As of: March 9, 2024, 6:08 p.m
By: Natalie Hull-Deichsel
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Detecting thyroid disease is actually not difficult based on blood values and an ultrasound.
However, those affected sometimes suffer from the symptoms for a long time until a diagnosis is made by a doctor.
The thyroid, with its crucial hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), is a vital gland in the human body.
If the hormones cannot be produced adequately due to an iodine deficiency, various symptoms occur, which are different for everyone: from hair loss and constipation to itching with reddened skin to depressive moods accompanied by severe fatigue.
The patient Anna G. (name changed by the editors) also suffered from extreme exhaustion and tiredness as a 17-year-old, which was not correctly interpreted, as she describes in an interview with
24vita.de
.
It was only through an unfortunate circumstance in the family that the now 32-year-old was discovered by chance that her thyroid was too small, which was an explanation for her stressful symptoms.
When the thyroid gland lacks hormones: “Relief that I'm not 'stupid',” the patient remembers
Exhaustion and tiredness are among the symptoms that can indicate an underactive thyroid.
(Symbolic image) © ocusfocus/Imago
“The biggest problem at school was the pressure to perform and my grades.
I generally found it difficult to concentrate and was often tired and lethargic.
Everyone always thought that I was just a mediocre student and even recommended that I switch from high school to secondary school." What the young woman didn't know at the time: her fatigue had a physical cause, which came from her thyroid.
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“During a routine examination, which was carried out on me due to the great psychological stress and panic attacks after the death of my aunt, the doctor accidentally saw on the ultrasound that my thyroid had simply grown very small,” continues Anna G.*.
The assumption was that the thyroid gland might not be producing enough thyroxine and that this could explain symptoms such as fatigue.
A blood test then provided certainty and the diagnosis: hypothyroidism.
Since then, the patient has been taking thyroxine tablets, which, according to current medical standards, are usually the drug of first choice if those affected suffer from a thyroid disease like Anna G.* or hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto's.
“When I got the medication, my grades improved significantly and I passed my Abitur with a grade of B.
It was an enormous relief to realize that I wasn't 'stupid', but that I was simply so physically limited by my hypothyroidism that I simply couldn't be better." The affected person now pays even more attention to her health and the right diet. That means little sugar and fat, regular vitamins and zinc, “then I feel fitter and more vital,” as the 32-year-old emphasizes.
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The fact that it still makes sense to take thyroid hormones is not only shown by her blood values - which are regularly checked by the doctor - but Anna G.* also notices it through errors in taking them: “I actually notice it quickly when I take my tablets don't take.
For example, I once forgot to take it with me on vacation, and after a few days I noticed a significant deterioration in my normal energy level.
I didn’t feel good at all.”
There are patient groups, especially older people, for whom long-term use of thyroxine for the thyroid is not recommended as it can lead to heart problems with atrial fibrillation.
Ultimately, how long thyroxine should be taken depends on the extent of the symptoms and the blood values.
The form in which therapy makes sense is decided in consultation with the treating doctor - gynecologist or endocrinologist.
Hypothyroidism: Symptoms as an indication of the disease
The following specific and non-specific signs may indicate thyroid disease:
Hair loss
Severe tiredness with difficulty concentrating
Depressive moods
Potency problems in men
Weight gain without changing eating habits
Low blood pressure
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.