The effects of an imbalance of thyroid hormones hypothyroidism

The imbalance of thyroid hormones have a significant impact on the mental sphere. A person suffering from hypothyroidism, it is easy to sleep, can sleep for a long time, but sleep Dreams: how to understand our dreams   it is not refreshing. During waking hours, he experiences fatigue, without objective reasons, apathy, suffering from problems with short-term memory, attention deficit and "haze". These problems have a negative impact on their professional success, cause stress How to beat stress? Create an oasis   and depression.

Thyroid hormones act as neurotransmitters. An imbalance of these hormones sometimes mimics mental illness Mental illness - ashamed to ask for help? As T3 affect the level of serotonin - a neurotransmitter, which depend heavily on the mood and behavior. Low levels of T3 can lead to depression. Some antidepressants worsen the patients, since these drugs further reduce the level of T3. Paradoxically, some material deemed depressants, such as alcohol and opiates, can increase the level of T3 - T3 they inhibit cleavage in the brain and thus elevate mood and improve the psychological status of a person. It - one of the reasons that these substances are easily addictive, from which so hard to get rid of.

Severe hypothyroidism can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease: memory impairment, confusion created, delayed action, paranoid depression and, in extreme cases, hallucinations. Thyroid dysfunction - one of many disorders that doctors have ruled out before diagnosing Alzheimer's disease.

The likelihood of developing hypothyroidism increases with age. By the age of 60 in 17% of women and 9% of men the symptoms appear.

Low levels of thyroid hormone also causes fatigue, mild hypoglycemia, slow digestion and constipation. These symptoms can also indicate other diseases - thyroid hormone levels are often reduced during prolonged illness, as the body tries to conserve energy. Chronic diseases, such as Lyme disease can mimic hypothyroidism, and sometimes - to become its cause. Generally, hypothyroidism is easy to diagnose based on symptoms - unless, of course, the patient describes them in detail. The diagnosis is confirmed with blood tests.

The imbalance of thyroid hormones have a serious impact on the cardiovascular system, because these hormones help control heart rate and blood pressure. In hypothyroidism pulse can be slowed down, and in some cases developing an arrhythmia. Blood pressure may drop to normal levels of 120/90 to 70/50. Hypothyroidism also weakens, including - iris. As a result, breathing becomes more superficial; goiter may exacerbate this problem. The patient begins to snore more often and longer, tires easily because of the fact that the body's tissues do not receive enough oxygen. Fatigue - a constant companion of people with symptomatic hypothyroidism. Often, pain in muscles and joints. Physical activity such are very difficult; little muscle strengthening and endurance hardly improved.

At a low level of thyroid hormones in the body can change the type of muscle fibers - slow-twitch to fast-on. It - adaptive strategy of the organism, which he uses with a shortage of certain nutrients: hypothyroidism blood sugar Blood sugar - one of the main indicators of human health   reduced, and fast-muscle fibers for normal operation needs a lot of glucose. In contrast, increased levels of fatty acids, and they provide a "fuel" for slow-twitch muscle fibers, which can effectively burn fat. However, low levels of oxygen in the blood due to a reduced heart rate and respiratory problems to limit the productivity of slow-twitch muscles.

Even after the treatment of hypothyroidism, many people find that their need for calories and endurance have undergone major changes. Strength training can help return fit, but only after the thyroid hormone levels to normal.

Finally, hypothyroidism is the second major cause elevated cholesterol levels - the mode of supply. When the level of thyroid hormone decreases liver ceases to function normally, and starts to produce excess cholesterol, triglycerides and fatty acids, resulting in increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Elevated cholesterol levels are also associated with a greater probability of developing Alzheimer's disease. Sometimes the skin of patients with hypothyroidism, becomes yellow - this is due to the fact that the skin accumulate carotenoids (vitamin A precursor), which can no longer be stored in the liver. Synthesis of vitamin A reduced proportionally reduce the level of thyroid hormones.

The effects of an imbalance of thyroid hormones: Hyperthyroidism

Some symptoms of hyperthyroidism symptoms of hypothyroidism are opposite. Thus, patients with this disorder fall asleep and sleep difficulty, usually much less than normal. Unlike people with hypothyroidism, patients suffering from hyperthyroidism, observed behavior, not resembling a normal depression and bipolar disorder. High levels of thyroid hormones gives them energy, which seems superior physical abilities. If you suspect bipolar disorder patients is required to check the level of thyroid hormones. Lithium - a drug commonly used to treat this disorder, also inhibits T3 and brings it back to normal levels.

