How to check and restore the endocrine system. Hormonal imbalance in women: causes, signs, symptoms and treatment

Hormones– biologically active substances that have a complex systemic effect on the body. Thanks to hormones, all types of metabolism in the body are regulated: protein, carbohydrate, lipid and water-salt.

Hormonal regulation ensures consistency internal environment body and rapid response to adverse external influences. Thus, due to the rapid change in hormonal levels, all the forces of the body are mobilized under stress factors. And this same system provides rest and restoration of expended energy.

Thanks to genetically programmed changes in hormonal levels, growth, development and maturation of the body occurs. Gradual decline the level of hormones in the blood leads to aging. Difficult changes hormonal levels in a woman’s body provide the possibility of the birth of a new life, normal childbearing, childbirth and the process of lactation.

Most hormones are produced in specialized organs - endocrine glands ( endocrine glands Oh). These glands received this name because they secrete their product inside - directly into the blood.

The endocrine glands are subject to the central complex of neuroendocrine regulation, the so-called hypothalamic-pituitary system, located in the brain.

Features of preparation for taking a hormonal analysis: one day before, it is necessary to exclude sexual contact and thermal procedures (sauna, bathhouse).

Human chorionic gonadotropin
Chorionic gonadotropin – specific hormone pregnancy, which is similar in action to gonadotropins (LH and FSH).

Progesterone
Progesterone is a hormone corpus luteum ovary, formed after the release of a mature egg from the follicle. This hormone is necessary for the flow normal pregnancy, therefore its concentration increases throughout gestation.

Outside of pregnancy, progesterone levels begin to increase just before ovulation, and reach a maximum in the middle of the luteal phase of the cycle (the interval between the release of the egg and the beginning of pregnancy). next menstruation- 14-28th days of the cycle).

Hormonal analysis blood test for progesterone is given on the 22-23rd day of the cycle in the morning, on an empty stomach.

Estradiol
Estradiol is the most active female sex hormone, which is produced in the ovaries, placenta and adrenal cortex under the influence of gonadotropic hormones of the pituitary gland.

A hormonal test for estradiol is taken on the 6-7th day of the cycle in the morning, on an empty stomach.

Estriol
Estriol is a female sex hormone, which is called the main estrogen of pregnancy. When taking a hormonal test for estradiol, it should be taken into account that taking antibiotics and some other medications can significantly reduce the concentration of estriol in the blood.

Testosterone
Testosterone is the main one male hormone, which determines the development of secondary sexual characteristics, puberty and reproductive function.

In men, most of the testosterone is produced in the testicle, and less in the adrenal cortex. In women, testosterone is partially formed during the transformation process from other steroids, as well as in the cells of the inner lining of the follicle and the reticular layer of the adrenal glands.

Hormonal tests for amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual bleeding in women reproductive age for 6 months or more. This is one of the most common sexual dysfunctions in women.

There are primary and secondary amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea is when a woman has never menstruated, secondary is when monthly cycle was present and then stopped.

It should be noted that in both primary and secondary amenorrhea, first of all, it is necessary to do a pregnancy test (determine the level of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in the blood).

Primary amenorrhea
Primary amenorrhea can be caused by a number of reasons, such as congenital anomalies(including chromosomal), infectious or immune damage to the ovaries, adrenal tumors, pathologies of the pituitary-hypothalamic system. Depending on the characteristics of hormonal imbalance, there are four groups of primary amenorrhea:
1. Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism.
2. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
3. Eugonadotropic hypogonadism.
4. Hyperandrogenemia.

Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism (increased levels of pituitary stimulating hormones with decreased levels of ovarian hormones) indicates ovarian pathology, which may be the result of primary agenesis (underdevelopment) of the ovaries or Shereshevsky-Turner syndrome. This is a chromosomal pathology in which the set of chromosomes (karyotype) is missing one sex chromosome (karyotype X0).

With hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, there is an increase in the secretion of gonadotropins FSH (the level of follicle-stimulating hormone is especially increased in Shereshevsky-Turner syndrome) and LH (luteinizing hormone). Stimulation test with hCG ( human chorionic gonadotropin) is negative.

To verify Shereshevsky-Turner syndrome, it is necessary to conduct a karyotype study. In addition, it is recommended to do hormonal tests that determine the level of testosterone (male sex hormone) and cortisol (adrenal cortex hormone) in the blood.

