Thyroid gland - is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the lower half of the neck, in front of the trachea. The thyroid gland produces, stores and secretes thyroid hormones that regulate our metabolic rate. These hormones are essential for the proper functioning of all body tissues and organs.
Thyroid dysfunctions are very common in society. There are approximately 7-8 million thyroid patients in our country. Thyroid dysfunction can cause a clinic that varies from a simple complaint of fatigue to coma.
Hypothyroidism (i.e. underactivity of the thyroid gland) is a disease that occurs as a result of thyroid hormone deficiency and causes a slowdown in all metabolic functions of the body.
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What are the causes of hypothyroidism?
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Hashimoto's disease (the most common cause in our country)
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Severe iodine deficiency or iodine excess
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After thyroid surgery
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RAI (Radioactive iodine therapy) or longitudinal radiation after treatment
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Drug-related (such as antithyroid drugs, lithium)
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Situations in which the baby's thyroid gland does not develop congenitally
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Inflammatory, infiltrative diseases
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Problems of the pituitary and hypothalamus glands in the brain
Symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism
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Fatigue, weakness, tiredness
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Forgetfulness
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Don't sleep too much
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Colds easily
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Weight gain
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Hair loss
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Menstrual irregularities or problems in getting pregnant, miscarriages
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Dry skin, weak and brittle hair and nails
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Constipation
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Depression
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Frequent infections relief
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Muscle and joint pain
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Anemia
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Low libido
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Decrease in concentration
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Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)
WHO SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FOR THYROID DISEASES?
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Patients with the symptoms mentioned above
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Pregnant women or women planning pregnancy
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Women over 60 years of age
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Recurrent miscarriage, stillbirth history
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Patients with diabetes
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Those who receive RAI treatment or radiation to the neck area
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Autoimmune diseases in their relatives or themselves People with
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Unexplained hypercholesterolemia
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Unexplained hyperprolactinemia
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Unexplained anemia
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Heart failure
How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?
Cases with signs and symptoms consistent with hypothyroidism should be evaluated for thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid dysfunction can be confirmed with a simple blood test that measures the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. If hypothyroidism is detected as a result of the examination, blood tests such as thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), autoantibodies (Anti-thyroid peroxidase, Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies) and Thyroid ultrasonography can be performed to determine the cause of hypothyroidism.
How is hypothyroidism? Is it treated?
The purpose of the treatment is to replace the missing hormones in the body for life. Thyroid hormone medications should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach, no other medications should be used along with them, and a meal should be eaten at least 30 minutes after taking the medication. Even if the symptoms are under control, medications must be taken every day.
If hypothyroidism is not treated, muscle weakness, loss of muscle control, infertility, congenital diseases, slowdown in mental functions, depression, heart enlargement, heart failure, difficulty in swallowing and breathing. It may have serious consequences such as difficulty and coma.
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