Basic functions of the thyroid glands. Functions of the thyroid gland in normal and pathological conditions

In this article you will learn:

Functions thyroid gland in the human body consist in the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones, which are necessary for life in small quantities. There is no process or system in the body that it does not directly or indirectly influence. Doses of her hormones healthy person must always correspond precisely to current needs. The thyroid gland is located in the neck, immediately below the larynx, covering the trachea in front. The shape of the organ resembles a butterfly, and its size is small.

The function of the thyroid gland in the body is to produce hormones and release them into the blood. The gland needs iodine for synthesis, and when the body lacks it, the thyroid gland reduces the formation of thyroxine in favor of triiodothyronine. It contains one less iodine atom, and biological activity even slightly higher.

With the advent iodized salt Iodine deficiency is becoming less common. As a rule, it occurs when the need for iodine increases: pregnancy, breast-feeding, period of puberty or intensive growth in children.

Thyroid hormones

If the thyroid gland is the conductor of an invisible orchestra in the body, then its hormones are the conductor’s batons. The thyroid gland synthesizes calcitonin, thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3).

What do hormones affect?

Metabolic rate;
Heart and all blood vessels;
Respiratory system;
Skeleton, muscles;
Kidneys;
Brain;
Reproductive system;
Hematopoiesis.

T3 and T4 make the body's cells more susceptible to adrenaline and other catecholamines. Accordingly, this speeds up metabolism and increases the need for oxygen. Appetite increases, but the body spends much more energy - and the person loses weight.

For the same reason, the heartbeat accelerates, the vessels contract and the blood pressure in them increases. The breathing rate also speeds up.

Reducing cholesterol levels is one of the necessary functions thyroid hormones. This reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and protects against problems with blood vessels and the heart.

A certain concentration of T3 and T4 is necessary so that pituitary somatotropin can perform its function of stimulating the growth of the child. These hormones also stimulate its synthesis.

Thyroid hormones also accelerate the removal of fluid from the body, thereby providing some anti-edematous effect.

Thyroid hormones T3 and T4 accelerate processes in the brain, which improves perception and memory, speed of thinking and promotes timely neuropsychic development in children. Before birth, the function of thyroid hormones is to stimulate development nervous system both central and peripheral.

Thyroid hormones also do possible conception and support normal course pregnancy. So, at the beginning, the activity of the thyroid gland increases, and in the second half it decreases. The effect of thyroid hormones on the development of mammary glands and their function in the postpartum period has been scientifically proven.

Finally, these hormones stimulate the formation of red blood cells in the hematopoietic part of the bone marrow.

Calcitonin

The function of the hormone calcitonin is to channel calcium from the blood to the bones. This allows children's skeletons to grow and protects adults from osteoporosis. Calcitonin (thyrocalcitonin) increases during fractures so that the regeneration process is complete. Even ordinary caries can develop due to insufficient synthesis by the thyroid gland.

The hormone also simultaneously reduces the level of calcium in the blood, but its normal concentration regulates the functions of all muscles without exception: from the respiratory and cardiac muscles to the skeletal muscles that move the limbs. If the balance of calcium in the blood is disturbed, then cramps of all muscles, including respiratory muscles, or, on the contrary, their critical weakness occur. Both can lead to death.

With a sharp lack of calcitonin, the level of calcium increases so much that it begins to be deposited in the form of calcite in the body. They are most often found in the kidneys and soft tissues, less often in the liver. Osteoporosis gradually develops, leading to pathological fractures, which occur even with minor trauma and heal very poorly if the underlying disease is not cured.

Thyroid pathology

It is customary to distinguish two types of dysfunction of the thyroid gland: low and high, respectively, hyper- and hypothyroidism. Important has when hormonal imbalance began. So, if a person has a lack of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism) since childhood, then this is cretinism, and if in adulthood, this is myxedema.

The weight of a person with hypothyroidism ( reduced function) is elevated, and it is impossible to reset it without treating the underlying disease. The eyes are half-closed, the skin is swollen, the patient himself is lethargic and lethargic. In children, neuropsychic development is inhibited, but otherwise the symptoms are exactly the same - this is cretinism.