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (simultaneous decrease in the level of stimulating hormones of the pituitary gland and ovarian hormones) indicates damage to the hypothalamic-pituitary system. To determine the level of damage, a stimulation test with GnRH (gonadotropic-releasing hormone) is performed. If in response to stimulation the level of the hormone in the blood increases, then we can conclude that the cause of the pathology lies in the insufficient release of releasing factors by the cells of the hypothalamus. If the stimulation test is negative, then the cause of ovarian hypofunction is pathology of the pituitary gland.

Eugonadotropic hypogonadism (reduced level of ovarian hormones with normal concentration of gonadotropins in the blood). Occurs with anatomical defects, testicular feminization syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome.

With anatomical defects leading to amenorrhea, the hormonal status is usually normal.

Thus, with the onset of placental insufficiency, the level of hCG and progesterones decreases, and with the development chronic failure placenta, when fetal suffering is expressed, a decrease in estrogen levels also occurs.

During a frozen pregnancy, there is a sharp decrease in the concentration of hCG and estrogen (100% below the average norm).

An increase in hCG levels is also a very important sign that may indicate multiple pregnancy or incorrect definition gestational age. In addition, the level of hCG increases with such pathological conditions, such as early and late toxicosis of pregnancy, maternal diabetes, multiple fetal malformations, Down syndrome.

Fetal malformations may also be indicated by a reduced level of estradiol, which is observed with anencephaly, intrauterine infection, fetal adrenal hypoplasia, Down syndrome.

Hormonal blood tests for thyroid pathology

The thyroid gland is an internal secretion organ that produces iodine-containing hormones that regulate basal metabolism (maintaining the energy constancy of the internal environment). So if there is an excess of hormones thyroid gland all metabolic processes are accelerated, which leads to their mismatch, and if there is a deficiency, a slowdown occurs metabolic processes, which negatively affects the activity of organs and tissues.

Because thyroid hormones are necessary for normal functioning of all cells of the body without exception, diseases of the organ have systemic manifestations (the central nervous activity, vegetative-vascular reactions are disrupted, and dystrophic processes in the myocardium, there is a disruption in the coordinated activity of the entire endocrine system of the body).

Hormonal tests for suspected thyroid pathology

There are characteristic signs of hyperthyroidism:

• a sharp decrease in body weight;
• exophthalmos (bulging eyes);
• goiter (severe enlargement of the gland).

The signs of hypothyroidism can be called opposite:

• bradycardia;
• myxedema (mucoedema);
• endophthalmos (sunk eyes);
• hypothermia.

However characteristic symptoms not always expressed. Meanwhile, dysfunction of the thyroid gland can lead to many serious pathologies, so study hormonal levels using blood tests for thyroid hormones in mandatory carried out if the following symptoms are present:

• amenorrhea;
• infertility;
• depression;
• cardiac arrhythmias;
• delayed mental and physical development in children.

To determine the condition of the thyroid gland, hormonal blood tests are taken to determine thyroid-stimulating hormone, stimulating the activity of the thyroid gland, and at the same time examining the concentration of the main hormones secreted by the gland (total triiodothyronine, free triiodothyronine, total thyroxine, free thyroxine).

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Thyroid-stimulating hormone is a hormone of the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the secretion of thyroid hormones.

The production of TSH is characterized by pronounced daily fluctuations with a maximum at 2-4 a.m. and a minimum at 17-18 p.m. This rhythm gets lost during night vigils.

The concentration of TSH physiologically increases during pregnancy and with age (in the latter case - slightly).

The production of TSH is inhibited by thyroid hormones, therefore, when the level of fractions of its hormones increases, the concentration of TSH decreases, and when the gland is hypofunction, it increases.

Fractions of hormones synthesized by the thyroid gland

Fractions of the hormones of this gland are formed under the influence of TSH, and stimulate the basal metabolism and absorption of oxygen by the cells of the body.

All fractions are subject to seasonal and diurnal rhythms. Physiological decline The level of thyroid hormones is observed after the age of 65 years, an increase occurs during pregnancy, as well as with a rapid increase in body weight.

