What does exceeding the TSH level mean? The concept of TTG and the reasons for prescribing the analysis. Treatment of elevated TSH in women

Hormones are the most important biologically active substances in the human body that control the functioning of all organs and systems. Even the slightest fluctuations in hormone levels in the blood can lead to serious consequences.

Such a substance is thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), produced by the pituitary gland and intended to control the balance of thyroid hormones - T3 and T3.

In men, TSH levels are practically stable throughout life. At the same time, the TSH level in women can vary depending on age and the physiological state of the body. Most often, changes in the TSH level in the blood of women are observed during pregnancy, as well as during the menstrual period.

We propose to analyze similarly what the TSH hormone is, its role in the body, what is the norm for this indicator for women and what its changes indicate.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone is synthesized by cells of the anterior pituitary gland, a small gland located in the brain. Since the process of producing this hormone is quite complex and it will be difficult for a person without a medical education to understand, we will not go into this, but will tell you in detail about the functions of TSH.

The main role of TSH in the body is the regulation of the thyroid gland, which is the organ that synthesizes hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

In turn, T3 and T4 are responsible for the following:

The main significance of T3 and T4 in women is the regulation of sexual and reproductive function. Lack of production of TSH and, accordingly, thyroid hormones threatens infertility and severe pregnancy. Also, the TSH level is a marker of a number of diseases.

With a lack of production of T3 and T4, TSH is activated, compensating for iodine in the body, and after thyroid hormones are normalized, the activity of the cells of the anterior part of the pituitary gland decreases, and the synthesis of thyroid-stimulating hormone slows down.

When thyroxine exceeds the norm, appropriate signals are sent to the brain, and TSH blocks the activity of the thyroid gland, thus normalizing the level of T4 in the blood.

In addition to the activities described above, TSH controls the amount of oxygen in the blood and the absorption of nutrients by the internal organs, including the thyroid gland with iodine.

Thus, normal functioning of the human body is simply impossible without thyroid-stimulating hormone.

As we said earlier, the level of the TSH hormone in women, unlike men, can vary depending on age and physiological characteristics.

The norm for women is determined only by a specialist after a blood test, taking into account age, physiological state (pregnancy, breastfeeding) and the time of day when the material for research was taken. Therefore, interpretation of the analysis should be carried out only by an experienced endocrinologist.

TSH: norm for women by age, table

As you can see, the table clearly tracks the dependence of the TSH level on the woman’s age, and the older the patient, the lower the level of the hormone in the blood. The highest levels of the hormone are in infants, after which its amount gradually decreases until puberty, which in girls occurs at the age of 11-14 years.

For women at 40 years old, and for some at 35 years old, the perimenopause period begins, which prepares the female body for menopause. During this period, the number of follicles in the ovaries decreases, as well as the production of estrogen. Since all hormones in the body are interconnected, the production of T3 and T4 increases due to hypertrophy of the thyroid gland. Therefore, after 40 years, it is necessary to monitor the level of thyroid hormones and TSH to exclude thyrotoxicosis.

In women after 50 years of age, when there are no longer periods, the thyroid gland decreases in size, the level of thyroxine, triiodothyronine and thyroid-stimulating hormone decreases, which is normal. But if in women after 50 years of age TSH is elevated against the background of decreased thyroid hormones, then this indicates a pathology and requires consultation with a specialist and a special examination.

If we talk about daily fluctuations in TSH levels, the minimum amount of the hormone is synthesized during the day from 17 to 18 hours, and the maximum is from 2 to 4 hours in the morning.

Norm of the TSH hormone in women during pregnancy

In pregnant women, a colossal restructuring of the functioning of the endocrine organs, including the pituitary gland and thyroid gland, occurs in the body, since this is necessary for the normal development of the fetus and the course of pregnancy. Moreover, the norm of hormones depends on the trimester of pregnancy.

Also, the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone depends on how many fetuses are in the uterus. For example, almost always when carrying twins, TSH is below normal, and treatment in this case is not indicated.

Fluctuations in TSH are most dangerous in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, so all pregnant women must undergo a TSH test in this trimester.

