Examination of the thyroid gland is desirable once a year, especially in areas where iodine deficiency is observed. And these are almost all regions of Russia.
Answers to questions:
Nikulin Boris Aleksandrovich, Medical Director of the CITILAB Group of Companies, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, IPK FMBA.
How important is the thyroid gland in the body?
The thyroid gland (thyroid gland) is laid in the fetus in the 3rd week of pregnancy and begins to function from the 10th week. Thyroid hormones – T4 (thyroxine) and T3 ( triiodothyronine ) regulate the general metabolism, the growth of the body, bone strength, heart rate, mental capabilities, sleep, appetite depend on their level.
How is the thyroid gland examined ?
Examination of the thyroid gland is desirable once a year, especially in areas where iodine deficiency is observed. And these are almost all regions of Russia.
At the first stage, an endocrinologist usually examines the gland by palpation. This is how its volume, tissue density, absence or presence of nodes are assessed.
If a pathology is suspected, an ultrasound scan is additionally prescribed. With its help, the structure of the gland is checked more accurately. Normally, iron increases in volume in adolescents, in women during pregnancy, during menopause. Ultrasound allows you to detect nodes, determine their size, evaluate the contours, and detect the presence of fluid.
It is important to understand that thyroid examination is mandatory for women planning pregnancy!
What symptoms indicate a problem with the thyroid gland?
fatigue, nervousness, irritability;
the appearance of a goiter – thickening on the front of the neck;
decreased ability to process information;
retardation of mental or physical development in a child;
unreasonable gain or loss of weight;
trembling limbs, muscle pain;
hair loss, brittle nails;
pallor of the skin, swelling;
disruptions in the menstrual cycle, decreased fertility;
weakening of immunity;
violation of the rhythm of the heartbeat, pressure drops, and so on.