A person with hyperthyroidism ( increased function) looks quite s characteristic symptoms: thin, hands shaking slightly, eyes wide open. The patient becomes nervous, hot-tempered, his mood changes quickly and unpredictably.

All these symptoms are already a serious dysfunction of the thyroid gland. In most cases, relatively minor changes in the activity of the organ are observed. This is manifested by such symptoms as: brittle hair, nails, peeling skin, frequent changes mood... Nothing specific. The condition is very similar to ordinary hypovitaminosis, but occurs in our latitudes often due to a lack of iodine, selenium or hereditary characteristics.

Our body. Thyroid function is so important for proper development and the functioning of our body, that they are difficult to overestimate. The gland consists of two connected lobes. It is located on the front surface of the neck between the cartilage and the 5-6th rings of the trachea. The weight of the gland in a child is about a gram, and in an adult it is 20-30 grams. Largest size this organ reaches the age of 14-17 years, and after 45 years it gradually decreases during the aging process of the body. The supply of blood occurs through the arteries.

The structure of the thyroid gland is determined by the follicle. These are round or oval shape various sizes from 20 to 300 microns. The structure of thyrocytes is determined by their functional state. Part of the thyrocide contains enzymes and is capable of generating hydrogen peroxide necessary for the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones. The basal part of the thyrocide contains receptors.

If they do not produce the hormone that regulates calcium homeostasis, treatment is required. Under the influence of this hormone, calcium penetrates into the bones, it also inhibits bone degradation, what are the consequences malfunction This mechanism is not difficult to guess. That's why it's so important timely treatment thyroid gland.

Main function thyroid gland - it takes part in the production of hormones, the main of which are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (sometimes called tetraiodothyronine (T4)). These hormones regulate the growth and speed of function of many systems in the body. T3 and T4 are synthesized from iodine and tyrosine. The thyroid gland also produces calcitonin, which plays a role in key role in calcium homeostasis.

The gland has two lateral cavities connected by a bridge (isthmus) in the middle. When you don't feel it. The thyroid gland has a red-brown color due to many blood vessels, and sometimes turns pale when treatment is required.

The gland secretes several hormones called. The main hormone thyroxine is also called T4. Thyroid hormones act throughout the body, affecting metabolism, growth and development, and body temperature.

During childhood, the development of hormones is critical to brain development. Hormonal output is regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and produced by the anterior pituitary gland, which itself is regulated by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and produced by the hypothalamus. Correct treatment restores the functioning of this system.

The amount of hormones is regulated in a part of the brain called the pituitary gland. Another part of your brain, the hypothalamus, helps the pituitary gland perform this function. The hypothalamus sends information to the pituitary gland, which in turn controls the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus work together to control the amount of hormones in the body. The pituitary gland controls most of the activities of our body, this organ works in a similar way to how a thermostat controls the temperature in a room.

For example, just as the thermometer in a thermostat measures the temperature in a room, the pituitary gland constantly senses the amount of hormones in the blood. If there is not enough thyroid hormone, the pituitary gland feels the need to “turn on the heat.” It does this by releasing more thyroid-stimulating hormone (or TSH), which signals the thyroid gland to make more of this hormone.

The hormones produced go directly into the bloodstream. If hormone levels are now restored to normal level, the pituitary gland slows TSH production back to normal, preventing hyperfunction. If this is not the case, then thyroid treatment is necessary.

Some of the hormones are stored in the thyroid gland in the form of droplets, and some of them are bound to carrier proteins in the blood. When the body needs more hormones, T3 and T4 are released from proteins and absorbed into the blood. Treatment is usually prescribed when analysis indicates a malfunction of this mechanism.

All the functions of the thyroid gland do not end there. The third hormone produced by the thyroid gland is calcitonin, which is produced by C cells. Calcitonin is involved in the production of calcium and bone metabolism (particularly enhanced during hyperfunction). So, the hormones produced by the thyroid gland perform the following functions:

Regulating body temperature.
Adjusting heart rate.
Promotes brain cell production (especially in children).
Promotes the growth and development of the body.
Stimulate the nervous system, which leads to more high level attention and speed of reflexes.

Iodine is important trace element, which the body cannot produce itself, but receives from food. In the stomach, iodine is adsorbed from food and enters the blood. After several intermediate stages, it enters the thyroid hormones.

Iodization of thyroglobulin occurs in the upper part of the thyroid gland. To ensure iodization of thyroid hormones, 20-30 mg of iodide accumulates in the human body. The release of hormones into the blood (secretion) is carried out under the influence of thyroid hormones. When the level of hormones in the blood decreases, thyrotropin is released and binds to specific receptors. If highlighted a large number of, then this is hyperfunction and treatment is required.

The thyroid gland is the only organ that can absorb iodine from food. Iodine combines with amino acids to produce T3 and T4, in turn T3 and T4 enter the bloodstream and are carried throughout the body, where they control the conversion of oxygen and calories into energy.

Every cell in the body depends on thyroid hormones to regulate their metabolism. A healthy gland produces about 80% T4 and about 20% T3.

Huge amounts of hormones are needed for infants and children (hyperfunction, but no treatment required). Otherwise, their absence on early stage life can have serious consequences for physical and emotional development. Therefore, suppression of the gland in middle-aged and elderly people occurs slowly and imperceptibly, but in fact the following happens:

Metabolism slows down, and as a result, excess weight.
Brittle, dry hair is often a symptom of illness.
More known signs- difficulty concentrating and general mental slowness.
High sensitivity to cold.
Slow pulse.
Symptoms include thickened skin that becomes dry.
Deep, hoarse voice – dangerous symptoms illness and in case of positive tests immediate treatment is required.
Loss of sexual desire or problems with potency.
Frequent symptoms are general loss of energy, fatigue - probable symptoms disorders of the thyroid gland.
Symptoms also appear in depression.

In older adults, these symptoms are often not recognized as a result of hypothyroidism and may be confused with usual signs aging. It may enlarge and become noticeable as a “goiter.” A goiter may cause a feeling of pressure in the neck or difficulty swallowing. If it gets much larger, the fabric expands downward due to lack of space. Sometimes this can lead to narrowing of the trachea and difficulty breathing.

Diagnostics

Although there are a wide variety of blood tests that can be used to evaluate thyroid disease, they typically measure TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and T4 hormone. If the thyroid gland becomes underactive (hypothyroidism), this leads to a decrease in. Conversely, if the thyroid gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism), then in the blood increased content these hormones.

Thyroid diseases are often classified into those affecting structure (change in size or development of growths) and function (more active or decreased). Structural problems may include (goiter), a reduced gland (atrophic) or the development of separate formations. Evaluation of structural problems is done using ultrasound.

Functional problems are initially assessed through thyroid function tests, which are used to determine whether the thyroid function is high or low.

Eat Various types enlargement of the thyroid gland. Either the entire area is uniform or only certain regions are enlarged in tumor forms. A special test, scintigraphy, is used to measure the production of hormones in the thyroid gland. If hormone production increases in the area of the tumor, it is called a hot tumor; if hormone production is lower than in the rest of the thyroid tissue, then it is called a cold tumor.

Tumor

A thyroid tumor is the development of foreign cells in the thyroid gland. Sometimes a lump can be felt during a physical examination of the thyroid gland, but often they are discovered incidentally. x-ray studies(eg ultrasound, MRI, or CT). Fortunately, about 90-95% of thyroid tumors are benign (that is, they are not cancer).

In most patients, cancer tumor The thyroid gland exists painlessly and, as a rule, the patient does not know about its presence until radiological examination. Although, there are signs that allow you to suspect this disease earlier: fast growth thyroid gland size, changes in voice, difficulty swallowing and breathing.

Diseases associated with the thyroid gland are not uncommon today. There are more and more pathologies in this area. And this is not surprising, because the functions of the thyroid gland are the production of hormones, the synthesis of which is influenced by many factors, including external environment. Hormones play a huge role in vital processes, and if there is an excess or deficiency of them, the body stops working as a coherent mechanism.