Blood test for TSH: indications, features of preparation and implementation

A blood test for TSH is performed to diagnose the endocrine function of the thyroid gland. As a rule, to get a complete picture of the state of the body, TSH and free T4 are determined, and antibodies to TSH receptors (AT to TSH receptors) are studied, since these substances affect the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Indications for prescribing this test may be the following:

Also, a blood test for TSH can be prescribed in situations such as:

• planning pregnancy in order to exclude congenital pathology in the child;
• diagnosis of congenital hypo- or hyperthyroidism in newborns;
• planning drug correction of hypo- and hyperthyroidism in newborns;
• monitoring and control of the effectiveness of treatment of other diseases;
• monitoring the state of hormonal levels in patients with thyroid diseases.

A blood test for TSH is most often prescribed by specialists such as:

During your consultation, the doctor must instruct you on how to properly prepare for the test, since the result of the test depends on this.

Preparation for the study is carried out as follows:

• It is necessary to stop taking hormonal medications 1-4 weeks before (the period is determined by the attending physician depending on the drug the patient is taking);
• 24-48 hours before the procedure, do not drink alcohol;
• do not smoke one hour before the procedure;
• 1-2 days before the analysis, limit physical and mental stress, eliminate stress;
• The last meal should be no later than eight hours before the procedure.

Blood sampling for TSH testing is carried out in the morning on an empty stomach, since at this time of day the blood contains the maximum amount of the hormone.

The interpretation of the TSH analysis is carried out by the specialist who referred for the study, together with an endocrinologist, taking into account the age and physiological characteristics of the patient’s body.

The results of analysis for thyroid hormones and TSH in almost all laboratories in our country are issued the next day.

Antibodies to TSH receptors are substances synthesized in the human body and sensitive to thyroid-stimulating hormone receptors, which are located on the membranes of thyroid cells.

There are two types of antibodies to TSH - stimulating and blocking. The most significant is the first type of antibody.

Stimulating antibodies to TSH receptors are the most important diagnostic marker for the development of diffuse toxic goiter.

Antibodies usually destroy the cells to which they are sensitive, but in this case, stimulating antibodies to TSH activate the synthesis of thyroid hormones, resulting in the development of thyrotoxicosis. Antibodies to TSH receptors play a critical role in the pathogenesis of diffuse toxic goiter.

The result of this study is assessed as follows:

• up to 1.5 IU/l – negative;
• from 1.5 to 1.75 IU/l – intermediate;
• more than 1.75 IU/l – positive.

A positive test for antibodies to TSH receptors may be a sign of the following diseases:

• diffuse toxic goiter, also called Graves' disease;
• Hashimoto's goiter;
• subacute thyroiditis;
• other forms of thyroiditis.

TSH can change for two reasons, namely:

• disruption of the relationship in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid system;
• thyroid diseases.

But most often, increases in this hormone are observed in diseases of the thyroid gland, which include the following:

Also, pathological conditions that are not related to the thyroid gland can lead to an increase in the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone, namely:

• psycho-emotional shock;
• severe acute respiratory infections;
• acute infectious processes in the body;
• excessive physical activity;
• taking anticonvulsant, neuroleptic, antiemetic, hormonal, antiarrhythmic, diuretic, antimicrobial and other drugs.

Low levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone are extremely rare and are a sign of hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, which is typical for hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis.

The reasons for a decrease in TSH may be the following diseases:

Some medications, such as beta-adrenergic agonists, anabolic hormones, glucocorticosteroids, anticonvulsants, blood pressure lowerers, and others, can also inhibit the production of TSH. But most often, a decrease in the level of TSH in the body is caused by taking thyroid drugs, namely triiodothyronine, L-thyroxine and liothyronine, triiodothyronine, which are used in the treatment of hypofunction of the organ.

Regardless of whether the level of TSH in the body is increased or decreased, you should definitely consult an endocrinologist and under no circumstances engage in self-diagnosis or self-medication, as this can be harmful to health.

