Checking the endocrine system. Endocrine system disruption. Hormonal imbalance: treatment

Violations endocrine system are pathological conditions occurring as a result of improper activity of the endocrine glands or glands internal secretion, releasing the substances they produce (hormones) directly into the blood or lymph. Endocrine glands include:

• thyroid and parathyroid glands;

  adrenal glands and glands with mixed function;

  gonads;

  pancreas.

Main role endocrine glands in the body is expressed in their influence on the processes of metabolism, growth, physical and sexual development. Disruption of the endocrine system leads to various violations vital activity of the body. At the core endocrine disorders lies either an excessive increase or decrease in the functions of a particular gland.

Pituitary is considered the center of regulation of the endocrine system, since it produces hormones that specifically stimulate the growth, differentiation and functional activity of certain endocrine glands.

Disruption of the complex functions of the pituitary gland leads to the development of a number of pituitary disorders: excessive function of the anterior pituitary gland causes acromegaly. Decreased function of the anterior lobe pituitary gland may cause:

Obesity;

dwarf stature;

severe exhaustion;

atrophy of the gonads;

Decreased function of the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland provokes the development Not diabetes mellitus . The patient has copious discharge urine and strong thirst.

Function enhancement thyroid gland manifests itself in an increase in its volume. The following violations occur:

Increased heart rate;

emaciation;

• sweating;

  neuropsychic excitability.

With a pronounced increase in thyroid function, protrusion is observed eyeballs or bulging eyes.

Decreased thyroid function is accompanied by a shrinkage of the thyroid gland, slow heart rate, and sunken eyeballs. There is a tendency towards obesity, constipation, dry skin, decreased general excitability, changes in the skin and subcutaneous tissue, which become swollen. This condition is called myxedema.

Promotion adrenal functions accompanied by premature puberty (most often due to the formation of tumors). Downgrade function adrenal cortex V expressed cases gives a picture of Addison's disease (bronze disease), in which characteristic dark, bronze pigmentation of the skin appears, exhaustion, and decreased blood pressure, blood sugar decreases, and the body's resistance decreases.

Increased function of the medulla I adrenal gland causes development arterial hypertension in the form of attacks. An increase in the function of the gonads is rarely observed (usually due to the development malignant tumors these glands), mostly in childhood. The gonads reach their destination prematurely full development. Decreased function of these glands leads to eunuchoidism, increased growth with disproportionate lengthening of the lower and upper limbs, tendencies towards obesity, with the distribution of fat in men according to female type and underdevelopment of the genital organs, lack of secondary hair.

Increased pancreatic function not sufficiently studied. Individual manifestations- persistent decrease in blood sugar, tendency to obesity. A decrease in the function of this gland leads to an increase in sugar levels in the blood and urine, increased urination, and a decline in nutrition (diabetes mellitus).

Regulation of endocrine glands

Regulation of the activity of the endocrine glands is carried out in egetative nerve centers interstitial brain through autonomic nerve fibers and through the pituitary gland under the control of the cerebral cortex. The nervous and endocrine systems are closely interconnected and constantly interact.

Endocrine glands have a great influence on the growth and development of the body, metabolic processes, excitability and tone nervous system. Features of the functioning of individual parts of the endocrine system play a large role in the formation of the body in general and its constitutional characteristics in particular.

Natural course age-related changes in the body can be sharply disrupted under the influence of disorders of internal secretion from one or more endocrine glands.

Reasons for violation endocrine system:

Primary dysfunction of peripheral endocrine glands. Various pathological processes can develop in the gland itself and lead to disruption of the formation and secretion of the corresponding hormones.

Peripheral forms endocrine disorders. The causes of peripheral endocrine disorders may be disturbances in the binding of hormones to proteins at the stage of their transport to target cells, inactivation or destruction of a circulating hormone, disturbances in the reception of hormones and their metabolism, and disturbances in permissive mechanisms.

An important place among the causes of damage to the peripheral endocrine glands is occupied by infections. Some of them (for example, tuberculosis, syphilis) can be localized in various glands, causing their gradual destruction, in other cases there is a certain selectivity of damage (for example, meningococcal sepsis is often accompanied by hemorrhage in the adrenal glands, viral parotitis often causes orchitis and testicular atrophy, and orchitis may also occur with gonorrhea).

The cause of damage to the glands and disorders of hormone formation are tumors, which can develop in any gland. The nature of endocrine disorders depends on the nature of the tumor. If the tumor originates from secretory cells, excess amounts of hormones are usually produced and a picture of hyperfunction of the gland occurs.

If the tumor does not secrete hormone, but only compresses and causes atrophy or destroys the tissue of the gland, its progressive hypofunction develops. Often tumors are metastatic in nature. In some cases endocrine gland tumors produce hormones that are not characteristic of this gland, it is also possible ectopic foci formation of hormones in tumors of non-endocrine organs.