The butterfly-shaped gland with wide-open wings, located in the front of the neck, is a small organ. Its right and left lobes are united by a common isthmus. And the total weight of the gland is only 15–20 grams. Thyroid - endocrine organ, whose activity is associated exclusively with the synthesis of hormonal substances.

Behind the gland is the trachea and the “thyroid gland” is attached to it, slightly enveloping it. This is a soft organ that is almost invisible and can only be identified by palpation (palpation) of the neck. Its main task is the synthesis of thyroid hormones, the production of which requires iodine.

The body needs hormones in negligible quantities, but their ratio is important in the biological processes occurring in the body. Their content must be maintained at a constant level.

The thyroid gland secretes the following hormones:

thyroxine (T4), which contains 4 iodine atoms;
triiodothyronine (T3), containing 3 iodine atoms;
calcitonin, which regulates calcium production and is responsible for its balance.

Calcitonin has a direct effect on growth bone tissue. Bone formation occurs under its influence. Even the occurrence of caries can be associated with this hormone. You can regularly visit the dentist and brush your teeth endlessly, but until your calcitonin level is normal, all these actions are useless.

The thyroid gland produces mainly the hormone T4. It travels through the bloodstream to the liver, where it is converted into T3, which exhibits much greater hormonal activity.

Effect of the thyroid gland on the body

Its functions in the body are varied. The thyroid gland affects the functioning of a number of organs:

provides metabolic processes (metabolism);
responsible for the functioning of the immune system;
associated with the activity of the nervous system;
affects the functioning of the cerebral cortex;
the functioning of the cardiovascular system depends on it.

The diagnosis of thyroid disease is difficult to make, since a lack or excess of hormones can manifest itself in different ways. For example, persistent infertility, although medical indicators the woman is absolutely healthy. Or neuralgia or mental disorder, for which there were no prerequisites.

Failure in work endocrine system can happen at any age. In adolescents, the thyroid gland influences puberty, V reproductive age- for the time and course of menstruation, and in adulthood - for menopause in women.

If hormonal background is unstable, it brings discomfort into a person’s life. Under or overproduction of hormones does not occur on its own and does not return to normal suddenly. It is necessary to know the reasons that influenced such violations.

Quite often, pathology of the thyroid gland occurs: a lack or excess of hormone production. This leads to serious disruptions in the functioning of the body. You can find out your hormone levels using a blood test.

The functions of the thyroid gland, on which our condition depends

Thyroid dysfunction in the human body is associated with iodine deficiency. For residents of a metropolis, and even residents of remote areas, iodine deficiency is a common phenomenon. The body itself is not capable of producing this element; it must come from outside.

Lack of iodine leads to a disease called hypothyroidism. At the same time, the gland becomes inactive, it works “at half strength” and we may experience:

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constant feeling of fatigue,
poor appetite,
lack of mood,
headache problems,
dry skin and hair loss,
decreased immunity,
heart pain and shortness of breath.

To properly fulfill its role, the gland is forced to increase in size. Therefore, the structure and functions of the thyroid gland are directly related. An enlargement of the gland occurs, which is called a goiter. He may be harmless and carry a clean message cosmetic defect when the neck needs to be hidden under scarves or scarves. But it happens that it leads to the formation of tumors and cancer cells.

An excess of iodine is also not beneficial. More hormones are produced and hyperthyroidism occurs. The gland becomes active. Developing Graves' disease. This also leads to changes in the body:

fussiness, excitability, unstable emotional state;
irritability and tearfulness;
increased sweating, tremors of the hands and body;
at good appetite weight loss occurs;
upset stool, diarrhea;
increased blood pressure;
tachycardia (interruptions in heart function).

The first sign that should cause concern is a sudden change in weight. With hypothyroidism, despite poor appetite, weight is gained quickly, because metabolic processes are slow. With hyperthyroidism, weight loss occurs due to the activity of the thyroid gland.

Now we know what function the thyroid gland performs, and we should not underestimate its role in the functioning of organ systems.

How does diet affect the functioning of the endocrine organ?