As a result, we can conclude that TSH is one of the most important hormones in the human body, which reflects the functioning of the thyroid gland. Even the most minor changes in this indicator may indicate health problems, and therefore should not be ignored.

TSH is especially important for women, since it, together with thyroid hormones, is responsible for women’s health, and in particular for sexual and reproductive functions.

The human endocrine system regulates the functioning of internal organs with the help of special substances - hormones. Even a small malfunction in its operation entails various troubles for the body, including serious illnesses. Thyroid-stimulating hormone promotes the formation of two thyroid hormones. Therefore, it is important to control its value.

TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone

They provide the following processes:

• Regulation of metabolism;
• Activation of the growth process;
• Protein synthesis;
• Vitamin A synthesis;
• Energy metabolism - the breakdown of organic compounds into simple substances;
• They are responsible for the normal functioning of the cardiovascular, central nervous, reproductive systems and gastrointestinal tract, for the condition of the organs of hearing and vision.

The TSH level in healthy people changes throughout the day. The lowest concentration of the hormone in the blood is usually observed at night, and its highest value is in the early morning. Therefore, sometimes it is worth taking tests several times to achieve an accurate result.

What does a high level of thyroid-stimulating hormone mean, and what are the symptoms?

At the initial stage, an increase in TSH is asymptomatic, but soon, with a prolonged deviation, various body systems let you know that not everything is in order with your health.

General signs (usually they are permanent):

• From the nervous system :, absentmindedness, depression, drowsiness (see also);
• From the cardiovascular system : low blood pressure, low heart rate;
• From the gastrointestinal tract : loss of appetite, stool retention, enlarged liver;
• From the reproductive system : , decreased libido, .

• There are problems with hair - it becomes brittle and begins to fall out;
• I am concerned about peeling and tightening of the skin, cracks appear. The skin is dry and pale;
• Swelling of the face occurs;
• In some cases, the timbre of the voice decreases;
• There is an increase in body weight with loss of appetite, the development of obesity, which cannot be corrected;
• There is low body temperature, general weakness, pain and cramps in the legs.

If several of the above signs appear, the help of an endocrinologist is immediately required.

• Slowing of speech on the part of the nervous system;
• The appearance of a goiter (or struma), that is;
• The neck area has a reddish or bluish tint;
• There is discomfort in the neck area or its deformation is noticeable.

Why TSH increases: reasons

• Adrenal insufficiency;
• Various neoplasms, including malignant ones;
• Benign tumor of the pituitary gland leading to hyperthyroidism;
• Severe somatic diseases (respiratory system, heart and vascular diseases, kidney and liver damage);
• Lead poisoning;
• Excess iodine;
• Thyroid hormone insensitivity syndrome (this is a genetic disease that is inherited);
• Severe gestosis in pregnant women (which manifests itself in the form of edema, high blood pressure, and the presence of protein in the urine);
• Surgery - removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy);
• Mental disorders.

Elevated TSH in children

In children, the TSH norm depends on age. If in two-month-old children the TSH norm is considered to be 0.6-10 mIU/l, then in adolescents under 14 years of age it is in the range of 0.4-5 mIU/l. The level of the hormone in a child’s body is not constant, so the analysis is done over time. The study is prescribed if the child has:

• Delayed mental and physical development;
• and hands at normal body temperature;
• Drowsiness;

The indication for diagnosis in the prenatal period is parental hypothyroidism. If the TSH value exceeds 100 mIU/l, then the test is considered positive. Congenital hypothyroidism manifests itself in the form of neurological cretinism.

Elevated TSH in women

Features during pregnancy

However, if in the first weeks a significant excess of the norm is revealed, then the pregnant woman should be constantly monitored by a doctor, who may prescribe additional examinations: an echographic examination and a biopsy of the thyroid gland. After all, for the first 10 weeks, a developing child is completely dependent on maternal hormones, since his thyroid gland is just forming.

A significant deviation of TSH from the norm complicates the course of pregnancy. In the early stages, this can provoke a miscarriage, and in later stages, the likelihood of placental abruption and intrauterine growth retardation increases.