Endocrine system disorders may be due birth defects development of glands or their atrophy. The latter is called for various reasons, namely:

Sclerotic process;

chronic inflammation;

age-related involution;

hormonally active tumor of the paired gland;

long-term treatment;

exogenous hormones.

Damage and atrophy of the gland is sometimes caused by automune processes(for some forms of diabetes, diseases of the adrenal glands, thyroid gland).

The formation of hormones is disrupted due to hereditary defects in the enzymes necessary for their synthesis, or inactivation of enzymes. In this way some forms arise corticogenital syndrome, endemic cretinism and others endocrine diseases. It is also possible to form in the gland abnormal forms hormones. Such hormones have inferior activity or are completely devoid of it. In some cases, the intraglandular conversion of prohormone into hormone is disrupted, and therefore inactive forms are released into the blood.

The cause of disturbances in the biosynthesis of hormones can be a deficiency of specific substrates included in their composition (for example, iodine, necessary for the formation of thyroid hormones).

One of the causes of endocrine disorders is the depletion of hormone biosynthesis as a result of prolonged stimulation of the gland and its hyperfunction. In this way, some forms of pancreatic islet beta cell failure occur, stimulated by prolonged hyperglycemia.

Increased attention is paid to antireceptor antibodies. It is believed that the mechanisms of production of antireceptor antibodies may be associated with some features of the immune system.

Hormonal disorders

The formation of antibodies may be caused by viral infection; it is assumed that in such cases the virus binds to a hormonal receptor on the cell surface and provokes the formation of antireceptor antibodies. One form of deficiency hormonal effects may be associated with a violation of the permissive action of hormones.

Flaw cortisol, which has a powerful and versatile permissive effect on catecholamines, sharply weakens the glycogenolytic, lipolytic effects of adrenaline, the pressor effect and some other effects of catecholamines. With absence required quantities thyroid hormones cannot normally realize the effect of somatotropic hormone on early stages development of the body.

Endocrinopathies may arise as a result of a violation hormone metabolism. A significant part of hormones is destroyed in the liver, and with its lesions (hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc.), signs of endocrine disorders are often observed. It is also possible excessive activity enzymes involved in hormone metabolism.

Moreover, these disorders are not always based on insufficient or excessive production of the corresponding hormones, but always on the inadequacy of their peripheral effects in target cells, leading to a complex interweaving of metabolic, structural and functional disorders. An endocrinologist will help you understand the causes of the disorder and also select the right treatment.

The endocrine system is one of the most important systems V human body. The main functions of hormones: transfer of information between different organs, as well as regulation of the functioning of all organs and systems. Hormones are produced by endocrine glands. The human hormonal system includes: thyroid gland, pituitary gland, parathyroid glands, pancreas, adrenal glands, ovaries in women and testes in men.

Malfunctions in the functioning of the endocrine system are manifested in the following: loss or, conversely, gain of body weight, frequent fractures bones, problems with the skin, sudden mood swings, sudden and besides quick loss hair, rapid hair growth, and in the most unnecessary places, vision problems, constant feeling of thirst.

An endocrinologist deals with the treatment of pathologies of this system. It is this specialist that you should contact if the above symptoms appear. In no case should you delay contacting a doctor, as well as self-medicate.

In addition to application medications, prescribed by the attending physician, and these are, as a rule, hormones, you can use proven, and very effective means traditional medicine. Preparations based on medicinal plants will help eliminate the manifestations of endocrinological diseases, strengthen the immune system, and normalize the functioning of the endocrine system.

However, use them in the same way as drugs official medicine only possible with the knowledge of a specialist. Any attempts to take action on your own may lead to a worsening of the condition.

Recipes for folk remedies for the treatment of Graves' disease

1. Walnut will help in healing. Take 40 grams of partitions walnuts and pour them into a glass bottle. Fill the partitions with high-quality vodka - 200 ml. You need to infuse the composition in a dark, dry room for a week. Do not forget to shake the composition periodically. Use 15 drops of filtered product once a day.
2. Thistle leaves in the treatment of goiter. Brew 20 grams of dried and crushed plant herbs with 200 milliliters of boiling water. The composition should be infused for five hours in a dry place. Take 20 ml of the strained drug at least three times during the day. It is better to take the drug before meals.
3. Rowan . Brew a few tablespoons of the plant’s berries with boiled water – 200 ml. Leave the composition to brew. After five hours, filter the product. It is recommended to take 1/4 cup of the medicine four times a day.
4. Application of infusion oak bark. Brew 30 grams of crushed raw materials with half a liter of boiling water. Infuse the mixture for an hour. Soak a handkerchief in the infused filtered mixture and tie it around your throat. Go to bed with this bandage. The duration of the course is three weeks.
5. Motherwort - best helper. Grind fresh plant, squeeze the juice out of it. Combine a spoonful of freshly squeezed juice with medical alcohol- the same amount. Mix the composition thoroughly. You need to consume 25 drops of the drug once a day.