An increase in the level of thyroid hormone fractions may indicate its hyperfunction, or the presence of other diseases (hepatitis, nephrotic syndrome, HIV infection, increased estrogen levels).

In addition to hypothyroidism, a decrease in thyroid hormone levels is observed in the following cases:

• low protein diet or fasting;
• adrenal insufficiency;
• severe general exhaustion of the body;
• chronic liver diseases.

General thyroxine
Total thyroxine (T4 total) is the main iodine-containing hormone of the thyroid gland (the gland produces 93% thyroxine and only 7% triiodothyronine).

The concentration of total T4 has pronounced daily fluctuations with a maximum occurring between 8 and 12 o'clock in the afternoon and a minimum between 11 and 3 o'clock at night.

Free thyroxine
Free thyroxine (free T4) is the fraction of T4 not bound to proteins. In women, the concentration of free thyroxine is lower than in men and increases during pregnancy, reaching a maximum in the last trimester.

Triiodothyronine total
Total triiodothyronine (T3 total) is formed in the thyroid gland from T4, and has the same effect, but is 4-5 times more active than its predecessor. This hormone is characterized by seasonal fluctuations: its maximum level is found in the blood from September to February, the minimum in summer.

Free triiodothyronine
Concentration free triiodothyronine(Free T3) is the fraction of triiodothyronine in the blood that is not bound to proteins. Free T3 levels physiologically decrease in the last trimester of pregnancy.

Hormones of the adrenal cortex. Symptoms indicating cortical pathology
adrenal glands

Biological action of adrenal hormones

The adrenal cortex produces several dozen different hormones, which can be divided into three groups:
1. Glucocorticoids.
2. Mineralocorticoids.
3. Adrenal androgens.

Glucocorticoids are the most important hormones adrenal cortex and, as the name implies, regulate glucose metabolism, having an effect opposite to insulin. They help increase blood glucose levels by inducing its synthesis and reducing its uptake. peripheral tissues. So, with an increase in the concentration of glucocorticoids, so-called steroid diabetes develops.

In addition, glucocorticoids are involved in protecting the body from stress and shock and have a powerful anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effect.

Mineralocorticoids regulate water-salt metabolism, helping to maintain blood pressure and retain water, sodium and chlorine in the body. With an increase in the concentration of mineralocorticoids in the body, hypertension and edema syndrome develop.

Adrenal androgens are secreted in small quantities, so their effect becomes noticeable only in the case of pathology (masculinization of women with tumors of the adrenal cortex, etc.).

All hormones of the adrenal cortex are secreted under the influence of the hormone of the anterior pituitary gland - ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). In this case, regulation occurs according to the type feedback: with a decrease in the production of hormones from the adrenal cortex, the secretion of ACTH increases - and vice versa.

Clinical manifestations of hormonal imbalance requiring analysis
level of adrenal hormones in the blood

Hypoproduction of adrenal hormones is called Addison's disease . This is a fairly rare disease that has the following symptoms:

• increasing muscle weakness, constant feeling fatigue;
• decreased blood pressure with increased heart rate;
• irritability, tendency to depression, anxiety;
• loss of appetite and weight, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain;
• education dark spots on open areas of skin;
• craving for salty foods, constant thirst;
• excess urine in the presence of symptoms of dehydration.

Overproduction of adrenal hormones is manifested by Itsenko-Cushing syndrome. Unlike Addison's disease, this syndrome occurs relatively often in tumors that produce adrenocorticotropic hormone. These tumors can develop both directly in the pituitary gland and in other organs (gonads, bronchi, etc.).

Less commonly, Itsenko-Cushing syndrome develops with hyperplastic processes of the adrenal cortex, as well as with long-term treatment medicines glucocorticoids, and has very characteristic symptoms:
alcoholism, some neuropsychiatric diseases, sometimes during pregnancy. In such cases they talk about Pseudo-Cushing syndrome, or functional hypercortisolism.

We take hormonal tests if we suspect cortical pathology
adrenal glands

Adrenocotricotropic hormone (ACTH)

Adrenocotricotropic hormone (ACTH) is a hormone of the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the production of hormones from the adrenal cortex.

Increased levels occur with primary adrenal insufficiency, as well as with tumors that produce ACTH.

A decrease in the level of ACTH is observed with insufficiency of its production by the anterior pituitary gland, as well as with hormone-producing tumors of the adrenal cortex (inhibition of synthesis according to the feedback principle).