Antibodies penetrate the placenta and increase the risk of developing various diseases of the endocrine system of the newborn. Therefore, if the expectant mother has diseases of the endocrine system, then she must be tested for antibodies to TSH receptors in the 3rd trimester.

How to normalize TSH

• If the jump in the indicator occurred against the background of breast cancer or inflammation of the thyroid gland, then treatment will be long and difficult. For benign tumors, patients undergo comprehensive treatment. When small tumors form, surgical intervention is not required.
• With a low increase in TSH associated with iodine deficiency and goiter formation, iodine-containing drugs are prescribed. They are used for six months. After treatment, it is necessary to re-do an ultrasound of the thyroid gland and take a TSH test.
• If a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is made, treatment with hormonal drugs is prescribed under the strict supervision of the attending physician. Medicines are taken every day according to the regimen proposed by a specialist.

Video: Problems with TSH - is it possible to get pregnant?

As you know, the correct synthesis of hormones inside our body ensures the full and trouble-free functioning of all organs and systems. However, if the production of any of these substances is disrupted, the functioning of the entire organism may be disrupted. That is why a blood test for hormone levels is a fairly common test in both men and women.

Most often, such a diagnostic procedure is prescribed to expectant mothers, since the full functioning of the endocrine system ensures normal pregnancy and allows the baby to fully develop. However, sometimes tests show that the level of some hormones is elevated. Is this a reason to panic? What does an increase in the amount of TSH in the blood indicate?

This substance bears the full name of thyroid-stimulating hormone. If its amount in the blood increases above normal, this phenomenon should not be considered an illness. Rather, it should be considered as a laboratory symptom showing that there are some problems in our body, namely problems in the complex ligament of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and thyroid gland.

In this system, ailments can be both primary and secondary. Accordingly, we can talk about damage to the thyroid gland itself on the one hand, or about an illness of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland on the other. Some experts consider problems in the activity of the hypothalamus as tertiary diseases.

How to determine that the TSH hormone is elevated (symptoms)?

If an increase in TSH levels is caused by the development of hypothyroidism (thyroid problem), it makes itself felt with the following clinical picture:

Overweight gain, weight loss, chilliness. The patient constantly feels cold, which is a consequence of slow metabolism. Yellowness of the skin, early form of atherosclerosis and hypercholesterolemia may be observed;

Myxedematous swelling - swelling is localized near the eyes, imprints appear on the surface of the teeth, nasal breathing becomes difficult and hearing acuity decreases;

Drowsiness, slow mental processes (thinking, speech, emotions), decreased memory;

Shortness of breath, pain around the heart, hypotension and heart failure;

Tendency to constipation, nausea, flatulence, enlarged liver;

Anemia;

Dry and brittle hair and nails;

Menstrual cycle disorders.

Sometimes TSH increases during pregnancy, in which case the expectant mother experiences sleep disturbances, general fatigue and some thickening of the neck. She may be bothered by severe pallor and swelling, severe nausea, and lack of appetite. Also, elevated TSH makes itself felt by severe irritability, or, conversely, lethargy and apathy. Typically, with this pathology, a woman intensively gains weight, complains of constipation and a strong drop in body temperature.

If the TSH hormone is elevated, what is the treatment?

Not so long ago, treatment of diseases accompanied by elevated TSH was simply impossible. However, today's hypothyroidism is quite amenable to drug therapy. Substitution measures are selected for the affected individual - the consumption of thyroid-type hormonal drugs is prescribed. These may be medications such as L-thyroxine, T-reocomb, tireotom and other similar compounds.

Therapy begins with a small dosage, this helps maintain normal heart activity. Doctors advise taking the dose even less if the patient is quite old. With improvement of the condition and normal tolerance of medications, the amount of medications consumed can be increased, and each month the dose can increase by a quarter of a tablet. After a couple of months of such therapy, the patient feels almost healthy. At the same time, the drugs do not provoke excess weight gain; on the contrary, they optimize metabolic processes.

In particularly severe cases, resection of the thyroid lobe may be necessary.