Hyperthyroidism causes an increase in heart rate, which is why patients may feel tired, even while at rest. Endurance deteriorated as increasing the catabolism of fats and proteins, resulting in the accumulation of ketone bodies.

In patients with hyperthyroidism often observed tremor of limbs. At rest, their pulse is speeded up, and for physical activities they do not limit the maximum heart rate in healthy people. In some cases, patients might be so-called "thyroid storm" - a sharp increase in the level of thyroid hormones in the blood, due to which the pulse can be up to 300 beats per minute. This life-threatening condition, among the possible consequences of which - arrhythmia and heart attack.

Some substances can cause a temporary increase in the level of thyroid hormones. For example, caffeine and other stimulants disrupt metabolism T3 and adrenal hormones, because of which their concentration in blood increases. Nicotine, alcohol and opiates are also changing the level of T3 in the body; when a person tries to renounce their use, there is another change in the level, which is why the failure may be extremely difficult given. Further study of the role of thyroid hormones in the formation of drug addiction can help effectively deal with this problem.

The test for thyroid hormones

The test for thyroid hormones - a blood test, which was performed to assess thyroid function. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the production and use of energy by the body. It is located in front of the trachea and beneath the larynx in front of the neck. These uses iodine enters the body with food, to produce two types of hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid hormones can store and release them as needed.

Thyroid hormones are essential for normal brain development, especially in the first three years of life. If the thyroid gland does not produce enough baby hormones, it can develop mental retardation Mental retardation - if the mind is underdeveloped   (it is quite often the result of congenital hypothyroidism). To prevent this, it is recommended to check all newborns for congenital hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones are also needed for normal growth and development of older children, and for many processes in the body of an adult.

Analysis on thyroid hormones determine the following parameters:

• The total thyroxine (T4). Most of thyroxine in the blood is linked to a protein called thyroxine binding globulin (TBG). Not associated with less than 1% TBG thyroxine. The total thyroxine shows the total amount of bound and free T4. Free thyroxine affects the functioning of many of the body and associated thyroxine virtually no such effects.
• Free thyroxine can be specified as a simple indicator of unbound T4, and free thyroxine index (ICT). SOURCE indicates how many free thyroxine present in the blood as compared to thyroxine bound Thyroxine - the main thyroid hormone . This allows you to determine if abnormalities in T4 with abnormal levels of TSH.
• Triiodothyronine has a greater impact on the way the body uses energy at T3 is normally present in an amount less than T4. The test for thyroid hormones also shows levels of total and free T3.

What is the test

The test for thyroid hormones administered to:

• Identify the cause of the change in the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Due to abnormal serum TSH tests for thyroid hormones are assigned most often;
• Check how effectively extends treatment of thyroid diseases. Thus, indicators of total T4, free T4, and ICT are used for the assessment of patients undergoing treatment for hyperthyroidism;
• Rate thyroid function in newborns. This is necessary in particular for the detection of congenital hypothyroidism Congenital hypothyroidism: start treatment as soon as possible Which may delay physical and mental development, if you do not start treatment shortly after birth.

How to prepare for the test

Many drugs can affect the results of this analysis. Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, including OTC drugs, herbal medicines and even food additives Food additives - basic classification . If you pass replacement thyroid hormone therapy, tell your doctor that you have taken the last dose of drugs. Your doctor may advise you to stop taking medication for a while before you donate blood for analysis.

How is the blood sample for analysis

Medical worker holding blood sample for analysis as follows:

• Around the arm above the elbow wrapped with an elastic band to restrict blood circulation. The results of the vein below the belt increases, and put a needle in them will be easier. The area in which to insert the needle, clean with alcohol, and then make a shot - usually the patient experiences with only very slight pain, which passes almost instantly.
• After the health worker will take enough blood, it will remove the elastic band, remove the needle from the vein and attach to the injection site a piece of sterile gauze or cotton.

Newborn blood sample is usually taken from the heel - it is considered less painful for them.

Risks associated with the procedure are minimal. After the injection on the arm may be left a bruise. In rare cases, inflamed veins after injection - this is called phlebitis. As a rule, unable to cope with phlebitis pretty quickly if several times a day to do warm compresses.

Bleeding after collection is rare, and this is particularly susceptible people that have problems with blood clotting. Receiving blood thinners, such as aspirin and warfarin also increases the likelihood of bleeding. Before blood sampling will be performed, be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines.