid health is not going in your favor yet ...

Perhaps you have already thought about the operation? It is clear, because the thyroid gland plays an important role in the human body, and its performance is a necessary condition for good health. Discomfort in the cervical region, endless fatigue, a lump in the throat… You may have already experienced this.

But it may be more correct to treat the original cause of the disease, rather than suppress its symptoms?

    • IF YOU CANNOT FIND A SOLUTION TO YOUR SITUATION WITH THE HELP OF THIS ARTICLE, SIGN UP FOR A CONSULTATION AND WE WILL FIND A SOLUTION TOGETHER

        • THIS IS A DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTER OF THE "UNHAPPY" PERSON

          Its 2 main problems: 1) chronic dissatisfaction of needs, 2) the inability to direct his anger outward, restraining him, and with it restraining all warm feelings, every year makes him more and more desperate: no matter what he does, it doesn’t get better, on the contrary, only worse. The reason is that he does a lot, but not that. If nothing is done, then, over time, either the person will “burn out at work”, loading himself more and more - until he is completely exhausted; or his own Self will be emptied and impoverished, unbearable self-hatred will appear, a refusal to take care of oneself, in the long term - even self-hygiene. A person becomes like a house from which bailiffs took out furniture. Against the background of hopelessness, despair and exhaustion, there is no strength , energy even for thinking. Complete loss of the ability to love. He wants to live, but begins to die: sleep is disturbed, metabolism is disturbed ... It is difficult to understand what he lacks precisely because we are not talking about the deprivation of possession of someone or something.

          On the contrary, he has the possession of deprivation, and he is not able to understand what he is deprived of. Lost is his own I. It is unbearably painful and empty for him: and he cannot even put it into words. This is neurotic depression.. Everything can be prevented, not brought to such a result.If you recognize yourself in the description and want to change something, you urgently need to learn two things: 1. Learn the following text by heart and repeat it all the time until you learn to use the results of these new beliefs:

          • I am entitled to needs. I am, and I am me.
          • I have the right to need and satisfy needs.
          • I have the right to ask for satisfaction, the right to get what I need.
          • I have the right to crave love and love others.
          • I have the right to a decent organization of life.
          • I have the right to express dissatisfaction.
          • I have a right to regret and sympathy.
          • ... by birthright.
          • I can get rejected. I can be alone.
          • I'll take care of myself anyway.

          I want to draw the attention of my readers to the fact that the task of "learning the text" is not an end in itself. Auto-training by itself will not give any sustainable results. It is important to live each phrase, to feel it, to find its confirmation in life. It is important that a person wants to believe that the world can be arranged somehow differently, and not just the way he used to imagine it to himself. That it depends on him, on his ideas about the world and about himself in this world, how he will live this life. And these phrases are just an occasion for reflection, reflection and search for one's own, new "truths".

          2. Learn to direct aggression to the one to whom it is actually addressed.

          ... then it will be possible to experience and express warm feelings to people. Realize that anger is not destructive and can be presented.

          WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS NOT ENOUGH FOR A PERSON TO BECOME HAPPY?

          YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR A CONSULTATION FROM THIS LINK:

          FOR K EVERY “NEGATIVE EMOTION” IS A NEED OR DESIRE, THE SATISFACTION OF WHICH IS THE KEY TO CHANGE IN LIFE…

          TO SEARCH THESE TREASURES I INVITE YOU TO MY CONSULTATION:

          YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR A CONSULTATION FROM THIS LINK:

          Psychosomatic diseases (it will be more correct) are those disorders in our body, which are based on psychological causes. psychological causes are our reactions to traumatic (difficult) life events, our thoughts, feelings, emotions that do not find timely, correct expression for a particular person.

          Mental defenses work, we forget about this event after a while, and sometimes instantly, but the body and the unconscious part of the psyche remember everything and send us signals in the form of disorders and diseases

          Sometimes the call can be to respond to some events from the past, to bring “buried” feelings out, or the symptom simply symbolizes what we forbid ourselves.

          YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR A CONSULTATION FROM THIS LINK:

          The negative impact of stress on the human body, and especially distress, is enormous. Stress and the likelihood of developing diseases are closely related. Suffice it to say that stress can reduce immunity by about 70%. Obviously, such a decrease in immunity can result in anything. And it’s also good if it’s just colds, but what if it’s cancer or asthma, the treatment of which is already extremely difficult?

ID: 2011-07-35-R-1327

Mozerov S.A., Erkenova L.D./ Mozerov S.A., Erkenova L.D.

Stavropol State Medical Academy

Summary

Hypothyroidism has a significant negative impact on the mental health of a person at all stages of his life, causing the appearance of a variety of clinical syndromes, ranging from mild disorders to severe mental disorders.

Keywords

Hypothyroidism, mental health, mental disorders.

Review

Hypothyroidism is one of the most common diseases of the endocrine system, caused by a long-term, persistent lack of thyroid hormones in the body or a deficiency of their biological effect at the tissue level. The problem of hypothyroidism is currently extremely relevant for doctors of any specialty, due to the increase in the prevalence of this pathology in the population and the polymorphism of manifestations.

Taking into account the pathogenesis, hypothyroidism is divided into primary (thyroid), secondary (pituitary), tertiary (hypothalamic), tissue (peripheral, transport). By severity, hypothyroidism is classified into latent (subclinical), manifest, complicated. Separately, congenital forms of hypothyroidism are distinguished, which can also be associated with disorders at any level (primary, central, peripheral). It should be noted that in most cases hypothyroidism is permanent, but in some thyroid diseases it can be transient.

Primary overt hypothyroidism in the population occurs in 0.2-1% of cases, subclinical hypothyroidism - up to 10% among women and up to 3% among men. The frequency of congenital hypothyroidism is 1:4000-5000 newborns.

In most cases, hypothyroidism is primary and most often develops as a result of autoimmune thyroiditis, less often as a result of treatment of thyrotoxicosis syndrome. The causes of congenital hypothyroidism are most often aplasia and dysplasia of the thyroid gland, congenital enzyme deficiency, accompanied by a violation of the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones.

Deficiency of thyroid hormones leads to a slowdown in all metabolic processes in the body, a decrease in redox reactions and indicators of basal metabolism. The lack of thyroid hormones is accompanied by the accumulation in the tissues of glycoproteins (glycosaminoglycans and hyaluronic acid), which are highly hydrophilic and contribute to the development of mucous edema (myxedema).

With hypothyroidism, almost all organs and systems are affected, which leads to a diverse clinical picture. In addition to typical manifestations, symptoms characteristic of a lesion of a particular system may dominate. This circumstance in some cases complicates the diagnosis of hypothyroidism. However, despite the variety of symptoms encountered in hypothyroidism, the most pronounced changes are observed in the nervous system and psyche. These disorders increase as the disease progresses.

According to many authors, hypothyroidism has a significant impact on the psychological status of patients. There is evidence of a relationship between a decrease in the level of optimism, vitality and activity with thyroid hormone deficiency. The brain is extremely sensitive to thyroid hormone deficiency. The mechanisms by which thyroid hormones affect the psychological status of patients are not fully understood. There are suggestions about a decrease in blood flow velocity during hypothyroidism, inhibition of anabolic processes, glucose metabolism in the brain, and a violation of the effect of thyroid hormones on postreceptor mechanisms that promote noradrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmission.

In subclinical hypothyroidism, the emotional sphere most often suffers. At the same time, depressed mood, inexplicable melancholy, severe depression are noted, the distinguishing feature of which is the presence of a feeling of panic and the low effectiveness of antidepressants. There are indications in the literature that asthenodepressive conditions are almost always observed in this pathology. According to many authors, subclinical hypothyroidism is not the cause of depression, but it can lower the threshold for the development of depressive states. According to various sources, the frequency of subclinical hypothyroidism in patients with depressive disorders ranges from 9 to 52%. In addition, cognitive function, memory, attention, intelligence are reduced.

With overt hypothyroidism, neuropsychiatric disorders are most pronounced, especially in elderly patients. There is evidence of a decrease in the constant potential of the brain in hypothyroidism due to a profound impairment of neuroendocrine interaction. Hypothyroid encephalopathy is characterized by general lethargy, dizziness, decreased social adaptation, and significant intellectual impairment. Patients note that it is difficult to analyze the ongoing events. When using neuropsychological testing, torpidity of thought processes, a decrease in the volume of short-term memory are objectively revealed. A decrease in intelligence often occurs in elderly patients and, as a rule, proceeds identically to senile dementia, but unlike the latter, it is reversible.

In most patients with hypothyroidism, depressive and hypochondriacal states occur against the background of asthenia. Astheno-depressive syndrome is manifested by emotional lethargy, apathy, lack of initiative, tearfulness, mental and motor retardation. With astheno-hypochondriac syndrome, there is an anxious and suspicious mood, increased fixation of attention on one's feelings.

Dissomnic disorders in hypothyroidism are characterized by pathological drowsiness, night sleep disturbances, interrupted sleep without a sense of rest. Often there are so-called "sleep apnea", which is a risk factor for the development of cerebral stroke and myocardial infarction.

Against the background of the monotonous, indifferent, aspontaneous behavior of patients with hypothyroidism, both exogenously organic psychoses and those similar in structure to endogenous ones - schizophrenia-like, manic-depressive, etc. can occur. Anxiety-depressive, delirious-hallucinatory (myxedematous delirium) and paranoid states can also occur. It should be noted that psychosis occurs most frequently after thyroidectomy.

Mental disorders are regular, which is important for diagnosis. Thus, hypothyroidism against the background of autoimmune thyroiditis is characterized by a predominance of psychoemotional disorders (asthenia, neurosis-like syndrome), while postoperative hypothyroidism is characterized by a predominance of cognitive impairments. In addition, in the initial stages and with a relatively benign course of hypothyroidism, elements of a psychoendocrine or psychopathic syndrome are diagnosed, which, as the disease progresses, gradually turns into a psychoorganic (amnestic-organic) syndrome. Against this background, with severe, long-term hypothyroidism, acute psychoses can develop.

When analyzing psychological indicators in children suffering from hypothyroidism, using the projective technique "Children's drawing", the following changes were revealed: depression, asthenia, personal anxiety, aggression.

There is evidence of an adverse effect of neonatal transient hypothyroidism on the further neuropsychic and speech development of children, since thyroid hormones determine the formation and maturation of the child's brain.

In children with congenital hypothyroidism, even with early initiation of substitution therapy, neuropsychiatric disorders are detected. The features of the psychological status of these children are communication difficulties, low self-esteem, fears, asthenia, psychological instability.

Thus, hypothyroidism has a significant negative impact on the mental health of a person at all stages of his life, causing the appearance of a variety of clinical syndromes, ranging from mild disorders to severe mental disorders.

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The work of the endocrine glands has a significant impact on our condition. Without these regulators of life processes, it is impossible to digest and assimilate nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, micro- and macro-elements) and, of course, the healthy functioning of the whole organism and, in particular, the mental sphere - the emotional component.

Thyroid hormones and our condition

The thyroid gland is the largest endocrine gland in the human body, located in the neck under the larynx in front of the trachea. The tissue of this gland consists of thyrocytes and thyroglobulin. Thyroglobulin serves as the initial substrate for the synthesis of the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The regulation of the synthesis and secretion of T3 and T4 is carried out by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is produced in the pituitary gland.

When malfunctions occur in the thyroid gland, and the production of the main hormones (triiodothyronine and thyroxine) is significantly reduced, a disease such as hypothyroidism occurs.

Primary hypothyroidism occurs due to pathology of the thyroid gland, when the production of thyroid hormones decreases.

Secondary hypothyroidism is caused by dysregulation of thyroid hormones by the pituitary and hypothalamus.

Hypothyroidism is relatively rare (up to 20 cases per 1000 people in women and up to 1 per 1000 in men). In this state, all metabolic processes slow down to some extent due to a decrease in the amount and synthesis of triiodothyronine and thyroxine. A dangerous feature of the disease is that its onset is usually blurred, and the manifestations have nonspecific symptoms. Sometimes a worsened condition can be associated with other somatic diseases or overwork.

Manifestations of hypothyroidism

  • A patient with hypothyroidism begins to gain weight despite an optimal diet and sufficient exercise.
  • Metabolic processes slow down, there is an increase in body weight.
  • A person suffers from constant fatigue, feels lethargic and sleepy.
  • There is a significant decline in strength, loss of interest in favorite activities.
  • The skin becomes dry and inelastic, the hair becomes brittle, morning pastosity of the face and peripheral edema.
  • Libido and male potency decrease, interest in sexual life is lost.
  • The pulse slows down.
  • Edema occurs, especially in the face.
  • The patient is often chilly and cannot get warm.

Patients with hypothyroidism also have other disorders of the nervous, digestive, cardiovascular, reproductive and other systems.

In addition, the emotional state changes significantly, mood decreases and other characteristic signs of a depressed state are present, tearfulness appears. Among other things, patients complain of forgetfulness, a persistent decrease in performance that is not associated with excessive stress, absent-mindedness and memory impairment. In hypothyroidism, there is often a decrease in cognitive functions, difficulty concentrating and perceiving new information. In some cases, hypothyroidism can lead to problems with disturbed emotions - low mood. The above symptoms may worsen and be interpreted as a depressive episode or disorder with all the symptoms characteristic of it.

The severity of the above condition can significantly impede the social functioning of patients and their quality of life.

And if the depressive state diagnosed by psychiatrists is long-term and cannot be treated with antidepressants, it is necessary to check thyroid hormones in such patients. In this case, not only the parameters of thyroid-stimulating hormone and T4 free hormones are important, but also the results of ultrasound in order not to miss the risk of possible neoplasia. And without the treatment of hypothyroidism and the appointment of a specific treatment aimed at correcting thyroid hormones, depression cannot be overcome.

Treating Hypothyroidism…and Depression

Treatment of hypothyroidism is primarily based on replacement therapy with thyroid drugs or synthetic hormones, which can only be prescribed by an endocrinologist.

Also, the patient is prescribed iodine-containing drugs, it is recommended to consume more seafood, iodized salt.

If depressive symptoms do not go away with hormone replacement therapy, and the patient's condition does not improve, then antidepressants should be taken to treat the depressive state, which normalize the neurotransmitter metabolism of serotonin and / or norepinephrine after 3-4 weeks from the start of admission. The number of these neurotransmitters decreases in the intersynaptic space, the sensitivity of receptors decreases, and the number of impulses passing through the neuron per unit time also decreases. This leads to a reduction in depression and stabilization of the emotional state of patients.

Only through the joint efforts of endocrinologists and psychiatrists, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient, it is possible to competently help to cope with depression, stabilize the condition and restore the joy of life!

Symptoms of hypothyroidism are a combination of signs and clinical manifestations that occur in the body when the level of thyroid hormones decreases due to a lack in the body, the influence of radioactive iodine-131, the absence of the thyroid gland due to organ surgery or congenital pathology, autoimmune diseases of the thyroid gland. If you do not pay attention to the symptoms of hypothyroidism and do not treat this condition, serious consequences can occur, including myxedema coma, leading to death. The thyroid gland is responsible for the full functioning of the whole organism, therefore, when there is a shortage of hormones synthesized by it, a very diverse symptomatology occurs.

First manifestations

Each person needs to periodically examine the area of ​​​​the thyroid gland. Normally, it can be felt on the lower front of the neck under the Adam's apple. In relation to the internal organs, it is located below the larynx, in front of the thyroid cartilage, thanks to which it got its name. In the normal state of the organ, it is not at all visible externally. If a person notices a minimal change in the size of the gland, or another deformation in this area, then this should be the reason for contacting specialists. The first clinical signs of hypothyroidism may be general weakness, increased fatigue, the appearance of dense swelling of soft tissues on the skin, low blood pressure, after which arterial hypotension, bradycardia, impaired cognitive function, and disorders in the genital area are formed.

All these symptoms are a reason for consulting a specialist, taking tests and identifying a problem, especially when they occur in a complex manner.