If hypothyroidism was determined while carrying a baby, the patient is most often prescribed therapy using the same hormonal components. This is a substance such as synthetic L-thyroxine. The expectant mother should carefully monitor her hormonal levels, as well as monitor the general condition of the endocrine system. Proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle play an important role in this.

If the TSH hormone is elevated, what are the consequences?

When hypothyroidism develops in the average person, after undergoing treatment, he has every chance of living a full life. In some cases, patients may need to constantly take hormones, however, their ability to work remains completely intact.

However, during pregnancy, things are a little different. If elevated TSH levels are diagnosed at the initial stage of pregnancy, the likelihood of spontaneous abortion increases significantly. The situation can be normalized with timely medication correction. The uncorrected form of hypothyroidism is fraught with various fetal pathologies, including intrauterine growth retardation. A classic complication of this disease is gestosis in the second half of pregnancy and premature placental abruption.

But it is worth considering that timely diagnosis and correct correction can reduce the likelihood of developing these risks to almost zero. Therefore, the attentive attitude of the expectant mother to her health indicators plays an important role.

An increased level of TSH indicates the occurrence of disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland or pituitary system. The symptom appears in women and men due to changes in the levels of hormones T3 and T4.

A high level of TSH (thyrotropin) determines the course of the following pathologies:

• Primary (thyroid problems).
• Secondary (malfunctions of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland).

Source of the problem

In the first case, the causes of elevated TSH are pathologies of the thyroid gland:

1. after surgery or suffering from autoimmune hypothyroidism;
2. development of thyroiditis 1-3 months after birth;
3. taking a separate group of medications (amiodarone, eglonil, cerucal, estrogens);
4. treatment with iodine 131 (radiiodine therapy);
5. adrenal insufficiency;
6. increase in prolactin levels.

Acute stress, increased workload, lack of sleep and old age have a big impact.

The causes of functional disorders of the hypothalamus (secondary series) lie in the pituitary adenoma, insensitivity of the pituitary gland to thyroid hormones and lack of perception of triiodothyronine. In women, the consequences of hormonal disorders are more acute - statistics determine the ratio of 10 representatives of the fair sex to one man. Among the main diseases, autoimmune thyroiditis is the leader, during which the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone and the level of antibodies to TPO (anti-TPO) are higher than normal.

Malfunctions of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus are found in equal proportions in both sexes.

We identify the disease

What to do if, as a result of laboratory tests, the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone is slightly higher than normal? The severity of the pathology and the degree of thyroid hormone deficiency should be determined.

If the indicators are slightly overestimated, there may be no signs. When TSH is highly elevated, this indicates a high deficiency of T3 and T4.

Primary hypothyroidism is classified according to severity based on the following symptoms:

• Subclinical - elevated TSH levels with T4 normal.
• Manifest - TSH is very elevated, and T4 is below normal.
• Complicated - the formation of cretinism, heart failure, secondary pituitary adenoma.

In the first case, it is very difficult to determine the symptoms. Manifest hypothyroidism is the main cause of a number of changes:

• By external signs (edema formation, weight gain, dry and pale skin, brittle nails and hair).
• According to mental and emotional indicators (feeling depressed and the appearance of depression, irritability).
• By cardiovascular manifestations (slow pulse, low or high blood pressure).
• On the functioning of the digestive system (poor appetite, constipation).

With an increased amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood, a feeling of exhaustion, weakness and drowsiness appears. It can also cause anemia.

Since, with the development of pathology in the body, TSH reacts more slowly than thyroid hormones, it will take 1-2 months to assess its reaction to changes in the concentrations of T3 and T4. The use of modern diagnostic techniques makes it possible to conduct third-generation TSH tests with a sensitivity limit of 0.002 µIU/ml (TSH norm is 0.4 - 4 µIU/ml). If there are deviations from the norm, the analysis should be repeated. If the results are confirmed, do not rush to search for traditional treatment methods. They are ineffective.

