Thyroid gland enlarged: causes and degrees

The thyroid gland is a kind of shield (which is reflected in the name), located under the larynx just in front of the trachea. This body is endowed with a number of important functions: it produces hormones and regulates metabolic processes in almost all cells. For optimal and trouble-free operation, iron needs a certain amount of iodine, vitamin A, cobalt, copper, zinc and other trace elements. These substances should not only be in the right amount to enter the body with food, but it is also good for them to digest.

The thyroid gland is enlarged: the causes

If the body produces an inappropriate amount of hormones, malfunctions begin in the functioning of the whole organism. This is accompanied by the fact that the thyroid gland grows in volume, that is, develops goiter. The fact that the thyroid gland is enlarged can be seen even visually, however, its increase as such is not a disease. Only in the event that there are failures in the work of the body, there is a need for treatment.

People living in areas where there is chronic shortage of iodine may grow thyroid. But at the same time, there are no violations in its functioning, so this increase is only a cosmetic problem. Nevertheless, residents of these areas still need to think about their diet, because the probability of developing glandular diseases in them is increased. When a person does not receive iodine for a long time with water and food in the right doses, there is a shortage of the main building material necessary for the production of hormones. The thyroid gland will be enlarged due to the fact that the pituitary gland actively stimulates it, and this causes tissue proliferation. Despite this, the level of hormones continues to fall, which is fraught with the development of hypothyroidism and all the ensuing consequences. But do not put yourself a diagnosis. This should be handled by an endocrinologist, he will also prescribe treatment if necessary.

Degrees of goiter development

The thyroid gland is enlarged to varying degrees. Classification of degrees is made, based on the severity of symptoms. So, with a zero degree of organ enlargement, one can not notice either visually or palpation. The first degree of goiter development is characterized by a slight increase in the thyroid gland volume, which can be detected by probing the neck at the time of swallowing. In the normal state, the changes are not noticeable. When the thyroid gland is enlarged to the second degree, visually the symptoms are already visible clearly even with the standard head position. The presented classification is not always in accordance with the severity of the state. In men, for example, with a sufficiently developed diffuse toxic goiter, the thyroid gland can be increased quite insignificantly.

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism

When the endocrine gland produces excess hormones, hyperthyroidism develops. At first, in the presence of such a state a person can even look more healthy and attractive than before. So, he becomes ruddy, noticeably thinner, it seems cheerful and energetic. It is explained by the growth of hormones in the blood. In the reverse state - hypothyroidism, characterized by a lack of hormones, the situation develops according to the reverse scenario: the metabolism slows down, weight increases, puffiness arises, and blood pressure rises. Doctors should conduct some studies and identify the reasons for which the thyroid gland is enlarged. What to do in order to normalize the size of the body, you can determine only after a full diagnosis.