Main features

The thyroid gland is an organ that is rightly called the "conductor" of the whole organism. Although this element cannot boast of large size, it is responsible for the full functioning of the whole organism. It is designed to carry out the orders of the brain and control the work of internal organs. Under the influence of the main glands, such as the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, the thyroid gland provides the synthesis of hormones that are responsible for a number of processes in the body.

External signs

Hypothyroidism is one of the few diseases in the diagnosis of which clinical symptoms are not of decisive importance and are secondary. Errors in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism are usually associated with the polymorphism of the manifestations of the syndrome, its numerous "clinical masks" often serve as the basis for an erroneous diagnosis, and sometimes inadequate treatment. Hypothyroidism syndrome can occur, mimicking diseases of almost all body systems.

To detect hypothyroidism in time, it is important to know its external signs. Violation of the function of the gastrointestinal tract in hypothyroidism is accompanied by the appearance of constipation or diarrhea, nausea and pain in the abdomen. On the part of the cardiovascular system, there is a violation of the rhythm and conduction, lability of blood pressure, the occurrence of pericarditis. General immunity is reduced, a person is susceptible to infectious and viral diseases more often than in the general population. However, the most obvious behavior in hypothyroidism is the skin and ENT organs. The skin often becomes cold, pale, dry, areas of the skin on the area of ​​the elbow and knee joints are coarsened, hair loss is noted. There may be a decrease in hearing and vision, the timbre of the voice changes slightly. The latter is due to swelling of the vocal cords in the throat. All these signs are very obvious and if they are present, it is absolutely not worth postponing a visit to the doctor.

Neurological signs

Neurological symptoms of primary hypothyroidism usually proceed quite mildly, without leading to social disadaptation of the patient or disability. However, the quality of life when it occurs worsens so much that this is the reason for a separate therapy when contacting a doctor. When subclinical hypothyroidism occurs, all parts of the nervous system are involved in the process of dysfunction. It is often possible to observe a combination of damage to the peripheral and central nervous system with a pronounced clinical picture. A mild deficiency of thyroid hormones leads to a syndrome complex, the manifestations of which are:

  1. Neurosis-like syndrome, asthenia and other disorders of the psycho-emotional sphere. Patients experience an increase in fatigue, irritability, drowsiness (or interruptions in sleep at night), anxiety, periodically occurs to everything and. The inconstancy of apathy is caused by the activation of metabolism or disruption of hormonal compensation, which is typical for hypothyroidism.
  2. Headache. This is a very common syndrome in this pathology, which is explained by sheath-hypertensive, venous, vertebrogenic and mixed mechanisms of occurrence. Insufficiency of thyroid hormones leads to myxedematous edema in the connective tissue, weak cardiac function in conditions of increasing peripheral vascular resistance, and reduced blood flow velocity. As a result, patients complain of heaviness in the head area, an internal feeling of pressure, and discomfort. Often this is accompanied by severe periorbital edema with complaints of pressure in the eye area in the morning or in the evening in an inclined position. Rarely there are nocturnal bursting headaches with vomiting.
  3. Cognitive impairment, which manifests itself in the inability to concentrate, delve into something, show attention. Sometimes there is such a symptom as forgetfulness, but this is noted much less frequently.
  4. Autonomic disorders in the form of paroxysmal conditions similar to panic attacks. Also a frequent symptom is the vegetative-vascular-trophic syndrome, manifested by hyperhidrosis, progression of autonomic failure. Patients complain of weakness, dizziness, when changing from a lying position to a standing position.
  5. Focal neurological symptoms. It can be determined by a doctor during examination, when he sees paresis of convergence, underexposure of the eyeball, increased periosteal and tendon reflexes, staggering in the Romberg position, a slight intention during the knee-calcaneal and finger-to-nose tests. Also, some patients suffer from mild polyneuropathy of the upper extremities, combined with the clinical picture of tunnel syndromes. When questioning a patient, the doctor often finds out that there are complaints of "crawling all over the body", a feeling of numbness in the hands at night or in the morning.
  6. Myopathic syndrome and myotonic phenomenon in very rare cases. These are mild manifestations of weakness of the proximal leg muscles, which can be verified by means of a needle. Also likely in the foot or lower leg, less often in the area of ​​​​the hands.

