Hypothyroidism: find and neutralize

Abstract

Hypothyroidism is one of the most common diseases of the endocrine system. It is more often recorded in older women. This disease is characterized by nonspecific symptoms and a blurred clinical picture. Patients often have many symptoms from various organs and systems. Because of this, hypothyroidism often remains unrecognized, and patients are not prescribed the necessary therapy on time. Doctors of various specialties should pay attention to the symptoms that may manifest as hypothyroidism. This is especially true for elderly patients. As a screening, the definition of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is used. First of all, attention should be paid to the pathology of the cardiovascular system, the presence of arterial hypertension, often diastolic and poorly controlled, a decrease in stroke volume and heart rate. Also, in hypothyroidism, lipid metabolism disorders, an earlier onset of atherosclerosis, a connection with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus were noted. Therefore, it is recommended to diagnose hypothyroidism in patients with these diseases. Screening should also be done in the presence of neurological disorders, depressive and anxiety disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, and hematological disorders (anemias). The determination of TSH is included in the examination plan for infertility, and may also be necessary for other disorders of the reproductive system: menstrual irregularities in women and androgen deficiency in men. Treatment of overt hypothyroidism consists in the appointment of replacement therapy with levothyroxine. If subclinical hypothyroidism is detected, the question of treatment is decided individually and depends on the level of TSH, the patient’s age, and the clinical manifestations of the disease.

Keywords

• hypothyroidism
• subclinical hypothyroidism
• cardiovascular diseases
• arterial hypertension
• metabolic syndrome