The doctor will prescribe a course of therapy based on the degree of thyroid dysfunction. If obvious hypothyroidism is detected, it is impossible to do without replenishing the hormonal deficiency with thyroxine. Folk remedies exclude the presence of herbs containing human T4 and T3. Therefore, to replenish the concentration of hormones, the most effective solution will be common drugs.

The thyroid gland is an endocrine organ that produces thyroid hormones, which are responsible for growth, metabolic processes, and control the functioning of the reproductive, digestive, circulatory and nervous systems. Hormones provide the body with energy, stimulate mental processes and motor activity. Hyperfunction of the thyroid gland leads to hormonal imbalance; high levels of T3 and T4 lead to poor health and thyrotoxicosis.

Thyroid hormones include:

• TSH is a thyroid-stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland of the brain. Thyrotropin regulates the secretion of thyroxine and triiodothyronine.
• T4 – thyroxine, produced by the follicular cells of the thyroid gland, its main function is the regulation of energy and plastic metabolism in the body.
• T3 – triiodothyronine, the hormone is formed after the loss of one iodine atom from the thyroxine molecule. T3 is the more active form.
• Calcitonin is produced by C-cells of the thyroid gland and is responsible for the exchange of calcium and phosphorus.

Hormones are transported in the bloodstream by combining with proteins. Therefore, analyzes usually indicate the values ​​of free thyroxine and triiodothyronine (FT3 and FT4).

Normal thyroid hormone levels for adults:

Important: Results may vary from laboratory to laboratory. Reference values ​​are indicated on the analysis forms. Normally, the results should not be more or less than the limit values.

Causes of elevated thyroid hormone levels

An increase in TSH levels indicates insufficient production of T3 and T4 by the thyroid gland. In this case, the thyroxine level is reduced or remains within normal limits. This condition is called hypothyroidism.

If thyrotropin values ​​are elevated, the patient complains of general weakness, fatigue, hair loss, brittle nails, chilliness, decreased performance and intellectual abilities.

Increased levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) are observed in thyrotoxicosis. At the same time, TSH levels are below the normal level. Characteristic symptoms of the disease:

• weight loss with normal appetite;
• an increase in the volume of the thyroid gland, leading to neck deformation;
• frequent diarrhea;
• tremor of the limbs;
• increased sweating;
• tachycardia;
• irritability;
• tides;
• deterioration of memory and intellectual abilities;
• menstrual irregularities in women, including amenorrhea and infertility;
• erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia, impotence in men;
• exophthalmos – bulging of the eyeballs.

Pregnant women have increased thyroid hormone. This is not considered a pathology, since the expectant mother’s body provides hormones to the growing fetus until the child develops its own thyroid gland.

An increased level of TSH in the blood of pregnant women indicates the development of hypothyroidism. This disease often leads to spontaneous abortion, fetal hypoxia, the appearance of children with mental retardation or congenital pathologies, and difficult childbirth.

The development of medullary thyroid cancer can increase calcitonin levels in the blood. This hormone is an important tumor marker. The analysis is prescribed if a malignant tumor is suspected, and a fine-needle aspiration biopsy is additionally performed. If the results of the test for calcitonin concentration are questionable, then an additional stimulated test is performed with intravenous administration of calcium gluconate.

Tests for thyroid hormones

Blood is taken for analysis in the first half of the day on an empty stomach. If the patient is taking hormonal medications, then the medication should not be taken on the day of blood sampling. Regarding the possibility of discontinuing the medication, you should consult with your doctor. Women take tests on days 5–7 of the menstrual cycle.

10–12 hours before visiting the laboratory, you must refrain from eating, smoking, and drinking coffee. Stress and physical activity should be avoided. You should not drink alcoholic beverages 3 days before the test.

What diseases lead to increased thyroid hormones?

TSH levels may increase due to:

• pituitary tumors;
• traumatic brain injuries;
• thyroid hormone resistance syndrome;
• diffuse toxic goiter;
• multiple endocrine neoplasia;
• ectopic secretion of hormones by tumors of the breast and lungs;
• adrenal insufficiency.