Cortisol

The main glucocorticoid of the adrenal cortex, which is characterized by a pronounced circadian rhythm with a maximum in the morning (6-8), and a minimum in the evening (20-22).

It should be remembered that during pregnancy there is a physiological increase in the concentration of cortisol levels in the blood.

Aldosterone

The main mineralocorticoid of the adrenal cortex. A hormonal test for aldosterone is mandatory for elevated blood pressure, and during the diagnosis of renal failure, as well as to monitor treatment in patients with heart failure.

A physiological increase in aldosterone levels is observed during pregnancy, a salt-free diet, and increased water and physical activity.

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. 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. To accurately verify the diagnosis and determine the further method of treatment, it is necessary to take 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 of this microelement per day. After entering the intestine, it is absorbed by the villi of the epithelium and settles with the bloodstream 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 important role in the process of growth and development of the entire organism. When they are deficient, mental and physical retardation is often observed.
3. Increasing the body's intake of vitamins.
4. Activation of nervous and mental activity of the 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?

You need to understand that such laboratory tests should be carried out to confirm the clinical thinking of the treating physician. However, you can additionally donate blood for preventive tests. There are often situations when pathological process has already started, but is still in the 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 hormones in an organ can accurately indicate functional activity 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 values ​​are 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 to thyroid tissue. The most accurate and sensitive test for identifying an 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 a high-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, this is done by doctors, and only they can objectively assess certain changes in the patient’s blood. For an ordinary person, it is enough to know how to correctly submit examination material 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 should be considered diffuse toxic goiter, thyroiditis, adenoma.
• Indicators – hypofunction. The organ does not produce sufficient quantity hormones, which can be a consequence of hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's goiter, and 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 it works thyroid gland for 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. Need to pick up adequate therapy. Only in this case will it be possible to cure the patient.

Everyone knows that the endocrine system controls quite a lot of functions in the body. This control especially concerns metabolism and cell activity. It should be noted that the endocrine system consists of many organs that produce hormones, the most important of which are the pancreas and thyroid glands, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes. Therefore, disruption of the endocrine system leads to neoplasms in the glands, which, in turn, causes the production of hormones in large quantities. Autoimmune and other diseases whose causes are still unknown (for example, diabetes) are the result of system dysfunction. Many endocrine disorders cause characteristic symptoms such as various changes in the body.

Diseases are a paired organ that secretes hormones. They are located behind the abdominal cavity between the kidneys. The adrenal glands consist of an outer part, called the cortex, and an inner or medulla. Any problems that arise with the functioning of the adrenal glands are associated with excess or insufficient production of hormones. In cases of cortical disease, the adrenal glands produce too much of the hormone, which can lead to a disease such as Cushing's syndrome. There is also a risk of developing hypertension or hirsutism, increased blood glucose and other symptoms. A deficiency of adrenal hormones can result in skin pigmentation. Most common cause The disease is a tumor in the adrenal glands.

Pituitary gland diseases. The pituitary gland is a gland that is located in the brain next to sphenoid bone, at the level of the nasal cavity. Pituitary dysfunction can have two different symptomatic patterns. Pituitary hormones play an important role in the human body, therefore, regardless of whether they are absent or in excess, their dysfunction leads to a number of anomalies in which the endocrine system begins to malfunction. Dwarfism or gigantism is a consequence malfunction namely the pituitary gland.

Diseases of the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a small area in the brain that is located midway between the right and left hemispheres of the brain. The hypothalamus, like the endocrine system as a whole, performs many various functions, so that its malfunction can lead to disruption of sleep and body temperature regulation, as well as problems with sexual activity. Insufficient quantity in the hypothalamus can lead to significant loss of water in the body, which very quickly leads to dehydration.

Diseases of the thymus gland. The thymus is located behind the sternum in chest. Along with the growth and development of the body, the gland also increases, which atrophies in adolescence. Thus, the thymus plays a fairly important role precisely in initial stage life. Congenital absence thymus gland can lead to a lack of T-lymphocytes and, therefore, immunity. Thymus in children early age not yet fully developed, resulting in increased susceptibility to infectious diseases.