Psychological condition

In hypothyroidism, the metabolism of brain cells suffers greatly, which is manifested by a decrease in the patient's intelligence, his ability to perform mental work, attentiveness and creativity.

Intellectual decline is very pronounced, however, with the help of psychological techniques, it is possible to determine the degree of decline in such abilities in relation to the average indicators. Patients themselves notice their inability to concentrate, find a way out, solve a problem. It also fails the human memory, especially short-term. A person ceases to remember faces, dates, what is happening here and now. Long-term memory is not affected by hypothyroidism.

A decrease in the level of thyroid hormones in the body leads to apathy and lack of will of a person, which is important to take into account for all his relatives, since such a psychological state will lead to the fact that the patient will not even have the strength to seek medical help. The emotional side of life also suffers, a person acquires pessimistic views on the future, his mood is always depressed, he is dejected. Interest in family, friends, all the people around is also lost. They often give referrals to their patients for consultations to or in order to identify the scope of depression in which a person is due to hypothyroidism. Severe depressive states with hypothyroidism can be observed in 5-12% of all patients.

Symptoms of the disease in women

It is no secret that women are more susceptible to hypothyroidism, since their hormonal background under the influence of natural processes changes much more often than men. It is necessary to deal with the signs and symptoms of female hypothyroidism in special conditions - during menopause and during pregnancy.

Features of symptoms in menopause

The problem in identifying the symptoms of hypothyroidism during menopause is the high similarity of these symptoms with the manifestations of menopause itself, since both conditions are closely related to the functioning of the thyroid gland. Menopause is characterized by a decrease in the production of sex hormones in a woman's body.

Hormone deficiency in hypothyroidism can lead to fatigue, apathy, alopecia - the same signs that are characteristic of early menopause.

In order to independently distinguish the onset of menopause from problems with a lack of thyroid hormones in the body, you need to pay attention to the conditions that arise in the body due to metabolic inhibition as a result of hypothyroidism, for example, a decrease in mental activity, slow speech, pasty face, cold intolerance.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, under the influence of a complex of specific factors, a significant stimulation of the thyroid gland occurs, mainly this occurs in the first half of pregnancy, i. during the period when the fetus does not yet have its own thyroid gland, and all embryogenesis is provided by the mother's thyroid hormones.

The symptomatology of hypothyroidism in its explicit form is identical to the manifestations in the general population, simulating diseases of almost all body systems. On the other hand, subclinical hypothyroidism has practically no clinical symptoms and is diagnosed most often by an accidental measurement of TSH, including during pregnancy.

Thus, hypothyroidism developed for the first time or insufficiently compensated during pregnancy may be associated with serious and irreversible complications for both the fetus and the pregnant woman herself.

Factors provoking complications during pregnancy can be banal hypothermia, stress.

Features of symptoms in infants

In infants, hypothyroidism may be present at birth. This indicates a congenital form of the disease.

According to statistics, each of 5 thousand newborns suffers from it, and there are 2 times more girls with pathology than boys.

With intrauterine development of the fetus, the maternal thyroid gland or replacement therapy should fully cover the need for appropriate hormones. But when a child is born, his thyroid becomes unable to synthesize the required amount of biologically active substances, which is expressed in specific symptoms.

Infants with congenital hypothyroidism may experience:

  • persistent jaundice;
  • profuse swelling of the feet and hands, lips, face;
  • dry skin;
  • lethargy, weak and rare crying, weakened sucking reflex;
  • the tone of the skeletal muscles decreases;
  • the child has a large tongue, umbilical hernia,;
  • rendered;
  • delay in closing the fontanel on the head;
  • difficult and noisy nasal breathing;
  • poor weight gain.

If hypothyroidism is not detected in time in infants by the age of six months, the child will lag behind in physical and mental development, and the work of internal organs will begin to be disrupted.

Even if congenital hypothyroidism has a transient form, was detected in a timely manner and disappeared by the age of two, the child may have noticeable disproportions in the development of the body for the rest of his life - wide hands, a wide bridge of the nose, elongation of the forehead, hypertelorism (increased gaps between paired organs on the body ).

