(slow thyroid) - prevent the development of serious health conditions with timely treatment
The thyroid, a small gland located at the front of the neck, is responsible for secreting key hormones – T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine).
Its function is controlled by the pituitary gland through the principle of negative feedback. Thyroid hormones are vital for the metabolism of all cells in the body, and their deficiency leads to a condition known as hypothyroidism.
When the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, there is an imbalance in the chemical reactions in the body.
Various diseases and conditions can cause this disorder, the most important being autoimmune diseases, treatment against hyperthyroidism, radiotherapy, thyroid surgery, and certain medications.
Autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, are the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
In this disorder, the immune system reacts excessively against substances that are normally present in the body, producing antibodies that damage thyroid tissue. The reasons for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are not yet fully understood, but they include endogenous factors such as low birth weight, stress and estrogen, and exogenous factors such as infections, the presence of large amounts of iodine in food, smoking, medications and various toxins.
The antibodies that are produced bind to TSH receptors, inactivating them and causing inflammation and fibrosis of the gland.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces increased amounts of hormones. This condition is treated with antithyrostatic drugs or radioactive iodine. The goal of such treatment is to reduce the excessive activity of the thyroid gland and restore the concentration of hormones to normal levels.
This surgical procedure leads to hypothyroidism due to the lack of a gland or due to an insufficient amount of residual glandular tissue.
When irradiated, there may be a slowdown in the production of hormones, which leads to hypothyroidism.
Some medications have hypothyroidism as a side effect. One of these drugs is lithium, and it is used in certain psychiatric disorders.
Iodine deficiency prevents the normal synthesis of thyroxine and triiodothyronine. To compensate for the deficiency of these hormones, the pituitary gland secretes TSH more intensively, stimulating thyroid activity and growth. As a result, the gland enlarges, although not with increased functioning, in response to TSH stimulation.
Hypothyroidism develops quietly, and its symptoms gradually become noticeable. It is important to consult a doctor when you notice the following signs: fatigue, weight gain, depression, sensitivity to low temperatures, dry skin and hair, and muscle pain.
Since these symptoms can also occur as part of other diseases, it is important to determine if hypothyroidism is the cause and start treatment in time.
The diagnosis of hypothyroidism is made through a combination of clinical examination, symptom analysis , andaboratorium findings. Symptoms alone are not enough because they can occur in many other diseases.
Ultrasound of the thyroid gland is often included in diagnostic procedures to assess its appearance and size.
To make a diagnosis, it is necessary to take a blood sample to measure the concentration of TSH, T3 hormones and T4 hormones from the serum.
Additional diagnostics include the identification of the exact cause of hypothyroidism, so antibodies directed to receptors, enzymes or proteins of the thyroid gland are often singled out. Based on the information collected, the doctor can make a diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment of the disease.
Treatment of hypothyroidism involves the use of replacement therapy through tablets containing a synthetic analogue of thyroid hormones.
The goal is to achieve an adequate level of thyroxine in the serum.
The initial dose is usually determined, and then serum hormone levels are monitored every 6 to 8 weeks. As needed, the dose is adjusted, increased or decreased, until the optimal amount of hormones is reached. After adaptation, hormone control is usually carried out annually, since each organism reacts individually.
The goal of therapy is to maintain the concentrations of thyroid hormones and TSH within normal limits and relieve the symptoms of the disease. In case of a sudden worsening of symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor. Excessive doses of hormones can cause symptoms such as increased appetite, sleep problems, palpitations and tremors. People with significant hypothyroidism often start with lower doses of hormones, gradually increasing them to avoid unwanted side effects.
Therapy is usually carried out for life, allowing for a normal and healthy life with regular medical check-ups.
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That is why we have gathered a team of top experts, specialists and subspecialists who are the backbone of our multidisciplinary centers and specialist clinics.
Our goal is to achieve a safe and long-term good result through a successful diagnosis and selection of individual treatment, with timely monitoring of the patient.
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For a consultation and examination with our expert team, you can contact us by phone at +3851 2444-646 or via our online form. Opening hours for orders are Monday to Friday 10:15 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.
The main goal of LF Polyclinic is to improve the quality of life and health of our clients by providing them with top-notch healthcare services.