Thyroid disease, which produces iodine-containing hormones, plays an important role in the development, growth and function of the entire nervous system. Most problems in functioning are caused by inflammation, hyperthyroidism (excess hormones leads to rapid weight loss, diarrhea and rapid heartbeat) or hypothyroidism (lack of hormones leads to weight gain, constipation, lethargy, inactivity and dry skin).

Endocrine diseases occur when the endocrine glands are disrupted. They must be treated immediately as soon as the disease is discovered, because the consequences can be the most unpredictable and definitely not positive. Very often, pharmaceutical drugs cannot help, are very expensive or have a negative effect on other organs in our body. That is why many people have long preferred to use folk remedies.

It is worth noting that this type of disease can cause obesity. It is dangerous because it causes extra stress on bones, joints and internal organs. An obese person experiences not only discomfort, but also various kinds pain.

Obesity contributes to the development of other diseases - atherosclerosis or heart disease. Using traditional methods, you can regulate metabolism and many other factors that will help cure a person from obesity. One of the most dangerous diseases, which can result from dysfunction of the endocrine glands, is diabetes mellitus, in which the level of glucose in the blood increases. This disease can cause dangerous complications– damage to the eyes, kidneys or hematopoietic system, so you should be careful about your health.

If diabetes is detected, traditional methods that have long proven themselves will be an effective solution in treatment. reliable means from many diseases. Hypothyroidism is also common and can be diagnosed in both adults and even the smallest children. With this disease, body weight increases, the skin becomes dry, speech becomes unclear, and memory deteriorates over time. Patients with hypothyroidism complain of increased fatigue and drowsiness.

To safely recover without resorting to the use of pills, which can only worsen the course of the disease, you should use folk remedies that will effectively cope with the disease. It is with the help folk remedies You can get rid of diseases easily and reliably.

Thin people often complain that there are no recipes for thinness, but there are plenty for obesity. Traditional medicine also solves this problem. Take flax seed and comfrey roots, grind in a coffee grinder, mix with honey (1:3), stir and take 1 tbsp. spoon 3-4 times a day after meals...

Thyrotoxicosis – characterized by increased content thyroid hormones in the blood. The causes of thyrotoxicosis are mental trauma, infectious diseases, chronic tonsillitis, periodontal disease, hereditary factors, autoimmune processes. Thyrotoxicosis - quite serious illness, but traditional medicine will help get rid of this problem. Here are the most effective recipes that will help you heal without the use of medications. ...

Obesity is a deposit of fat with an increase in the weight of the entire body, due to the fact that it grows on its own. adipose tissue. The concept of obesity can be interpreted in different terms, including as overweight, obese or fattened. In order to physical health was normal, and was also accompanied by mental comfort, for any person...

The endocrine system, or internal secretion system, consists of endocrine organs or glands. These are glandular formations rich in blood vessels that do not have excretory ducts and releasing directly into the blood their specific products called hormones (Greek hormao - I excite). The generally recognized endocrine glands are the following eight glands: 1) thyroid gland (glandula thyreoidea) - located on the front surface of the neck, its average weight is from 20 to 30 g; 2) parathyroid or parathyroid glands (gl. parathyreoideae) - several, usually 4 small glands located at the posterior surface of the thyroid gland, with a total weight of about 0.12-0.25 g; 3) goiter, or thymus(gl. thymus) - located in the upper part of the thoracic cavity, reaches its greatest development by the age of 12 (about 35-40 g) and then gradually atrophies; 4) pituitary gland, cerebral appendage or pituitary gland (gl. pituitaria s- hypophysis cerebri) - small (weighing from 0.5 to 0.65 g), but complex formation, consisting of glandular (anterior lobe) and nerve tissue(posterior lobe), in direct connection with the brain and located at its base in the sella turcica; 5) pineal (pineal) gland, or epiphysis of the brain (gl. pinealis s. epiphysis cerebri) - a very small (weighing 0.1-0.2 g) glandular-nervous formation, located in the area of ​​the quadrigeminal gland and the third cerebral stomach; 6) adrenal glands or adrenal glands (gl. suprarenales) - a paired organ with an average weight of 6-7 g, located above the upper pole of the kidneys, essentially consists of two different glands: one of them is of mesodermal origin and makes up the adrenal cortex (substantia corticalis), and the other - ecto-dermal, from the rudiments of the sympathetic nervous system, and forms its medulla (substantia medullars); 7) pancreas (pancreas), its insular apparatus itself (insulae Langerhansii); 8) sex glands (gl. sexuales); in men - testes (testes), in women ovaries (ovaria), and in both organs the actual endocrine tissue is the so-called interstitial tissue or gland.

