Symptom recommendations are presented by MD. A.V. Ushakov, chief physician of the "Clinic of the thyroid gland" (Moscow).
Symptoms of thyroid disease may be similar to the symptoms of other diseases. Changes in weight, fatigue, dry skin, brittle nails, excessive hair loss of the head and body, fluctuations in body temperature, increased or decreased appetite - these and many other manifestations occur in different conditions. Not always the thyroid gland is involved in their occurrence. How not to miss and see the first signs of the disease, what threatens an inconspicuous beginning, are there any particular symptoms in women?
When a person does not know about the existence of the thyroid gland, he attributes all the manifestations of ill health to other organs. But it is necessary to become more familiar with thyroid, then almost every sign of the disease has to try on to your gland.
Deterioration or even increased appetite, fluctuations in body weight, drowsiness, not wanting to work make you take a closer look at yourself. Something dry skin, and the hair somehow began to fall more. Chilliness appeared. It seems to have been a vacation recently, but again I want to go to the warm sea. All these may be signs of a lack of thyroid hormones. But is it? To determine the diagnosis will help blood test.
The doctor may advise to determine only the TSH, arguing that this is enough, that it is recommended and it will save money. Recall that you should not save on health and make an “advanced” analysis: TSH, T4-free, T3-free, T4 total and antibodies (AT-TPO and AT-TG). It is useful together with this to "order" in the laboratory a "general" (clinical) blood test. According to the hormones, the doctor will be able to evaluate how actively the body needs energy (calories) and whether the thyroid gland can cope. A general analysis will clarify the presence of anemia (hemoglobin deficiency). What for? The fact is that with anemia the same thyroid symptoms can be observed.
First conclusion
The first signs of diseases related to the thyroid gland and other organs are very similar. In order not to miss the disease and start treatment in time, it is better to have a blood test. It is important not to miss anything (for example, autoimmune changes). Therefore, it is advisable to make a “developed” range of indicators. Fatigue may be associated with exhaustion of the cells of the nervous system in an absolutely normal state of the thyroid gland and its hormones. In order to check the probability of this condition, you need to try to relax well and properly. You should sleep (go to bed early, sleep at weekends), monitor regularity, energy and vitamin sufficiency of food, try to ventilate the room where you are (breathe fresh air), eliminate extra mental stimuli (from the Internet and TV). If the general state of health does not improve within a few days (one two or better - 5-7), then it is better to “spend” money on laboratory analysis and find out the involvement of the thyroid gland.
Second conclusion
With the common signs of "disease" - improve the conditions. If they help, try to keep them in the future. It is more rational than to spend money on laboratory technicians, pharmacists and doctors.
Significant dryness of the skin, the rough surface of the elbows, lack of sleep, drowsiness throughout the day, a lump in the throat or an oppressive-suffocating feeling in the neck, not only loss, but also thinning of the hair of the head, a change in the menstrual rhythm - all these symptoms are a real reason to analyze blood and ultrasound of the thyroid gland. It is important to carefully evaluate the signs of each hormone. Even if they are all within the normal range. Try to pay attention to the proximity to the upper or lower limits of the norm.
Third conclusion
There are more obvious signs of thyroid disease. But they should be taken together. If there is not one, but two or three or more signs - you need to try to check the thyroid gland and its exchange in a timely manner.
Man gets used to his condition. Fatigue can be perceived as a familiar feeling. Vision may gradually deteriorate (you have to look closely). A little more headache. Superficially becomes a dream. It is difficult to fall asleep or wake up at night. All of these obvious signs are already beginning to sneak in to the likelihood of more significant changes. It is important not to miss and prevent the disease.
If, with such initial changes, there are no significant “thyroid” symptoms, then we can limit ourselves to evaluating only TSH and free hormones along with a “common” blood test.
Fourth conclusion
Do not forget to evaluate your condition. Rare phenomena of fatigue, especially after work, are common. They are not a sign of illness. But the daily symptoms of exhaustion are the first call for action.
The female thyroid gland, unfortunately, is more likely to change compared to the male. This is caused by regular monthly hormonal changes and large amounts of energy. That is why, with additional overloads of the female body, the work of the thyroid gland increases.
In women, autoimmune thyroid disease is more common. Diffuse and nodular goiter, hypothyroidism, thyrotoxicosis, as well as other diseases are encountered. It is known that it is better to detect changes in a timely manner. Therefore, pay attention to the combination of symptoms that can be associated with the thyroid gland, with female disorders (pain in the pelvic and mammary glands, regularity and duration of the cycle and the menstruation itself, its abundance and other features). An increase in thyroid and "female" symptoms on days of discharge can be prevented in time.
Fifth conclusion
Try to be more attentive to what the organs suggest about themselves. Women should pay special attention to themselves.
Remember: do not be afraid of the symptoms. No matter how they threaten, it is necessary to conduct an examination and, together with a specialist, clarify the reality of the disease, outline and carry out timely medical measures.