Hypothyroidism - a condition characterized by a deficiency of hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Since thyroid hormones regulate the rate of metabolism of the human body, often the main symptoms of hypothyroidism is associated with a slowing of metabolism. According to statistics, the lack of thyroid hormone occurs in ten percent of all women. Men with this disease face a little less.

Causes of hypothyroidism

There are two main causes of hypothyroidism. Firstly, thyroid disease may cause inflammation of the thyroid gland, tissue damage much of the body - as a result of the thyroid gland is not able to produce enough hormones. The most common example of thyroid disease - an autoimmune thyroiditis, or so-called Hashimoto's thyroiditis, type of inflammation of the thyroid gland caused by the body's immune system.

Second, no less common cause of deficiency of thyroid hormones Deficiency of thyroid hormone - revealed a previously unknown reason   - The result of some medical procedures. Treating certain thyroid diseases (especially those related to increased activity of the prostate) involves removing all or part of the thyroid gland. As a result, the iron is unable to produce sufficient amounts of hormones, which leads to hypothyroidism. In particular, such a situation is typical for the treatment of thyroid cancer Thyroid cancer: it is curable . In addition, partial removal of the thyroid tissue is often required when it detects suspicious nodules in the tissues of the body. In some cases, even after the partial removal of the thyroid gland continues to function normally, producing enough hormones to maintain normal operation of the systems. However, most often after surgery develops hypothyroidism.

The destruction of the thyroid cells, resulting in reduced activity of the body may be the result of other methods of treatment of thyroid diseases - in particular, the treatment with radioactive iodine, used in particular, in the formation of goiter. The purpose of this treatment - the destruction of the thyroid cells with radioactive iodine to prevent goitre or surplus generated by her hormones (hyperthyroidism). In some cases, damage to the thyroid gland with radioactive iodine is so significant that a period (usually a year or two), there are signs of hypothyroidism.

In very rare cases, the deficiency of thyroid hormones is not related to the activity of the body. Even perfectly healthy thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones because of problems with the pituitary gland, which produces thyroid stimulating hormone, which regulates the thyroid gland.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

• Increased fatigue
• Weakness
• Weight gain
• Rough, dry hair
• Dry, pale skin
• Hair loss
• Intolerance to cold
• Pain in muscles and joints
• Constipation
• Bouts of depression
• Increased irritability
• Memory loss
• Menstrual irregularities
• Problems with libido

Symptoms of hypothyroidism, by and large, individual and may vary depending on the extent of the disease, thyroid hormone levels Thyroid hormones: mechanism of action and physiological effects   and other factors. For most people, there is a combination of symptoms, but in some cases hypothyroidism may develop symptoms.

The potential consequences of hypothyroidism

To compensate for the lack of thyroid hormone, the pituitary gland starts to produce more thyroid-stimulating hormone in an attempt to increase the activity of the thyroid gland. Continuing high levels of thyroid stimulating hormone may lead to the widening of the thyroid gland and the formation of goiter.

Without proper treatment, the symptoms of hypothyroidism are usually progresses. In rare cases, complications can lead to states, threatening human health and life - severe depression Depression - a little more than a bad mood , Cardiac dysfunction, coma.

In most cases, hypothyroidism can be diagnosed through a series of simple blood tests. This thyroid disease is easily treatable, usually requires taking one tablet once a day for a short period of time. Hypothyroidism is treated with special hormone drugs to compensate the deficit of thyroid hormones.

In the course of international studies have found a previously unknown cause of deficiency of thyroid hormones Thyroid hormones: mechanism of action and physiological effects Or hypothyroidism. It is a common endocrine disorder is usually caused by problems with the thyroid gland and, in rarer cases, the defects of the brain - the pituitary gland. Recently, however, I found another, unexpected source of this disease.

Scientists have discovered a hereditary form of hypothyroidism, which is much more common in men than in women. This fact shed light on where to look for the underlying cause of the disease.

Research

Researchers in the Netherlands watched the family in which two cousins ​​had an unusual syndrome: Hypothyroidism while increasing the size of the testicles. Using the latest methods of DNA analysis both boys and their maternal grandfather was discovered gene mutation superfamily immunoglobilinov called IGSF1. At that time it was known that this gene is associated with the work of the pituitary gland, but it was unclear exactly what tasks it performs.

Soon they joined the study, another group of scientists studying a second family in which two brothers suffering from hypothyroidism, and they also had found a gene mutation IGSF1, although it differed from the mutation identified in the Dutch family. The existence of two families, between which there was no kinship, whose members had similar syndromes, and mutations of the same gene, gave serious grounds for believing that it is in this gene cause of hypothyroidism wing.

Some time later, the study involved several groups of scientists are in different countries and even continents watched families in which men were discovered gene mutation IGSF1. There were identified 11 families with ten different mutations in this gene.

It was proved that the mutation does not IGSF1 proteins with which the gene is reacted, move to the cell surface, where these proteins are normally function. The researchers also found that in mice a lack of the pituitary gene IGSF1 led to a decrease in the number of receptors thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). Based on the results of the research, scientists have suggested that in the absence of IGSF1 pituitary gland becomes less sensitive to the commands of the brain, which normally have to force it to secrete thyroid-stimulating hormone. As a result of reduced production and thyroid hormones.

results

These results are important because a mutation cause a variety IGSF1, although rather soft, hypothyroidism who are unable to identify using conventional diagnostic methods. It is assumed that the moment a lot of people (especially boys and men) there undetected, but clinically significant hypothyroidism.

Among the symptoms of this disease - fatigue, lethargy, unwarranted weight gain, cold intolerance, and muscle weakness. If untreated hypothyroidism increases the risk of heart disease Heart disease and heart attacks: that every woman should know . In young children, hypothyroidism can cause a delay in the development of the nervous system and, in severe cases, cretinism. Meanwhile, with the help of a simple analysis can identify carriers of the mutated gene IGSF1, which may need replacement thyroid hormone therapy The thyroid gland - is responsible for your hormones . Perhaps in the future it would be better to examine the functioning IGSF1, and the relationship of this gene with the development of other diseases.