The general function of the endocrine system is reduced to the implementation of chemical regulation in the body, to establishing connections between distant organs and maintaining their specific functions at a certain level. This goal is achieved through hormones, the chemical nature of which has not yet been fully studied, although some of them (thyroxine, adrenaline, certain sex hormones) have already been obtained synthetically. The action of hormones is characterized by the fact that they influence minimum quantities, do not have species specificity, and the fact that the final effect of their action depends not only on their specific properties, but also on the state of the cells and tissues on which they act, and on physical and chemical properties the environment in which they operate. Internal secretion has the most significant effect on all major life processes and above all on the development and growth of the body, on metabolism and on the excitability and tone of the nervous system.

The sex glands, pituitary gland and thyroid gland have the greatest influence on the growth and differentiation of the body; Of the other endocrine glands, the thymus gland, adrenal glands (their cortical substance) and the pineal gland undoubtedly influence growth. Metabolism is influenced in one or another part and to one degree or another by all endocrine glands, but mainly by the thyroid gland, pancreas, gonads, pituitary gland and parathyroid glands. The third main function of the endocrine system - regulation of neuropsychic excitability - is carried out primarily through hormones of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and parathyroid glands, as well as the pituitary gland and gonads. For individual glands, their main functions and their main deviations are presented in the following form.

Thyroid gland(its hormone is thyroxine), when its function increases (hyperthyroidism), it enhances growth, increases metabolism and excitability of the nervous system, and when its function decreases (hypothyroidism), it has the opposite effect.

Parathyroid glands when their function decreases, they cause a change in calcium metabolism (hypocalcemia) and an increase in neuromuscular excitability (tetany); with hyperfunction of these glands, hypercalcemia and increased excretion of calcium in urine and feces are noted.

The thymus gland regulates the overall trophism of the body (its weight), its carbohydrate and mineral (fixation of calcium in the bones) metabolism, being a synergist for insulin and the adrenal cortex and an antagonist for the thyroid and parathyroid glands; stimulates puberty.

The pituitary gland is a complex intrasecretory organ that secretes a number of hormones (sex hormones, hormones that affect growth, metabolism, blood pressure, diuresis, etc.). Hyperfunction of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland entails increased growth either of the entire body - gigantism, or (at the end of the growth period) of the distal parts of the body - acromegaly is a complex intrasecretory organ that secretes a number of hormones (sex hormones, hormones affecting growth, metabolism, blood pressure, diuresis, etc.). Hyperfunction of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland entails increased growth either of the whole body - gigantism, or (at the end of the growth period) of the distal parts of the body - acromegaly; its hypofunction causes growth retardation (dwarfism) and sexual development, metabolic disorders; hypofunction of the posterior lobe is associated with a disorder of water metabolism - diabetes insipidus.

The pineal gland inhibits the functions of the endocrine glands that determine puberty, i.e., the reproductive glands, the thyroid gland, the pituitary gland, the adrenal cortex and the goiter; therefore, an increase in its activity leads to a delay, and a decrease leads to an acceleration of puberty.

Adrenal medulla(hormone - adrenaline) increases the excitability of the sympathetic nervous system, constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure; with hyperfunction - arterial hypertension, with hypofunction - symptoms of so-called Addisonism.

Adrenal cortex(hormone - pictures) increases the excitability of the parasympathetic nervous system and lowers arterial blood pressure; has a stimulating effect on physical development, development of genital organs and secondary sexual characteristics.

Pancreas, on the one hand, regulates carbohydrate metabolism(hormone - insulin), and on the other hand, lowers and regulates blood pressure (hormone - kallikrein); An increase in metabolic function leads to obesity, a decrease leads to diabetes mellitus.

The gonads influence specifically sexual development, determining sex, in a stimulating manner - on metabolism, increasing it, and in a tonic manner - on nervous system, exciting her.