Most of the fair sex are concerned about their weight. And if it begins to change upward, then the woman “goes on a diet.” But if weight gain is associated with hormonal imbalances, then trying to lose weight will bring harm, not benefit.

Forced weight loss completely exhausts the thyroid gland, undermines health and leads to very sad consequences. If your weight gain is not due to the fact that you eat a lot or exercise little, then the cause may be a change in hormonal balance.

Even in case normal operation thyroid gland, uncontrolled diet, cessation of food intake, sudden weight loss can provoke its disease (disruption of the normal production of hormonal substances).

Another serious one hormonal problem associated with the thyroid gland is mastopathy. Women turn to a mammologist, faithfully attend procedures, take medications, but lumps in the breast do not go away. Treatment will not help until hormonal balance is restored.

What foods contain iodine and its daily requirement?

The daily need for iodine depends on age:

Infants need 50 mcg.
from 2 to 6 years – 90 mcg.,
from 7 to 12 years – 120 mcg.,
an adult needs 150 mcg.,
pregnant women and nursing mothers – 200 mcg.

For hypothyroidism daily norm this element may be several times larger. In this case, in addition to food containing iodine, special drugs, which contains its compounds.

Air and water can provide the body with 1/10th of iodine; the body receives the rest from food. Therefore, the main emphasis should be on a diet containing foods rich in this element.

A large amount of it is contained in seafood products: V seaweed, caviar, cod and tuna meat, in shrimp and squid. If these delicacies are not available to you, then eat persimmons, black currants, cucumbers, potatoes and garlic. But the iodine content in seafood is much higher.

If there is an excess of iodine, the diet will also need to be adjusted. IN in this case Foods rich in iodine are contraindicated. It is advisable to remove cabbage, carrots, spinach, peaches and a number of other products from the diet.

Thyroid diseases affect 12% of the world's population. 60% of them have no idea about this disease. 40% of people have iodine deficiency. These numbers speak volumes. Check your blood for hormone levels, because a disease is always easier to prevent than to treat.

It still seems like it’s not easy to cure your thyroid?

Considering that you are now reading this article, we can conclude that this illness still haunts you.

You've probably also had thoughts about surgical intervention. This is clear, because the thyroid gland is one of the most important organs, on which your wellness and health. And shortness of breath, constant fatigue, irritability and other symptoms clearly interfere with your enjoyment of life...

But, you see, it is more correct to treat the cause, not the effect. We recommend reading the story of Irina Savenkova about how she managed to cure her thyroid gland...

The function of the thyroid gland in the human body depends on many factors and is extremely important, as it participates in the regulation of most processes, is responsible for normal physical and mental development. The normal functioning of the thyroid gland depends not only on the hormones it produces, but also on other external and internal factors. With deviations from normal hormone levels, various pathological conditions, leading to disruption of the functioning of the entire organism.

In this article we will talk about anatomical structure the thyroid gland, the hormones it secretes, as well as diseases that can arise from pathologies of thyroid function in the human body.

The thyroid gland is a gland internal secretion, it is located on the front surface of the neck, at the level of 5-7 cervical vertebrae, in front of the larynx and trachea. The weight of the gland in an adult is approximately 30-40 g, but in women it is slightly larger, and during menstruation it can slightly change in size.

During puberty, the thyroid gland grows rapidly and by the age of 19-22 its weight increases 20 times. In many diseases, the size of the gland increases so much that it can be easily palpated with your own hands.

The gland is represented by two parts - left and right, connected to each other by means of an isthmus. The pyramidal part extends upward from the isthmus or from one of the lobes.

The thyroid gland is covered with a fibrous capsule, from which trabeculae extend, dividing it into parts. These parts are represented by multiple sacs - follicles, whose walls are inside lined with epithelial follicular cells, which have a cubic shape. Inside, the follicles are filled with a viscous mass - a colloid containing hormones.

Functions performed

We all have more or less an idea of what kind of organ the thyroid gland is - the functions in the body of this part of the body are related to the production of hormones. The thyroid gland produces hormones such as triiodothyronine and calcitonin.

Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are formed only if there is a sufficient amount of iodine in the body. Iodine enters the body from food, water and the environment.

An extremely sensitive organ to the effects unfavorable factors is the thyroid gland - its structure and functions under normal operating conditions depend on the following effects of hormones:

The hormone thyroxine includes 4 iodine atoms and does not have any particular activity, but it affects many processes in the body, including ensuring growth, mental and physical development, stimulation of energy metabolism, protein synthesis, catabolism of fats and carbohydrates.
What function does the thyroid gland perform using triiodothyronine? This hormone, like T4, contains iodine, but only 3 atoms. T3 is responsible for heart rate, regulates heat exchange in the body, reduces the concentration of cholesterol in the blood, stimulates the production of vitamin A, normalizes the metabolic process, and also affects physical growth and development and the normal functioning of the nervous system.
Calcitonin - unlike previous hormones, is not iodine-dependent; it is a peptide hormone consisting of 32 amino acids. It regulates the metabolism of phosphorus and calcium, maintaining them at the required level and preventing the destruction of bone tissue. Note! Calcitonin is a tumor marker for thyroid cancer, and when its levels rise, it indicates a serious pathology.

As we see, the thyroid gland, thanks to the hormones it produces, is responsible for normal development brain, central and autonomic nervous systems, and also increases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, increasing excitability, emotionality, heart rate, respiratory rate, sweating and reducing gastrointestinal motility.

Main diseases of the thyroid gland and methods of their diagnosis

By frequency endocrine pathologies thyroid lesions are in second place. As we know, one of the most sensitive organs - the thyroid gland - functions and disease are directly related. When the thyroid function increases or decreases, various pathologies, entailing serious consequences.

The most common of them are:

- a pathology in which the functionality of the gland increases. Symptoms that accompany this state caused by the influence of excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. Basically, the disease causes exophthalmos, tremor, tachycardia, increased nervous excitability, increased heat production, weight loss.
Hypothyroidism– a condition in which the functional activity of the thyroid gland decreases. This disease causes lethargy, apathy, weight gain, swelling, decreased hearing and vision.
– autoimmune disease, accompanied by impaired functionality of the thyroid gland and an increase in its size. It is noteworthy that with this pathology signs of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be observed.
Goiter– an increase in the size of the gland, which can occur in a nodular, diffuse or diffuse-nodular form. Also, goiter can be accompanied by normal or increased levels of the hormone; hypothyroidism is much less common with goiter.

It goes without saying that diseases do not appear out of nowhere. There are a lot of factors, often not directly related to the thyroid gland, but influencing it.

These factors include:

existing chronic infectious diseases;
autoimmune pathologies;
frequent viral and bacterial diseases;
bad habits;
unfavorable environmental conditions;
overdose of hormone replacement therapy drugs;
exposure to toxic substances;
thyroiditis;
benign and malignant neoplasms thyroid gland or pituitary gland;
tissue immunity to thyroid hormones;
iodine deficiency;
congenital absence or underdevelopment of the gland;
conditions after partial or complete removal thyroid glands;
therapy with radioactive iodine preparations;
brain injuries.

Diagnostics

In order to determine whether the function of the thyroid gland is impaired, there are instructions that endocrinologists follow. In most cases, with impaired functionality, patients have a characteristic appearance.

However, to be absolutely sure, prescribe ultrasonography thyroid gland, as well as blood tests for triiodothyronine, thyroxine and pituitary thyroid-stimulating hormone. The price of these methods is not too high, and therefore endocrinological studies are very accessible to all segments of the population.

From the photos and videos in this article we learned about the functions of the thyroid gland, its structure and pathologies that arise when pathological processes in this body.

The thyroid gland is an organ of the endocrine system. The task of the organ is to produce iodine-containing (thyroid) hormones involved in the regulation of metabolism, affecting the growth of individual cells and the entire organism.

These connections also affect functional state bones, stimulating the proliferation of osteoblasts and controlling the flow of phosphates and calcium into bone tissue.

