14 Mar 2019
Functional disorders of the thyroid cause an imbalance in the body and can lead to serious health problems and complications if the patient does not follow strict treatment in a timely manner.
The organs of our body work in sync thanks to the hormones of the thyroid gland. Any injury to this organ by external or internal factors can lead to functional slowing: hypothyroidism or hyperactivity called hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid
The thyroid or thyroid gland is a small organ located at the base of the neck, with two lobes. It intervenes in the vital functions of the organism by regularization. It is a secretion of endocrine hormones thyroxine or T4, and triiodothyronine, or T3.
TSH, a hormone secreted by the pituitary, is indicative of the proper functioning of the thyroid. As soon as there is a disruption of secretion of T3 and T4, the pituitary secretes TSH to restore the thyroid secretion by feedback phenomenon.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is manifested by hyperactivity of the thyroid gland. It is caused in the majority of cases by an autoimmune disease; Graves' disease (a dysfunction of the immune system that attacks the organs of one's own body as if it were a foreign body) that affects women more than men. Hyperthyroidism may be due to a thyroid nodule, over-consumption of iodine (drug or food), inflammation of the thyroid gland; thyroiditis or a viral illness; Hashimoto's disease.
External factors such as stress and any emotional shock can induce hyperthyroidism.
The blood test for T3, T4 and TSH hormones is prescribed by the clinician for diagnosis. Other more specific tests, a thyroid echography and / or a scintigraphy are required by the doctor for a more in-depth exploration (causes, nodules ...).
Symptoms
The patient has palpitations, tachycardias (rapid heartbeat), tremors, diarrhea, insomnia, nervousness and weight loss despite a normal appetite.
Other symptoms are suggestive of hyperthyroidism such as exophthalmia (eyes protrude from the eyeball) and goiter; increased thyroid volume.
Hyperthyroidism can be asymptomatic even at abnormal levels of T3, T4 and TSH hormones.
Treatments
Hyperthyroidism is a benign disease if diagnosed early. The patient must follow his therapy rigorously. In the absence of treatment, hyperthyroidism can lead to cardiac (heart failure) and psychic (depression) complications. It can alter the general condition of the patient. We are talking about an acute thyroid crisis.
If left untreated, hyperthyroidism will be more harmful in the elderly and the pregnant woman (risk of fetal atrophy, premature birth, death-in-utero).
Cases of hyperthyroidism are treated with synthetic antithyroid drugs to slow down or block the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
They are also treated with iodine (pharmaceutical or food) or active iodine, which binds to the thyroid to inhibit hyperactivity. In case of resistance to treatment, the clinician resorts to surgery: removal of a portion of the thyroid.
Beta-blockers are associated with the treatment of hyperthyroidism to treat tachycardia and tremors.
