Thyroid diseases are one of the most common endocrinological pathologies today. Hormonal imbalances that cause symptoms such as fatigue, memory impairment, swelling and weight gain can lead patients to completely different specialists, including estheticians.
When such complaints are detected, a dermatocosmetologist may suspect and identify a pathological process in the patient in the thyroid gland.
In an exclusive interview for estet-portal.com, a therapist and cosmetologist Tatyana Matveeva shared important information about hypothyroidism that every specialist needs, and told in what situations we should refuse a patient to undergo cosmetic procedures so as not to harm his health.
What characteristic features can be suspected of hypothyroidism in a patient?
Т.М. Most often, we can suspect hypothyroidism in a patient who complains of swelling, decreased performance and memory impairment. Often the patient says that he wakes up in the morning without getting enough sleep, although he has a sufficient number of hours of sleep. Initially, a person may not attach any importance to these complaints at all. He often explains his fatigue and memory impairment by working hard and not resting enough.
In addition, these patients experience unmotivated weight gain and swelling. Very characteristic of hypothyroidism is such a symptom as swelling of the fingers in the morning. If we detect such complaints – it is imperative to explain to the patient that his symptoms may be associated with a decrease in the function of the thyroid gland, which is responsible for all metabolic processes in the body.
Complications of hypothyroidism that pose a threat to the patient's life
When metabolism slows down, energy production decreases. In this case, the patient feels constant fatigue, increased fatigue. With the same diet as before, weight gain may be observed. The patient is trying to replenish the energy resource by taking easily digestible carbohydrates - sweets, sweets, flour. The result of this is constant weight gain. Therefore, it is very important to convey to the patient that he needs to check the function of the thyroid gland.
What tests do you prescribe to the patient to confirm the diagnosis?
T.M. In our practice, we often come across the fact that patients come to us after an ultrasound examination and they say that everything is fine with their thyroid gland, because according to the results ultrasound examination of the pathology was not detected.
Ultrasound examination is not an indicator of the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Even in the absence of changes in the tissue of the thyroid gland, we may encounter changes in hormonal levels.
Like the discovery of a node in the thyroid gland, it will not mean that its function will be impaired. That is why we must send the patient for blood tests: thyroid hormones, namely, free T3 and T4, TSH - thyroid-stimulating hormone, and antibodies - ATTH.
What are the types of hypothyroidism
T.M. Hypothyroidism can be primary or secondary. Primary hypothyroidism – this is when there is a problem in the thyroid gland itself, and in secondary hypothyroidism - a problem in the organ that controls it. Primary hypothyroidism can occur as a result of inflammatory processes leading to a decrease in thyroid function, autoimmune lesions, and also after resection of the thyroid gland.
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There are also primary congenital anomalies of the gland itself. And the cause of secondary hypothyroidism can be a problem at the level of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, or a long-term use of Mercazolil – a drug that suppresses the thyroid gland. That is why, you need to check both thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormones. In addition, the work of the thyroid gland is always closely related to the work of the parathyroid glands.
The physiological significance of the parathyroid gland lies in the secretion of parathyroid hormone, which regulates the level of calcium in the body. A normal level of calcium is necessary not only to maintain the normal state of the skeletal system, but also for the nervous and motor systems to function normally.
Thus, when I refer a patient for thyroid testing, it includes the following: thyroid ultrasound scan, and if a nodule is found – elastography to look at the characteristics of the nodule. As well as laboratory tests, including thyroid and parathyroid hormones, vitamin D3, parathyroid hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone and antibodies to thyroperoxidase (anti –TPO AT), ionized calcium.
Why is it important for cosmetologists to know about hypothyroidism and be able to suspect this pathology in a patient?
T.M. Hypothyroidism patients are a ticking time bomb for the beautician. They are hydrophilic, that is, they retain fluid in the body. By injecting such patients with hyaluronic acid, which we need in order to fill the skin with moisture or create additional volume, we may encounter situations such as long resorption of papules, as well as the occurrence of Tyndall's syndrome in the nasolacrimal trough 1.5-2 months after the procedure. .
Such patients should be screened for hypothyroidism. In the situation that has arisen, we, unfortunately, will not achieve anything using only diuretics, microcurrents and massages, without prescribing thyroid hormones and hyaluronidase. There are also situations where patients do not respond to procedures aimed at stimulating collagen synthesis.
Often, patients come to the beautician with complaints that there is swelling of the face, a sharp deterioration in the oval of the face, and a constantly tired look. All this can also indicate hypothyroidism, and it is the beautician who can be the first to suspect that a patient has hypothyroidism.
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If the cosmetologist can identify the pathology and send the patient to an endocrinologist – he will only thank him, because he will not waste precious time on finding out the reasons for feeling unwell.
Half of the patients turn to an endocrinologist already with an advanced form of hypothyroidism, as they underestimate the significance of their condition, attributing everything to their workload and lack of normal rest. But, a competent cosmetologist can insure the patient by double-checking him and referring him to an endocrinologist.
What drugs are used to treat hypothyroidism?
Т.М. Basic treatment for hypothyroidism – This is hormone replacement therapy. However, a cosmetologist does not have the right to select the dosage of hormones - this should only be done by a narrow specialist, a doctor – endocrinologist. Unfortunately, with the course of the disease, it is often necessary to increase the dose of the hormone. The intake of thyroid hormones is often accompanied by complaints of interruptions in the work of the heart, tachycardia.
In such cases, homeopathy and bioadditives are very helpful in relieving these symptoms. Sometimes with their help and without the use of hormones, it is possible to normalize the function of the thyroid gland, because there are drugs that increase the sensitivity of the receptors. But if the patient has been taking hormones for years – we can only influence the quality of his life, but not the abolition of the hormonal drug.
To reduce chronic fatigue syndrome, drugs with cytoprotective, antihypoxic, metabolic and antioxidant properties can be used.
What recommendations can you give for the prevention of hypothyroidism?
T.M. We live in a thyroid endemic area. Since schoolchildren are also at risk, already from school, at least once a year, it is necessary to check the hormones of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, and to do their ultrasound scan.
It is also important to eat foods with sufficient iodine and selenium, such as seaweed (contains iodine and 40 other vitamins and elements that protect against thyroid disease). Blueberries – the record holder for antioxidant content, it also helps to eliminate hormonal disruptions in the thyroid gland.
Nuts with honey - take 1 tablespoon of the mixture in the morning on an empty stomach. Useful for the thyroid gland and spinach. As well as multivitamins, especially in winter. It is very important for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland to get enough sleep (at least seven hours) and proper rest. It is also necessary to perform dosed physical activity, and then the risk of hypothyroidism will be significantly reduced.
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