Secondary hypothyroidism: causes, symptoms and treatment

Chronic fatigue, overweight, hair loss and brittle nails are symptoms familiar to many. Most often they disturb women, but sometimes they are also noticed in men. In some cases, such signs are simply not paid attention. Fatigue is associated with permanent work, and an increase in weight - with the wrong diet. However, these symptoms often indicate the development of a pathology such as secondary hypothyroidism. In adults, such a disease can occur in a latent form. The signs of this pathology can be confused with the symptoms of other ailments. After all, hypothyroidism affects virtually all body systems. Treatment of this disease is controlled by an endocrinologist.

Hypothyroidism: a description of the pathology

Hypothyroidism is characterized by changes in the hormonal background associated with disruption of the thyroid gland or brain (pituitary gland). This disease is characterized by various clinical manifestations that cover almost all organs and systems. Despite the change in the level of hormones, the thyroid gland with secondary hypothyroidism is considered healthy. The fact is that this pathology has a central genesis. It develops in cases of disorders from the pituitary gland - the endocrine organ found in the brain. This, in turn, leads to a secondary lesion of the thyroid gland.

Secondary hypothyroidism is more often diagnosed in young patients. It is more common among the female population. This disease is especially dangerous for children. Laboratory signs of pathology are an increase in the level of TSH and a compensatory decrease in the amount of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Due to changes in the pituitary gland, violations of the functioning of other endocrine structures can be noted. In particular, the adrenal glands, sex glands, etc.

Secondary hypothyroidism: causes of illness

Causes of pathology are associated with structural changes in brain tissue. Central genesis has primary and secondary hypothyroidism. So what is the difference between them? As is known, the hypothalamic-pituitary system controls all peripheral endocrine glands present in the body. It is located in the brain. The main endocrine formation is the hypothalamus. This organ is located between the right and left hemispheres of the brain. If there is a violation of the secretion of hormones in this department develops primary hypothyroidism. Biologically active substances are produced in the hypothalamus, which then enter the pituitary gland. There is formed a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The pituitary gland has a feedback with the endocrine organs, in particular the thyroid gland. Therefore, when the secretion of TSH is increased, the production of thyroxin and triiodothyronine decreases.

The causes of secondary hypothyroidism include:

1. Inflammatory diseases of the pituitary gland. The defeat of this organ can be associated with viral and bacterial encephalitis.
2. Congenital hypoplasia, or absence of the pituitary gland.
3. Cancer or benign neoplasm.
4. Ischemic brain damage.
5. Hemorrhage in the pituitary region.
6. Influence of radiation upon irradiation of brain tumors.
7. Atrophic diseases.

As a result of damage to the pituitary gland, secondary hypothyroidism develops. Do not confuse this condition with thyroid disease. When this organ is affected, tertiary hypothyroidism arises. Regardless of the etiology and source of hormonal disorders, the endocrinologist is engaged in the treatment of this pathology.

Development of postpartum hypothyroidism

During pregnancy in the body there are many different changes, more to the extent they concern the endocrine sphere. This is due to the fact that some of the hormones are released by the placenta. Because of the excess of some biological substances in the body, their secretion in the pituitary gland decreases. Conversely, a decrease in the production of hormones serves as a signal to increase their production in the brain. As a result of these changes, some women develop secondary hypothyroidism after childbirth. The risk of its occurrence is much higher among patients who have antibodies to the cells of the thyroid in the blood.

Autoimmune inflammation of this endocrine organ causes activation of the pituitary gland. Thyrotropic hormone begins to be produced faster and in large quantities. A similar state after childbirth is considered temporary, that is, transient. Hypothyroidism occurs in women 4-5 months after the birth of a child. Most often he does not have a pronounced clinical picture. Reduction of hormones of the thyroid gland is preceded by the reverse process - thyrotoxicosis. It is observed in the first months of the postpartum period. Within a year the hormonal background is normalized. If this does not happen, then the disease occurred before pregnancy, but was not detected earlier.

Acquired hypothyroidism: symptoms and treatment in women

Hypothyroidism of central genesis is more common in women. Signs of the disease depend on the severity of the hormonal failure. How does hypothyroidism occur? Symptoms and treatment in women, as in the case of other pathologies, are interrelated. The main signs that indicate the presence of ailment:

1. Violation of the menstrual cycle.
2. Drowsiness.
3. Chronic fatigue.
4. Fragility of nails and hair.
5. Weight gain.
6. Edema syndrome.
7. Propensity to constipation.

In some cases, there is only a certain manifestation of pathology, while others - less pronounced. Sometimes hypothyroidism is asymptomatic. Most often, the reason for contacting the polyclinic is excess weight, alopecia (hair loss) and pronounced edematous syndrome.

Treatment of hypothyroidism begins with the appointment of hormonal drugs. At the same time, find out the cause of the disease. In some cases, substitution therapy is not the main method of treatment.

Signs of hypothyroidism in children

Secondary hypothyroidism in children is a dangerous disease that can lead to mental retardation and a delay in physical development. The fact is that thyroid hormones are especially needed at an early age. They affect the growth processes and the development of intelligence. The disease can be caused by abnormalities of the pituitary gland, as well as insufficient intake of iodine in the baby's body (with tertiary hypothyroidism). Regardless of the source of hormonal changes, substitution treatment should be started as soon as an increase in TSH concentration is detected.

Diagnosis of secondary hypothyroidism

How to cause secondary hypothyroidism? Diagnosis of pathology begins with the collection of complaints and examination of the patient. Patients often note a constant fatigue and drowsiness, an increase in weight. Pay attention to the chilliness and the appearance of edema. In some cases, hypothyroidism is detected by chance, for example, with a delay in menstruation, not related to pregnancy.

The examination reveals a decrease in heart rate and hypotension. Swelling can be located on any part of the body, more often on the face. When palpation it is found that they have a soft mucous consistence (myxedema).

The final diagnosis can be made after laboratory tests. In patients, there is an increase in the level of TSH and a decrease in the number of thyroid hormones. To identify the source of the disease, X-rays of the Turkish saddle, CT of the brain are carried out.

Methods of treatment of hypothyroidism

Secondary hypothyroidism serves as an indication for prolonged hormonal therapy. Treatment should be controlled by an endocrinologist. Every 3 months, a laboratory diagnosis is performed to determine the levels of TSH and thyroxine. Stabilization of these indicators is evidence of the correctness of treatment. With a high level of TSH, the dose of hormones is increased. As a substitute therapy, the medications "Eutiroks" and "Levothyroxine" are used.

In addition, it is necessary to identify the cause of the pathology. When inflammatory diseases are carried out antibacterial and antiviral therapy. In some cases, surgical treatment is required (with adenoma and pituitary cancer).

Prognosis and prevention of complications

With a constant intake of hormonal drugs, a prognosis for hypothyroidism is favorable. Correctly selected dose of medication helps to completely stop the symptoms of the disease. For the prevention of complications it is necessary to systematically submit the analysis for determining the level of TSH and to be observed in the endocrinologist. Independently to change a dosage of preparations or to cancel treatment it is impossible.