Traditional medicines for the treatment of hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus

Blackberry. This plant helps lower blood sugar levels. Brew the tops of the plant with boiled water - 300 ml. Leave the composition to brew. Take 50 milliliters of filtered infusion at least four times a day.

Golden mustache will help in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Take a large leaf of the plant, chop it finely and pour boiled water over it. Infuse the composition in a thermos in a warm room for 24 hours. Strain the product and drink 1/2 cup of the medicine three times a day, mandatory before the meal.

Cowberry - the best remedy with hyperthyroidism. Brew 15 grams of plant fruits boiled water- half a liter. Let the product brew. Drink 150 ml of the drink at least three times throughout the day.

Centaury for the treatment of diabetes. Pour two tablespoons of dry plant herbs with high-quality vodka - 300 ml. The composition should be infused in a cold place for two weeks. Shake the composition periodically. It is recommended to use 25 drops of the product before each meal.

Valerian. Place 15 grams of dried, crushed plant rhizomes into a glass bottle. Brew the raw material with boiled water - 200 ml. Infuse the mixture overnight. Take half a glass of filtered healing drink at least twice a day.

Alternative medicine in the fight against obesity

Corn silk helps reduce appetite. Pour 30 grams of crushed raw materials with vodka - 300 ml. Infuse the composition for a week. Take 20 drops of the drug three times a day, before meals.

Helps in the treatment of obesity and next medicine. Grind the soapwort rhizomes. Brew 10 grams of raw materials with boiling water. Let the mixture soak for half an hour. Cool and strain the product. You need to take half a glass of the product at least three times a day. The duration of the course is half a month.

Combine mint with buckthorn, parsley, fennel and dandelion in equal proportions. Grind the ingredients and steam 30 grams of raw materials with half a liter of boiling water. Leave the composition to brew. Take half a glass of medicine five times a day. The course of therapy is two weeks.

Mix 20 grams of motherwort herb with wild rosemary herb - the same amount, horsetail, buckthorn bark - 15 grams of each plant. Steam the mixture with boiling water - half a liter. Leave the container for half an hour. It is recommended to take 70 milliliters of strained medicine before each meal.

Application healing mixture. This medicine will help in treating exhaustion. Grind the dried yarrow and St. John's wort herbs to a powdery consistency. Combine two spoons of powder with butter– 200 grams and natural honey- half a liter. Melt the honey and butter in advance. Mix all ingredients. You need to take 15 grams remedy every two hours.

Therapy of the endocrine system is not an easy task, but it is quite doable and possible. The main thing is to strictly follow all the recommendations of your doctor and take all prescribed medications. Traditional medicine will help speedy recovery. However, it is not worth abusing drugs, as well as independently increasing the dosage of drugs from the people. Before taking any medicine, consult your doctor.

The thyroid gland is one of the organs of the endocrine system. It is located in the area of ​​the cartilage of the same name under the larynx. It synthesizes a number of important iodine-containing hormones (T3 and T4), as well as calcitonin, which regulates calcium metabolism in the body. It has mainly 3 lobes:

• right,
• left,
• isthmus.

This organ should not be underestimated, as it performs a number of vital functions. important functions. These include:

• maintaining and regulating basal metabolism. All metabolic reactions within the body are controlled,
• ensuring stable temperature,
• preventing bone fragility by inhibiting osteoporosis,
• participation in the process of growth and development of the organism and the central nervous system.

There are cases when thyroid pathology develops. It can manifest itself as a whole range of different symptoms. For accurate diagnosis verification and determination further method Treatment requires blood tests for specific hormones.

How are thyroid hormones synthesized and what are they needed for?

The basis for creating data biologically active substances The amino acid tyrosine serves. During nutrition, iodine enters the body. For the body to function adequately, it needs to receive approximately 120-135 mcg per day of this microelement. After entering the intestine, it is absorbed by the villi of the epithelium and, with the blood flow, settles in the follicles of the organ. There, the process of incorporation of iodine into the matrix of thyroglobulin (protein, precursor of biologically active substances) occurs.

After this, differentiation of hormones into T3 and T4 occurs, depending on the number of microelement molecules in its composition.

You should also know that the amount of T4 synthesized is 20 times higher than T3. But the effectiveness of the latter is 6-8 times higher than the efficiency of thyroxine. That is why we cannot talk about the greater importance of this or that substance.