The cause of thyrotoxicosis, in which the production of thyroxine increases, is toxic goiter, hormone-producing tumors or metastases, Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis. With hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, metabolism accelerates; incoming vitamins and nutrients do not have time to be processed and absorbed. An increased concentration of hormones in the blood causes symptoms of intoxication: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, yellowing of the skin.

Treatment methods for hyperthyroidism

What to do with thyrotoxicosis, what treatment is necessary for elevated thyroid hormones? There are several types of therapy:

• conservative;
• treatment with radioactive iodine;
• surgical intervention.

The conservative method consists of taking thyreostatics (Mercazolil, Tyrosol, Propicil), which suppress the secretion of thyroxine. The drugs are prescribed as monotherapy or in combination with thyroxine analogues (“block and replace”). Research shows that the second method is more effective and is capable of causing lasting remission. Treatment may be accompanied by the development of side effects, and relapses often occur (50%). In case of intolerance to thyreostatics, β-blockers are prescribed.

Radioiodine therapy is considered a more effective method for elevated thyroid hormones. Patients take I-131, which can accumulate in the tissues of the thyroid gland and destroy its cells. This leads to hypothyroidism, which is the main goal of treatment. Then thyroxine replacement therapy is prescribed. After using radioactive iodine, remission occurs in 90% of cases, relapses occur in only 3% of patients.

Indications for surgical intervention are a significant increase in the volume of the thyroid gland, the presence of nodes, intolerance to thyreostatics, and retrosternal localization of the thyroid gland. The surgeon performs partial excision of the organ in order to develop hypothyroidism.

Treatment of toxic adenoma or diffuse, multinodular goiter begins with taking thyreostatics in combination with β-blockers. Then surgical removal of the thyroid gland or part of it is performed.

In patients suffering from tissue resistance syndrome to thyroid hormones, therapy is selected strictly individually, taking into account the characteristics of the disease. Triiodothyroacetic acid gives good results.

Therapeutic diet

Elevated thyroid hormones can be stabilized not only with medication, but also by following a special diet. An integrated approach speeds up recovery. Since thyrotoxicosis accelerates metabolism, it is necessary to consume high-calorie foods rich in proteins, fiber, vitamins and minerals. And foods containing large amounts of iodine must be excluded from the diet (nuts, seafood, sea fish).

Allowed foods for elevated thyroid hormones:

• dairy products;
• bakery products;
• all types of cereals, except rice and legumes;
• lean meats - turkey, rabbit, veal;
• fresh vegetables and fruits, except melon, grapes, plums;
• freshwater fish;
• drinks - berry juice, jelly, chamomile and rosehip infusions.

Prohibited foods include chocolate, cabbage, fatty meats and fish, alcoholic and energy drinks, strong tea or coffee. Diet therapy should be carried out in conjunction with the main treatment. This will help achieve lasting improvement, get rid of the symptoms of the disease and reduce the risk of relapse.

Bibliography

1. Thyroid diseases. Treatment without errors. – M.: AST, Sova, VKT, 2007. – 128 p.
2. Henry, M. Kronenberg Diseases of the thyroid gland / Henry M. Kronenberg et al. - M.: Reed Elsiver, 2010. - 392 p.
3. Sinelnikova, A. 225 recipes for thyroid health / A. Sinelnikova. – M.: Vector, 2013. – 128 p.
4. Ivanova, V. Thyroid diseases and diabetes / V. Ivanova. – M.: Newspaper World, 2013. – 128 p.
5. Danilova, N. A. Diseases of the thyroid gland. Effective methods of treatment and prevention / N.A. Danilova. – M.: Vector, 2012. – 160 p.
6. Restoration of the thyroid gland - Ushakov A.V. – Patient Guide
7. Khavin, I.B. Diseases of the thyroid gland / I.B. Khavin, O.V. Nikolaev. – M.: State Publishing House of Medical Literature, 2007. – 252 p.

⚕️Melikhova Olga Aleksandrovna – endocrinologist, 2 years of experience.

Deals with issues of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the endocrine system: thyroid gland, pancreas, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, gonads, parathyroid glands, thymus gland, etc.