The main causes and symptoms of hypothyroidism in women after 50 years

The main causes and symptoms of hypothyroidism in women after 50 years

Features of treatment of hypothyroidism of the thyroid gland

Hypothyroidism is a disease of the thyroid gland that develops as a result of insufficient production of hormones. Hypothyroidism is not an independent disease and occurs, as a rule, against the background of another pathology. Congenital hypothyroidism in children is especially dangerous and requires immediate treatment. Without drug therapy, the child may develop mental retardation and irreversible intellectual disabilities.

The main functions of thyroid hormones:

  • regulation of growth and full development of the organism;
  • regulation of exchange processes;
  • stimulation of the activity of the nervous system;
  • activation of the function of the sex and mammary glands, adrenal glands;
  • regulation of the work of the immune system;
  • regulation of the cardiovascular system.

Residents of large cities are prone to this disease. This is explained by the poor environmental conditions and the lack of iodine prophylaxis. Women suffer from hypothyroidism five times more often than men.

Symptoms of primary hypothyroidism

Primary hypothyroidism is associated with pathology of the thyroid gland, which leads to inhibition of the synthesis of T4 and T3 hormones, as well as to a decrease in the mass of glandular tissue. Pathology can be caused by a deficiency of iodine and selenium, aplasia of the thyroid gland, tumors, uncontrolled intake of certain medicines, radiation and autoimmune disorders. Signs of primary hypothyroidism are lethargy, drowsiness, dry skin, constipation, memory impairment and swelling. The disease belongs to the acquired subspecies.

Classification of hypothyroidism:

  • congenital, caused by a mutation (congenital defect) of the gene responsible for the formation of the thyroid gland;
  • acquired, which includes primary, secondary, peripheral, subclinical (subclinical hypothyroidism in newborns) and transient subspecies.

Clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism

Skin covers. The skin becomes pale, slightly yellowish, the hair structure is disturbed, the face becomes puffy.

Musculoskeletal system. Decreased muscle tone, pronounced weakness, cramps and pain in certain muscle groups. Sometimes there is muscle stiffness.

Central nervous system. Decreased memory, hearing, visual acuity. The patient complains of numbness of the limbs. Depression and apathy.

Cardiovascular system. Chest pains, bradycardia, decreased blood pressure, increased heart size.

Endocrine system. Adrenal gland dysfunction, amenorrhea, galactorrhea, decreased libido, obesity.

A specialist will tell you in more detail about the symptoms of hypothyroidism in women after 50 years of age at a personal appointment. You can make an appointment for a consultation on the website Dobrobut.com and by calling the above-mentioned telephone numbers. The reception is conducted by doctors with many years of experience.

Diagnosis of hypothyroidism

Diagnosis is made on the basis of anamnesis, examination of the patient and the results of clinical studies (blood biochemistry, general blood test and tests for thyroid hormones T3, T4 and TSH). Important: the level of TSH in secondary hypothyroidism is usually reduced.

Among the additional examination methods: ECG, echocardiography (echocardiography), ultrasound of the thyroid gland and scintigraphy of the gland with radioactive iodine. In some cases, a consultation with a therapist and a cardiologist may be necessary.

Postoperative hypothyroidism

This is a common diagnosis that occurs in 20% of women and 10% of men who have undergone thyroid surgery. Factors can be diabetes, anemia, kidney failure.

Symptoms of postoperative hypothyroidism include disturbances in thermoregulation and metabolic processes, skin manifestations and malfunctions of the cardiovascular system, pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, and muscle atrophy.

Treatment of the disease - constant intake of analogues of thyroid hormones.

Treatment of hypothyroidism of the thyroid gland

Substitution therapy is carried out, which allows to eliminate the symptoms of thyroid gland insufficiency. Medicines are selected individually. The dosage and duration of treatment is determined by the doctor. About how to treat autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) in a specific case, an endocrinologist will tell you at a personal appointment.

The most popular drugs include: levothyroxine sodium, thyroxine, triiodothyronine and thyroidin. When edema appears, the appointment of diuretics (Lazex, furasemide) is justified. Sedative drugs (Valocardin, Persen) are recommended for severe depression.

Diet for weight loss in hypothyroidism is of great importance. Diet number 8, aimed at regulating metabolic processes, is most often shown. Therapeutic nutrition normalizes the functioning of organs and corrects weight. Nutritionists recommend fractional nutrition 5-6 times a day in small portions. Products that stimulate the production of gastric juice are excluded from the diet. Legumes, garlic, onions, fatty meat, marinades and smoked meats are prohibited. In addition, it is necessary to reduce the consumption of muffins, rich broths, lard, sauces and mushrooms. Once every ten days, you can spend unloading days on juices and fruits.

Comprehensive treatment of hypothyroidism with adherence to all doctor's prescriptions will help to minimize the clinical manifestations of the pathology.

Prognosis of the disease

Prognosis is favorable if quality diagnosis and timely therapy are provided. However, much depends on the age of the patient and the degree of development of the disease. In old age, on the background of hypothyroidism, complications in the form of severe disturbances in the work of the cardiovascular system and hypothyroid coma are possible. The latter condition develops, as a rule, with improper treatment and untimely diagnosis.

If you have any questions, make an appointment for a consultation. Our specialist will tell you about the causes of hypothyroidism during pregnancy and will help you decide on diagnostic methods. You can sign up on the website.

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Endocrinologist consultation

Updated: 05.04.2025
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Doctors who advise on this issue:
17experience (y.)
Zahorodniuk Anna Volodymyrivna
Zahorodniuk Anna Volodymyrivna
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Sokolova Iryna Tymofiivna
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Borodina Olena Oleksandrivna
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Malinovska Daria Oleksandrivna
Malinovska Daria Oleksandrivna
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Nevodovska Tetiana Serhiivna
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