The main functions that these substances perform in the human body are the following:

1. Activation of the thermoregulation center. Heat production and oxygen absorption increases in all tissues and cells with the exception of the main brain, spleen and testicles. They remain intact. That is why one of the symptoms of thyrotoxicosis or hyperthyroidism remains fever and profuse sweating.
2. Stimulation of the formation of steroids by the adrenal cortex. T3 and T4 play an important role in the process of growth and development of the entire body. When they are deficient, mental and physical retardation is often observed.
3. Increasing the body's intake of vitamins.
4. Activation of the nervous and mental activity main brain. In areas where the soil contains little iodine, children in schools are regularly given Antistrumin, a drug that contains a 5-day supply of this microelement. This is done to improve their academic performance and normalize the functioning of the central nervous system.

The question of how much of these substances is needed in the human body for its normal functioning has been well studied. There are special tables and generally accepted indicators that indicate the functional activity of the organ. It is enough to submit the material for examination and wait a little.

When is it necessary to be examined?

It must be understood that such laboratory tests should be carried out to confirm the clinical opinion of the attending physician. However, you can additionally donate blood for tests with for preventive purposes. There are often situations when the pathological process has already started, but is still proceeding in a latent stage. In this case, you can act proactively and begin to treat the disease at an early stage.

However, the indications for checking the condition of the thyroid gland are the following:

1. Hypo- or hyperthyroidism. Determining the amount of organ hormones can accurately indicate the functional activity of the parenchyma and thyrocytes.
2. Monitoring the quality of treatment and the effectiveness of therapy. This is especially important for diffuse toxic goiter and hypothyroidism.
3. Mental retardation in children's development. They donate blood to verify the possible cause of this pathology. Cretinism is one of many diseases that causes disorders of the central nervous system at an early age.
4. Any increase in the size of the thyroid gland (goiter).
5. Violations heart rate(arrhythmias, tachycardia, extrasystole).
6. Baldness.
7. Reproductive system disorders with possible infertility.
8. Lack of menstruation.
9. Impotence or decreased desire for the opposite sex.

In all these situations, it is necessary to donate blood for tests to measure the concentration of organ hormones in the serum.

Hormones and active substances

Many patients, when they hear that they need to check the condition of the thyroid gland, do not always know what substances doctors are looking for in their blood and how much of them should be there. The main indicators of the functional activity of the organ include:

1. Hormones of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus (higher regulation organs of the endocrine system):
   • Thyroliberin and thyreostatin. Both substances respectively activate and inhibit the pituitary gland.
   • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is the most important biologically active compound that causes the organ to secrete its own regulatory substances. Its amount in the blood increases with weak thyroid function and vice versa.
2. Iodine-containing hormones:
   • Triiodothyronine (T3) – stimulates the process of O2 consumption by tissues. Normal indicators– 2.5-5.6 pmol/l.
   • Thyroxine (T4) – stimulates the process of protein creation. Normal values– 9-20 pmol/l.
3. Other substances:
   • Calcitonin. Responsible for the process of suppression of osteoclasts and activation of osteoblasts. Prevents resorption bone tissue and protects the skeleton from osteoporosis.
   • Antibodies to thyroglobulin (ATTG). They are specific immunoglobulins that appear when there is a violation protective system organism with the development of autoimmune processes. Most often recorded with Hashimoto's goiter. Normal values ​​are 0-15 U/ml.
   • Antibodies to thyroid peroxidase (ATTPO or microsomal antibodies). Specific immunoglobulins for thyroid tissue. The most accurate and sensitive test to identify autoimmune process. Normal values ​​are below 5 U/l.

You must understand that it is not always worthwhile to conduct research on absolutely all of the above indicators. The doctor himself determines what he wants to know. The price of tests can sometimes be too high for some patients, so the doctor sometimes thinks twice about which specific tests are desirable for a particular patient.

Preparing for the examination

Very important point An adequate test of the functional activity of the thyroid gland requires high-quality tests. If you ignore the appropriate preparation procedure, the results of such a study may be unreliable. In this case, you will have to donate additional blood to confirm or refute the diagnosis.

To avoid any doubts and ensure that the test results are correct, you should adhere to some rules:

1. 30 days before the tests, you must stop using medications that contain T3 and T4. They will significantly affect the final conclusion of the laboratory assistant and will not allow an objective assessment of the functional activity of the organ being studied. Exceptions may include special instructions or recommendations from a doctor.
2. 2-3 days before the patient takes tests, he must exclude foods containing iodine from his diet ( seaweed, fish oil, potatoes, spinach).
3. Immediately 24 hours before the test, you must limit your consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Minimize stress and physical activity.
4. Blood testing must be done on an empty stomach. You should not eat 12 hours before testing.
5. Various x-ray examinations can be carried out only after serum has been submitted to determine the hormones T3, T4 and TSH.

