The thyroid gland is a butterfly shape. It consists of two lobes connected by an isthmus, and is located in front of the trachea, covering its front sides. The main function - providing human thyroid hormones, which are necessary for normal functioning of almost all organs and systems: substances stimulate the brain and intestine, regulate the menstrual cycle, provide healthy skin, hair and nails, as well as regulate the production of energy. The likelihood of developing thyroid problems in women is 12 times higher than that of men. Perhaps this is due to the fact that we are more prone to autoimmune diseases (such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, excessive growth of unwanted hair.) Thyroid disease is often caused by genetics, but also affect the environmental factors - in particular ionizing radiation and radionuclides. A recent study, risk of a small but important body increases also the substance used in the manufacture of non-stick cookware and water-resistant coatings for carpets and sofas.
All violations are divided into two types - reduced thyroid function (hypothyroidism), and increased production of hormones (hyperthyroidism) - and can be temporary or permanent.
Hyperthyroidism is characterized by opposite symptoms. More often than not reduce the picture of thyroid function corresponds to that start to grow hair in the bikini area and underarms. However, in many cases, symptoms of hypothyroidism are less pronounced and developed gradually. May be an increase in body weight, but this feature alone is not enough to suspect hypothyroidism. Experts first of all pay attention to dry skin, hair loss, forgetfulness, fatigue, frequent chills, constipation, and irregular menstruation.
Wake-up call should also provide you with a feeling of fatigue-filled work that previously did not cause trouble. Hyperthyroidism - excessive activity of the thyroid gland (most often - Graves' disease, toxic goiter) - much easier to recognize. Increased hormone production leads to rapid weight loss, frequent serdtsebie-tion, the stiffness of hairs on the upper lip, insomnia and bouts of diarrhea. Patients experiencing constant stimulation, fever and tremors, as if they were intravenously introduced horse espresso. Also, as with hypothyroidism, symptoms may eventually grow and become more prominent. Both of these conditions require treatment, which, after an appropriate investigation will appoint an endocrinologist. There are three methods - drug (taking drugs that suppress the excess hormone secretion), laser hair removal at home in case of excessive hair growth, surgery and radioactive iodine therapy.
The best way to protect yourself - identify the problem as soon as possible. If you have a suspicion, ask doctor to a simple blood test performed on reotropny hormone (TSH). But - please! - Only if you really have a good reason for it. Often patients, especially girls, start an epidemic of seeking medical attention with a request to make the analysis, despite the absence of symptoms - just like that, just in case. The problem is that many women TSH can be in the border area, and although they do not have are signs of illness, doctors prescribe unnecessary medications that may lead to hyperthyroidism and hirsutism.
We can little influence on the genetic or autoimmune risk factors, but our power to protect your hardware, using a sufficient amount of iodine. Doctors recommend taking 150 mcg daily (during pregnancy and breastfeeding - 200 mcg) and quit smoking: the substances contained in cigarettes increases the risk of Graves' disease.
Also, doctors recommend the resort to Laser solving problems with unwanted hair for that would reduce the load on the thyroid gland.
Assistants to protect the thyroid gland to become not only a multivitamin and iodized salt, but ordinary products. For example, 100 grams of cooked shrimp contains 110 micrograms of iodine per 100 g of salmon - 200 micrograms in the same amount of broccoli - only 15, and cod liver oil - as much as 370 micrograms. Still rich in iodine feijoa, seaweed and persimmons. And we hope you do not have to speak about the first is that this great excess selenium in the body too to good will not.