Thyroid gland - general information

The location of the thyroid gland is the front of the neck (slightly below the Adam's apple). The gland weighs about 18 g and is shaped like a butterfly. Behind the thyroid gland is the trachea, to which the thyroid gland is attached, slightly enclosing it. The thyroid cartilage is located above the gland.

The thyroid gland is a thin and soft organ that is difficult to detect during palpation, but even a small swelling can be felt quite well and is visible to the naked eye. The functionality of the thyroid gland depends on many factors - in particular, on the amount of organic iodine entering the body.

There are two main groups of diseases associated with dysfunction of the thyroid gland:

Pathologies associated with decreased hormone production (hypothyroidism);
Diseases caused by increased hormonal activity (hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxicosis).

Iodine deficiency, which occurs in some geographic areas, can lead to endemic goiter– enlargement of the thyroid gland.
The disease is caused by an adaptive reaction of the thyroid gland to a lack of iodine in water and food.

Checking the functional status of the thyroid gland is carried out in a laboratory using. There are tests that allow you to correctly determine the level of all types of hormones produced by the thyroid gland.

Thyroid functions

The main function of the gland is to produce hormones thyroxine (T4) And triiodothyronine (T3)

These hormones control the metabolism in the body - they stimulate, accelerate (and if necessary, slow down) the breakdown and redistribution, etc.

Thyroid hormone levels are monitored pituitary gland, which is located in the lower surface of the brain. This organ secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone, which stimulates the functions of the thyroid gland, prompting it to increase the production of thyroxine and triiodothyronine. This system works on the principle feedback. If there are not enough thyroid hormones, the pituitary gland produces increased amount thyroid-stimulating hormone and vice versa. Thus, approximately the same hormonal levels are maintained in the body.

A special type of thyroid gland cells synthesizes and releases another hormone into the blood - calcitonin. This active compound regulates calcium levels in human body. Thus, the condition is controlled skeletal system and conducting nerve impulses in muscle tissue.

The thyroid gland plays a leading role in the body at all stages of its growth, starting from the embryonic period. The condition and functionality of the thyroid gland determines the full and comprehensive development person.

The effect of diabetes mellitus on the thyroid gland

Diabetes mellitus, being a persistent pathology metabolic processes, increases the likelihood of thyroid dysfunction. According to medical statistics, thyroid disease is 10-20% more common in people with diabetes.

People with type 1 diabetes are at greatest risk. Autoimmune (that is, caused by internal factors) thyroid pathologies are present in every third patient with type 1 diabetes.
As for people with type II diabetes, the likelihood of them developing thyroid dysfunction is also quite high, especially if no preventive measures are taken.

There is also inverse relationship: the presence of thyroid pathologies (which were present in the body before the development of diabetes) negatively affects the course of diabetes.

Hypothyroidism indirectly affects the level of insulin in the blood; With hyperthyroidism, the consequences for diabetics are even more dangerous.

The presence of hyperthyroidism contributes to an increase in plasma glucose levels. Constantly can provoke the development of full-blown diabetes. On the other hand, present with a lack of thyroid hormones, aggravates metabolic pathologies and can cause additional factor for the development of diabetes.

If there is a lack of hormonal activity of the gland in people with diabetes or diabetes, the following conditions may occur:

Violation of lipid metabolism and, as a consequence, increased level cholesterol and harmful lipids in the blood and low triglycerides and “good” ones fatty acids;
vessels, tendency to stenosis ( pathological narrowing) arteries, which increases the risk of developing and.

Hyperthyroidism(excess thyroid hormones) enhances the signs and symptoms of diabetes because it accelerates metabolism. And if metabolic processes accelerate during their pathological course, this leads to a worsening of the patient’s current condition. In fact, diabetes progresses several times faster under such conditions.

The combination of hyperthyroidism and diabetes can cause:

Acidosis ( pathological change acid-base balance organism, leading to diabetic coma);
Deterioration of cardiac muscle nutrition, serious violations heart rate(arrhythmia);
Pathologies of bone tissue (osteoporosis and decreased bone mass).

Suffering and general health body - weakened by diabetic manifestations, the patient reacts more sharply to manifestations of hyperthyroidism or thyroid deficiency.