It is not difficult for an experienced specialist to diagnose congenital hypothyroidism, usually such babies are large, weighing more than 4 kilograms, have swelling, and sometimes hydrocephalus (a disproportionately large head). It is also important to pay attention to the fact that in some cases the symptoms may be hidden, leading to late diagnosis and delayed treatment.

Signs of hypothyroidism can manifest themselves in a slow metabolic process in the baby's body, which is why he is too calm and lethargic.

Due to the serious consequences of hypothyroidism for newborns in modern conditions, screening is carried out in maternity hospitals, which makes it possible to immediately identify a number of hereditary pathologies, including problems with thyroid function. Blood is taken by percutaneous puncture (usually from the heel) 4-5 days after birth in full-term and 7-14 days in premature babies. The interpretation takes into account the level of TSH. If its value is less than 20 mIU / l, the child is considered healthy, at a level of 20-50 mIU / l, a second examination is performed, and at a level of more than 50 mIU / l, hypothyroidism is suspected.

Sometimes hypothyroidism in children can also be acquired, and the disease can start at any age. It manifests itself, first of all, with a delay in intellectual development, which parents need to pay close attention to.

Beer's symptom

Behr's symptom in hypothyroidism is manifested by a strong thickening and keratinization of the epidermis on the elbows, knees, feet, inner surfaces of the ankles. The skin in Beer's syndrome becomes a dirty gray color.

All manifestations of hypothyroidism are quite common and may indicate a number of other diseases. However, with recurring symptoms and their complex, it is important to diagnose in a timely manner so as not to start the process of globalization of the disease.

Hypothyroidism(myxedema) - a disease caused by insufficient provision of organs with thyroid hormones. With hypothyroidism, practically nothing hurts, but life passes by: nothing pleases, the quality of life of patients with hypothyroidism leaves much to be desired. Patients with hypothyroidism often suffer from depression and often cannot understand what is happening to them.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is more common in women. Many attribute the symptoms of hypothyroidism to fatigue, overwork, some other illness or the current pregnancy, so hypothyroidism is rarely detected immediately. Only the sharp severity of symptoms and the rapid development of hypothyroidism allow us to diagnose it in time. Subclinical hypothyroidism often goes unrecognized for a long time. A test with thyroliberin will reveal hidden forms of primary hypothyroidism.

How to suspect hypothyroidism

With hypothyroidism for a long time worried about:

  • Drowsiness (patients with hypothyroidism can sleep for 12 hours a day for several days in a row). Hypothyroidism causes daytime sleepiness.
  • Chilliness without the presence of any colds, decreased body temperature, increased sweating.
  • Decreased immunity, frequent colds, including infectious diseases (for example, ).
  • General lethargy, seizures not uncommon in hypothyroidism.
  • Emotional lability: irritability, tearfulness.
  • Decreased memory and performance, fast fatiguability.
  • Difficulty absorbing new information.
  • Reducing the speed of reaction, slowing down reflexes.
  • Swelling of the face and extremities (unlike other edema, hypothyroidism does not leave a hole when pressing on the anterior surface of the lower leg).
  • Paleness of the skin, possibly with a yellowish tint.
  • Dull eyes, brittleness and .
  • Tendency to hypotension (low blood pressure).
  • Thickening of the tongue, imprints of teeth along its edges (a symptom characteristic not only of hypothyroidism, but also of pancreatic diseases).
  • Violation of the motility of the stomach (gastrostasis). At the same time, the emptying of the stomach slows down, belching, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach area are disturbing.
  • Feeling of a lump in the throat and discomfort in the neck (optional symptom).
  • Palpitations or slow heart rate, pain in the heart area.
  • Unexplained weight gain despite not exceeding daily calorie intake. Hypothyroidism causes a sharp slowdown in metabolism, it becomes problematic to lose weight with hypothyroidism, but this is possible if you follow the doctor's prescription and the following .
  • Elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood can provoke the development of atherosclerosis.
  • Sometimes patients with hypothyroidism are concerned about arthralgia (pain in the joints).

The severity of symptoms of hypothyroidism depends on the degree of thyroid insufficiency, the individual characteristics of the organism.

In the presence of concomitant diseases, the clinic of hypothyroidism is supplemented by additional symptoms.