Individual endocrine glands, with all their complexity, are only parts of a single whole, parts of a complex endocrine system. Their connection with each other within this system is revealed, on the one hand, in their final effect on the working organ in the sense of their influence in one direction - synergism, or in opposite directions - antagonism; on the other hand, in the direct influence of one gland on another in the sense of mutual excitation or inhibition. Special significance Among other endocrine glands, it belongs to the pituitary gland. Besides large quantity and the variety of hormones it produces, in addition to its close anatomical and functional connection with the brain and, in particular, with the higher vegetative centers, it stands out due to the fact that it, as is now becoming more and more clear, produces a number of special hormones that stimulate the function of other endocrine glands.

Symptoms of diseases of the endocrine system
Signs endocrine disorders are very numerous, can be sharply expressed and affect all or almost all areas and functions of the human body.

The age, gender and constitutional type of an individual are under the control of his endocrine system; it also significantly affects the metabolic functions of the autonomic and central nervous systems, and through them all other vital functions.

Age signs. The natural course of age-related changes in the body can be dramatically disrupted under the influence of internal secretion disorders from one or more endocrine glands. Thus, puberty can occur much earlier than usual - premature puberty (pubertas praecox), starting, for example, from 2-3 years of age. This phenomenon is observed most often with tumors of the gonads or adrenal cortex. After the tumor is removed, all phenomena develop back. There are also cases of premature aging (senilitas praecox), when all the signs of old age develop already at a young and even adolescent age. The basis of this phenomenon is, in all likelihood, multiple insufficiency of the endocrine glands, mainly the thyroid, anterior pituitary gland and adrenal cortex. Lag in general development organism, characterized by delayed growth, puberty and mental development, which do not correspond to the average degree of development for a given age, is called sexual infantilism (lat. infantilis - childish). The latter may have different pathogenesis. Of the endocrine forms of infantilism, the most famous are thyroid and genital - due to insufficient function of the corresponding glands, and pluriglandular, associated with dysfunction of many glands.

Sexual characteristics. In the sexual differentiation of the body and the development of secondary sexual characteristics, the leading role belongs to the gonads. A decrease or loss of their function entails the development of a special - eunuchoid - type of body structure, which is characterized by increased growth in the length of the upper and lower limbs, in men - the female nature of the pelvis, the absence of body hair, the deposition of subcutaneous fat along female type and underdevelopment of the genital organs (eunuchoidism - from eunuchus - castrato).

Here we can also mention virilism (vir - man), i.e. the replacement of some female sexual characteristics with male ones in women: hairiness appears male type, deepening of the voice, male body shapes. IN mild degree this symptom is often observed in menopause; in more pronounced cases (growth of mustache, beard, abundant growth hair on the body, etc.) the cause is usually a tumor of the gonads or adrenal cortex. The opposite phenomenon is feminism (femina - woman), i.e. the presence in a man of a number of feminine traits, as a manifestation of insufficient sexual differentiation, is caused by pluriglandular intrasecretory disorder.

Constitutional features. The endocrine glands have a very great influence on the development of growth and differentiation of the body, on the level and course of metabolic processes, on the excitability and tone of the nervous system. This influence is especially clear in cases of endocrine diseases. Therefore, it is natural that the individual characteristics of the functioning of individual parts of the endocrine system, even under physiological conditions, play, along with the influence of the external environment, a large role in the formation of the body in general and its constitutional and individual characteristics in particular. Already the normal constitutional appearance of each person bears traces of the influence of the main endocrine glands, and from these traces one can to a certain extent imagine their relationship, i.e. the so-called endocrine formula. If the normosthenic type is an example of more or less stable balance and harmony in general, then it appears the same from the point of view of the endocrine formula. The hypersthenic and asthenic types, characterized by opposite features, also give endocrine formulas of the opposite direction. In fact, if we compare the characteristic morphological and functional features of the hypedsthenic and asthenic types of a person with the usual effect of certain hormonal effects on the body, then it is not difficult to see that the general endocrine formula of these two constitutional types in relation to the 4 most important endocrine glands (thyroid, pituitary gland, adrenal glands) and gonads) develops as follows. In individuals of the hypersthenic type, the thyroid gland and cerebral appendage are located in comparison with average norm in a state of some, but not yet completely physiological, decrease in function, and the adrenal glands and gonads are in a state of the same increase in function. On the contrary, asthenics, as a rule, have relatively increased function thyroid gland and pituitary gland and reduced function adrenal glands and gonads. The most constant and characteristic member of this formula is the thyroid gland; The second place is occupied by the pituitary gland. The role of the adrenal glands and gonads is less constant and less pronounced. But in individual cases, each of these glands can, due to certain conditions, acquire a predominant influence and thereby leave its more or less characteristic imprint on the entire organism.