Observe these simple rules enough to get quality, and most importantly - reliable result. Basically, it takes a laboratory assistant one day to decipher test data. If the serum was taken in the morning, then by the evening you can expect the doctor’s conclusions. However, as practice shows, patients receive forms with all the indicators detailed only the next day.

Interpretation

You need to understand which numbers indicate hyperfunction of the organ, and which, on the contrary, indicate its reduced activity. In any case, doctors do this, and only they can objectively assess certain changes in the patient’s blood. For ordinary person It is enough to know how to correctly submit material for examination and navigate the following concepts:

• Similar values ​​relative to the average indicators in the “Normal” column – the function of the thyroid gland is not impaired.
• Indicators above normal – hyperfunction. Possible reasons we should consider diffuse toxic goiter, thyroiditis, adenoma.
• Indicators – hypofunction. The organ does not produce enough hormones, which can be a consequence of hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's goiter, or cancer.

For medical workers and simply for patients who want to know a little more about their illness, there is a special sign. It helps to understand in more detail the pathogenesis and mechanism of development of a particular organ lesion.

To find out how the thyroid gland works in a particular patient, it is necessary to undergo appropriate tests. With proper examination, it will be possible to quickly determine the nature of the organ damage. However, donating the serum is not enough. It is necessary to select adequate therapy. Only in this case will it be possible to cure the patient.

The human hormonal system today works almost the same as in primitive man. Technologically and socially we are developing much faster. But it is the uninterrupted operation of the hormonal system that ensures the survival and adaptation of humanity as a species. Job internal organs, reproductive functions, the cycle of sleep and wakefulness, attraction, pregnancy, childbirth - all this is under the control of hormones and it is almost limitless. Where are hormones synthesized? How does the hormonal system work? When to take hormone tests? Where can I get tested for hormones? How to decipher them? The answers to these and many other questions are in this article.

Hormonal regulation in our bodies

Hormones- a group of biologically active substances that are secreted by endocrine glands and non-glandular tissues. Their purpose is to regulate the functioning of the body. Some affect all systems at once, others have specific target organs and target tissues and act only on them.

For example, prolactin, among other things, causes the growth of mammary glands, an increase in the number of lobules and ducts in the breast. This means that there are target tissues for prolactin in the breast. The body's hormonal system is called the endocrine system, which includes endocrine glands, which produce hormones.

Main organs of the endocrine system

Localization is vital important glands may be different. Part is located in the brain, such as the pineal gland, for example, part is concentrated in the chest, lower back, in the lower part of the body, like the ovaries or testes - the human gonads.

1. Pineal gland, pituitary gland, hypothalamus.

2. Thyroid gland, thymus, adrenal glands, pancreas.

3. In women - the ovaries and during pregnancy - the placenta, in men - the testicles.

Although there is no thorough understanding of the mechanism of operation of most hormones, nevertheless, scientists have been able to develop hormonal contraceptives for women, as well as medications to restore healthy hormonal levels.

10 causes of hormonal imbalances in women and men

1. Stress. Hormonal imbalances can cause frequent releases of cortisol, the “stress hormone.”

2. Abuse of diets. Since estrogens are produced in fat tissue, thin girls almost certainly have an imbalance. In order for a woman’s hormonal background to be healthy, she must have at least some fat reserves.

3. Night shift work, lack of sleep or frequent flights between time zones cause a disruption in the daily schedule of hormone levels and general hormonal levels.

4. “Self-appointment” hormonal drugs(hormonal contraceptives for women should only be selected by a doctor).

5. A diet rich in phytohormones. Some foods and drinks contain substances that cause problems in women and men: for example, beer, when it gets into female body, causes the masculinization of women and the feminization of men. This means that men's hormonal balance is disrupted and they become like women: their belly grows, fat is quickly deposited, their breasts enlarge and begin to sag. In women, the disturbances are also noticeable: hair begins to grow above the lips and on the chin and in other undesirable places, the hips become narrower, and the shoulders become wider.

6. Intensive sports activities, physical overload. Disorders in women can begin even after such for a non-obvious reason. In addition, playing sports during menstruation can lead to endometriosis.

7. Heredity. Hormonal disorders in women and men in this case are difficult to treat.

8. Previous infections , especially sexually transmitted infections, can cause hormonal imbalance.

9. Living in an environmentally unfavorable region. Hormonal balance is violated 30% more often in residents of industrial, polluted regions.

Changes in the body, decreased or increased level hormones can cause a wide variety of symptoms of hormonal imbalances: weight loss and weight gain, hair growth in the most unwanted places or hair disappearing from where it should be, acne and dry skin, as well as more serious ones - even infertility.