Is there a link between hypothyroidism and breast cancer?

Hypothyroidism, like other chronic diseases, increases the risk of developing . Women after forty years of age must do an annual mammogram of the mammary glands in two projections in order to catch the disease at the very beginning and start treatment on time. After the age of 50, mammography is performed every six months, even if the woman is not bothered by anything, and she does not suffer from hypothyroidism.

How does hypothyroidism progress during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the symptoms of hypothyroidism may worsen.

In the absence of treatment or improper treatment of hypothyroidism, the development of hypothyroid (myxedematous) coma is possible. Lethality (mortality) at which reaches 80% in the absence of adequate treatment.

Congenital hypothyroidism is especially dangerous in children, it should be recognized and treated as early as possible, and even better - to identify latent hypothyroidism in preparation for pregnancy in order to give birth .

Causes of hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is divided into primary and secondary.

  1. Primary hypothyroidism develops against the background of the pathology of the thyroid gland itself:
  • With congenital anomalies or surgical removal of the thyroid gland
  • Inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis)
  • With damage of an autoimmune nature or after the introduction of radioactive iodine
  • With nodular or endemic goiter
  • Chronic infections in the body
  • With a lack of iodine in the environment
  • In the treatment of thyreostatics (Mercazolil - active ingredient Thiamazole).
  • When eating foods and drugs that depress thyroid function (for example, rutabagas, cabbage, turnips, salicylates and sulfa drugs, thyme herb with long-term use).

Primary autoimmune hypothyroidism can be combined with insufficiency of the adrenal glands, parathyroid and pancreas. Hypothyroidism often develops iron deficiency anemia. Perhaps a combination of hypothyroidism, lactorrhoea (as a result of hyperprolactinemia) and amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).

  1. Secondary and tertiary (central) hypothyroidism is caused by dysfunction of the pituitary and hypothalamus.
  2. With tissue resistance to thyroid hormones, inactivation of T3 circulating in the blood ( triiodothyronine) and T4 ( thyroxine ) or TSH ( thyroid-stimulating hormone ) causes peripheral hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism often occur with elevated levels and , the latter stimulate the production of thyroxin-binding globulin (TSG) in the liver, and may attenuate the effects of thyroid hormones.

Treatment of hypothyroidism

After the examination of the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroxine and triiodothyronine prescribed by the endocrinologist, according to indications replacement therapy of hypothyroidism with synthetic thyroid hormones. The dosage of levothyroxine or Euthyrox for the treatment of hypothyroidism is determined only by a doctor. In the absence of cardiac pathology, during pregnancy, the patient is under 50 years of age, a full replacement dose is prescribed to achieve a euthyroid state (without a gradual increase). In secondary hypothyroidism, the therapy of existing adrenal insufficiency must be carried out even before the appointment of L-thyroxine in order to prevent the development of acute adrenal insufficiency.

If the recommendations for taking the drug are not followed, it is difficult to achieve full compensation. This is aggravated by the fact that patients with hypothyroidism are often in a state of depression, do not listen to what they are told, and skip medication. Therefore, the treatment of hypothyroidism should be complex, including the correction of the psychological state of the patient.

With hypothyroidism caused by iodine deficiency, the drug Endonorm (contains organic iodine) is effective. There are contraindications to the use of Endorm, consult your doctor.

Not bad for hypothyroidism helps the method of computer reflexology and acupuncture (a kind of reflexology), conducted by competent specialists. But on the condition that hypothyroidism is not caused by an organic lesion of the thyroid tissue.

What vitamins can be drunk with hypothyroidism in addition?

Normalize thyroid function and .

Diet for hypothyroidism

With hypothyroidism, it is necessary to exclude from the diet foods that depress thyroid function (listed above). Preparations containing soy may reduce the absorption of levothyroxine, and treatment of hypothyroidism will be ineffective.

The intake of fats in hypothyroidism should also be limited, since they are poorly absorbed by tissues and can lead to the development of atherosclerosis.

Nutrition for hypothyroidism should be balanced, rich in vitamins and trace elements (especially selenium). To cheer up, it is desirable to include in the diet products containing .