This “endocrine formula” of two extreme constitutional types is, of course, a very rough diagram of the very complex relationship between the constitution of the body and its internal secretion. This formula emphasizes only the well-known influence of the endocrine system on the structure and functions of the body, outlines some correlation in this sense and provides a kind of outline for further more detailed observations in this direction.

Signs associated with growth. Human growth is undoubtedly greatly influenced by the endocrine glands. Latest in to a large extent determines individual fluctuations within physiological norm(139-195 cm) and pathological deviations beyond its limits. The growth processes are mainly influenced by the cerebral appendage and the thyroid gland, while the gonads and thymus glands have a retarding effect. In pathological cases, gigantic height (more than 195 cm) depends either on hyperfunction of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (acromegalic gigantism), or on loss of function of the gonads and a secondary increase in the function of the pituitary gland (eunuchoid gigantism). Dwarf stature (less than 135 cm) can have a varied pathogenesis and is divided into two large groups: proportional and disproportionate dwarf growth. Of the endocrine-related forms of dwarf growth, the most clearly defined are the pituitary form (preservation of childish body proportions, underdevelopment of the reproductive apparatus, absence of secondary sexual characteristics and a psyche corresponding to age) and the thyroidogenic form (the same general picture, but in the presence of myxedema and severe retardation). mental development, to the point of complete idiocy). Both of them are associated with loss of the corresponding intrasecretory function.

Signs associated with metabolic disorders. A number of signs of impaired metabolism originate in disorders of internal secretion and therefore should prompt the doctor to carefully examine the state of the endocrine apparatus. Thus, obesity may depend on hypofunction of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland (anterior lobe) or gonads and, to a certain extent, on hyperfunction of the pancreas and adrenal glands. Weight loss, on the contrary, may be due to hyperfunction of the thyroid gland or loss of function of the pituitary gland [Simmonds disease] and the insular apparatus (diabetes).

Hyperglycemia and glycosuria should suggest hypofunction of the pancreas or hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland and adrenal medulla. Hypercalcemia may indicate hyperfunction of the parathyroid glands; hypocalcemia - on their hypofunction. Polyuria may be a symptom of hypofunction of the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Skin hyperpigmentation is one of the characteristic features hypofunction of the adrenal glands.

Autonomic nervous symptoms. Between endocrine and autonomic nervous systems There are very close relationships, and all endocrine glands can be schematically divided into two groups: the group of sympathicotropic glands and the group of parasympathicotropic glands. The first belongs to the thyroid gland, brain part adrenal gland, pituitary gland - they excite the sympathetic nervous system, causing symptoms of sympathicotonia; The second group includes the thymus gland, pancreas, adrenal cortex, gonads: they tone the parasympathetic nervous system, contributing to the development of vagotonic symptoms.

Methods for diagnosing diseases of the endocrine system
Questioning. When questioning an endocrine patient, in addition to achieving the usual goals, i.e., identifying his complaints and their underlying functional disorders and obtaining all kinds of anamnestic data,” it is necessary to pay special attention to the patient’s state of mind, his emotionality and other manifestations of temperament, on the one hand, and to hereditary and family history, on the other.

The first is necessary because internal secretion has a direct bearing on temperament and psyche, and its disturbances can have an equal impact on them. So, for example, with hyperthyroidism, one can easily note the excited state, anxiety and haste of patients, which is reflected in the very nature of the lively, rapid and stumbling speech of the Bazedovians. Patients with hypothyroidism (myxedema) present the complete opposite; apathy, undisturbed calm, lethargy and slowness, which is clearly manifested in the monotonous and drawling speech of myxedematics, whose voice is often hoarse.

Mental retardation and its degree with infantilism, cretinism, etc. are also easily determined by questioning.

Hereditary and family history of endocrine diseases important because hereditary factor in their pathogenesis it is sometimes important.

Page 1 - 1 of 2
Home | Prev. | 1 |