To the most common symptoms general hormonal imbalances include:

• Sudden weight gain or weight loss not associated with a change in diet;
• Problems with conception;
• Excess growth body hair in women;
• Constant feeling depression without sufficient reason or sharp changes mood;
• Irregular menstruation(violation menstrual cycle).
• Severe premenstrual syndrome.

Disturbances in the production of certain hormones in women and men can be caused by:

• Diabetes;
• Sleep problems;
• Trembling fingers;
• Excessive sweating;
• Lethargy, apathy;
• Hair loss;
• Changing the timbre of the voice;
• Fast growth hands and feet;
• Changes in facial features.

Acne - acne - also indicates a disorder. In girls and women it causes either too a large number of androgens in the body, or false hormonal imbalance- when quantity male hormones normal, but the receptors are too sensitive to them and behave as if there are a lot of androgens.

IN adolescence In a girl, hormonal imbalance can cause:

• underdevelopment of the uterus and mammary glands;
• lack of menstruation.

In her life a woman experiences hormonal disorders several times: in adolescence, during every pregnancy - even if an abortion was performed - and during menopause. The mechanism of how hormonal regulation works is not fully understood, but the most common causes hormonal imbalances known in women and men.

List of Hormone Imbalance Tests

When assessing blood tests for hormones of the thyroid gland or other endocrine glands, different clinics and laboratories adhere to different standards and may be considered a deviation from the norm different meanings. Therefore, the interpretation of hormones may differ.

For various disorders, your doctor may prescribe tests for:

• Sex hormones;
• Thyroid hormones;
• Pituitary hormones.

It is important to know!

If a couple is interested in planning a pregnancy, hormone tests are prescribed if disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine glands are detected.

In most cases, blood is taken for analysis, in some cases urine is taken.

Hormone tests during pregnancy

Hormonal disorders in women during pregnancy may have serious consequences, That's why hormonal tests All women pass. However, the list of tests differs and depends on the health status of the pregnant woman and previous diseases. Changes in hormone levels occur before the mother and fetus begin to feel symptoms of hormonal imbalance, so a timely hormone test, the decoding of which showed deviations, helps prevent serious problems.

What tests are prescribed for everyone during pregnancy?

Chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a female sex hormone that is secreted by the placenta during pregnancy. HCG level is the highest reliable way determine whether pregnancy has occurred. Appears in the blood a week after conception, in the urine one to two days later. Analysis of sex hormones at 16–20 weeks - hCG, estriol and AFP - allows you to evaluate possible deviations in fetal development.

Estradiol- female sex hormone, “responsible” for normal course pregnancy. Concentrations in the blood increase with each week of pregnancy, reaching a peak at childbirth.

Progesterone, like other female sex hormones, is produced in the ovaries and placenta and ensures the normal course of pregnancy. Its decrease indicates that there is a threat of miscarriage.

Free estriol secreted by the placenta. IN in this case the analysis makes it possible to determine how developed and active the blood flow is in the umbilical cord and placenta. Like progesterone and some other female sex hormones, estriol can indicate post-term pregnancy. Also, its concentration is important in cases where there is a suspicion of a child’s developmental delay.

Alpha fetoprotein(AFP) is produced by the fetus. Its level may indicate fetal malformations.

Prolactin stimulates the absorption of calcium, milk production, and development of the mammary glands. An analysis of sex hormones, including prolactin, shows whether the pregnancy is post-term and how well the mother-placenta-fetus system works.

17-ketosteroids(17-KS) is a “processing product” of male hormones, which allows us to indirectly judge their level in the body. If tests for sex hormones show elevated levels of 17-KS, this indicates an excess of androgens, which can lead to fetal death or miscarriage.

Sex hormone binding globulin(SHBG) is a protein that, by binding sex hormones, reduces their activity. Testing for hormones is often accompanied by testing for SHBG. During pregnancy, its level helps to predict the likelihood of complications for the mother and child.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate(DEA sulfate). Hormone testing during pregnancy often includes determination of DHEA sulfate levels instead of 17-CS. Its concentration can warn doctors about fetal growth retardation, and from the 12th to 15th week it allows assessing the functioning of the placenta and blood flow in the umbilical cord.

Testosterone are taken to determine the presence of development of congenital dysfunction of the adrenal cortex.

Tests for thyroid hormones. The results of tests for the hormones produced by the thyroid gland - T3 and T4 - allow us to assess the progress of pregnancy and the development of the child as a whole. If a blood test for thyroid hormones shows a decrease in their concentration, the risk of fetal death increases.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) is produced in the pituitary gland. Its target is the thyroid gland, where it stimulates the production of the hormones T3 and T4. Thyroid hormone testing often includes a TSH test, although it is not a thyroid hormone test. Analysis for TSH, T3 and T4 can be interpreted differently based on what standards the doctor adheres to (in the USA alone there are currently 4 standards recommended by various major health organizations).

Tests for sex hormones

If you take hormone tests in different laboratories, the interpretation will be different. This is because different reagents and techniques are used, so take standard indicators where you took the test. A decreased or increased level does not necessarily indicate the presence of a disease or hormonal imbalances in women and men - just retake the tests in another place, taking into account the standards adopted in this laboratory.

Tests for hormones, the norm of which varies depending on age and the phase of the menstrual cycle, should only be interpreted by a doctor. Ask your doctor about where to get your hormones tested.

How and when to take hormone tests?

1.Tests are taken on an empty stomach.

2. One day before the test, you should not have sex, drink alcohol or smoke.

3.The day before the test, limit physical activity.

4. Stress can distort the results - it is best to take tests in a calm state.

5. Upon admission hormonal drugs, tell your doctor about this. Hormone tests are useless if the interpretation was made without taking into account the use of hormonal medications and other drugs that can artificially stimulate or suppress the production of hormones.

Female hormones: analysis

Thyroid hormone tests in men and non-pregnant women

There are only three thyroid hormones: T3 (triiodothyronine), T4 (thyroxine) and calcitonin. However, blood tests for thyroid hormones also include checking the concentration of other substances related to the functioning of this gland.

What tests are done for thyroid hormones? Analysis for thyroid hormones may include: analysis of thyroid-stimulating hormone, total T4, free T4, total T3, free T3, thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), thyroglobulin, analysis of antibodies to thyroglobulin, to thyroid peroxidase.

Blood analysis thyroid hormone levels may show:

• norm;
• hypothyroidism - too little is secreted;
• hyperthyroidism - secretes too much.

The list of symptoms of hormonal imbalance in the thyroid gland is long, most symptoms are nonspecific, and in 80% of cases, patients do not feel any discomfort at all. Regular ultrasound once a year and a blood test for thyroid hormones can prevent the development of diseases.

It is especially important for children to undergo a blood test for thyroid hormones, since these substances are involved in the processes of tissue growth, the absorption of oxygen by cells, and the development of the body.

Testing for TSH, T3 and T4 is highly advisable for all residents living in regions with increased radioactive background: exposure radioactive iodine causes thyroid disease in the body.

A blood test for thyroid hormones in children helps prevent the development of serious abnormalities

• If a blood test has been performed on a newborn, thyroid hormones are not produced sufficiently, this may indicate the development of cretinism.
• In childhood, hypothyroidism inhibits the growth of the limbs (they become disproportionately short).
• If a teenager has had a blood test done, thyroid hormone production is low, which may explain delayed puberty and weight gain.

Normal hormonal levels for adults (men and non-pregnant women)

Hormone analysis: explanation

If your values ​​differ from those given in the table, you do not necessarily need hormonal restoration- ask for a table with standards in the laboratory where you took the test and check it. For staging accurate diagnosis The whole picture is important, not just the numbers in the analysis table.

A blood test (deciphering) for hormones should be performed by a doctor - do not try to independently determine what is elevated and what is decreased based on data from reference books. For assessment, analysis and treatment of such disorders, find good doctor, preferably one of the leading specialists.

Hormonal imbalance: treatment

In cases where men's or female hormones The analysis showed a hormonal imbalance; treatment, as a rule, involves taking medications based on synthetic analogues hormones. Hormonal background women are stabilized by taking correctly selected COCs and progestin contraceptives - this is real hormonal restoration reproductive system. Hormonal disbalance in women, the symptoms of which are usually clearly visible, may be both the cause and consequence of serious systemic violations.

Hormonal imbalance in women, the symptoms of which are usually clearly visible, can be both a cause and a consequence of serious systemic disorders. A woman’s hormonal cycle should work exactly like a Swiss watch: if you feel that something is wrong, do not hesitate to contact a gynecologist or endocrinologist. He will tell you what hormone tests you need to take and write out a referral.

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How to check the thyroid gland at home, and what to do if some compactions are found in the tissues of the gland? These questions are asked not only by people over 40 years old, but also by very young patients.

Disorders of thyroid function in the first stages of some diseases may not show themselves in any way.

The patient does not even suspect that he is sick. The disease progresses and develops into a form that is difficult to treat.

Therefore, it is important to recognize the symptoms of an endocrine system disorder in time. To do this, you need to have an idea of ​​the rules for self-palpation of the neck.

There are characteristic ones that you should be wary of if you discover them.

These are primarily the following symptoms:

1. Excessive sweating is a consequence of a violation of the system that is responsible for maintaining temperature regime body.
2. A large appetite during weight loss, and vice versa, a lack of desire to eat when gaining kilograms, indicates hypo- and hyperthyroidism, respectively.
3. Irritability, rapid heartbeat, and vice versa, complete apathy and drowsiness indicate increased or reduced function thyroid glands

It is endocrine system disorders that thus affect general state person. In the presence of these conditions, you must first palpate the thyroid gland to detect any lumps.

Checking the thyroid gland at home

You can independently check the condition of the thyroid gland in two ways: visually, by throwing your head back and examining your neck in the mirror, and by palpation.

Fine skin necks should be of normal color, the neck itself should be symmetrical, and movement of the Adam's apple should be observed when swallowing.

But some changes are also possible, which indicate pathological process V endocrine gland. These are the following symptoms:

• the lower part of the neck is enlarged, often to one side;
• no movement of the isthmus is observed when swallowing;
• puffiness and redness of the integument;
• the presence of transverse folds.

These signs, combined with changes in human behavior, indirectly indicate the presence of a problem.

To detect changes in the gland, it is necessary to carefully palpate the isthmus. This is done as follows:

1. Place your fingers on the neck on both sides of the Adam's apple.
2. After swallowing, feel the top of the isthmus and place your fingers just below it.
3. Feel for small elastic seals inside, which should be no more than 4 cm wide and no more than 2 cm long.

If there are compactions or irregularities on the surface of the gland, you should contact your local physician or immediately an endocrinologist.

Palpation method by an endocrinologist

In the hospital, the endocrinologist, in addition to taking a history, feels and examines the patient’s neck for painful lumps.

Palpation is performed in a sitting position with the head bowed forward, while the doctor is behind and palpates the following parts of the thyroid gland:

• right lobe;
• left lobe;
• isthmus.

Inspection and palpation from the front are also carried out. In this case, the subject must tilt his head back.

Small compaction size 8 mm. is considered an abnormal formation, which can be of the nature of both benign and malignant neoplasms.

If deviations from the norm are detected, the endocrinologist prescribes two types of studies: laboratory and instrumental.

Laboratory research method

Laboratory tests involve taking a certain amount of the patient’s blood to calculate thyroid and pituitary hormones.

What hormones are usually tested for?

Usually a test is prescribed for (T3 and T4) and their ratio. But the pituitary gland (TSH) is considered the most important. It regulates the functioning of the thyroid gland.

In rare cases, testing for calcitonin is added. Such tests are clarifying if oncology or autoimmune thyroiditis is suspected.

The presence of e will indicate the presence of an autoimmune process in the body. For clarification, you can refer to the following table:

The endocrinologist decides what tests need to be taken.

Before examining the patient for hormonal status, a preparatory stage must be carried out. The verification may take about 1 month if it occurs in the background existing disease thyroid glands

How to prepare for the examination?

The preparatory stage is necessary for more exact result analysis and to recreate a clear picture of the existing disease. Before collecting serum, the following preparatory steps must be taken:

1. One month before stopping taking medications containing T3 and T4 hormones.
2. Within a week, you must stop using medications and products that contain iodine.
3. The day before the test, you must refrain from excess physical activity and stress.

The study is carried out in the morning, on an empty stomach, after a 12-hour break in eating. Blood is taken from a vein with a sterile disposable syringe. There are two options for where to get tested, you can choose:

1. State clinic.
2. Private laboratory.

In any case, the decoding should be done by a doctor.

Attention!

It is pointless to do a blood test during hormone replacement therapy.

The only exception may be the study of TSH, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Its quantity shows how effective this therapy is.

Instrumental method

How to check the thyroid gland most completely? Use instrumental methods research. To detect malignant and benign changes The following methods are used:

1. Ultrasound examination is the main method that gives an idea of ​​the structure of the organ, its homogeneity, size, as well as the condition blood vessels in the study area.

The subject lies down on the couch, and the examiner runs a special sensor over the treated area of ​​the neck, the signals from which are transmitted to the monitor. The procedure lasts 10-14 minutes.

1. - examination using radioactive iodine.

The patient drinks before the procedure special drug, from which iodine molecules are immediately absorbed by the thyroid gland.

After which, a special sensor records functional state glands and images are displayed on the monitor.

For visualization problem areas When the thyroid gland works, the red-blue color spectrum is used.

1. Computed tomography combines the advantages of ultrasound and x-ray.

Since this is an expensive procedure, it is prescribed to clarify the diagnosis when serious diseases are suspected.

1. Magnetic resonance imaging, as a rule, does not provide new information, but is a confirmatory study for more accurate diagnosis complex diseases.
2. A biopsy is taken when a node is detected unknown etiology, to exclude or confirm oncology.

There are two methods of taking a puncture: thick needle and fine needle. The first version of the biopsy is more informative, but it is more painful. The procedure lasts from 15 to 25 minutes.

Typically, the picture of the disease consists of several indicators, and it is not necessary to use all methods of instrumental examination.

In uncomplicated cases, preference remains with ultrasound or scintography.