Myxedema (hypothyroidism) is a disease of the thyroid gland characterized by a decrease in hormone production. Anyone can develop myxedema, but it most commonly affects women undergoing menopause.
Causes
The thyroid gland is the main regulator of the causes of myxedema. Myxedema can be primary, with causes including congenital disorders of thyroid function and acquired conditions throughout life. The latter includes trauma, tumors, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, iodine deficiency in the body, and surgical intervention. Secondary myxedema may be caused by a disruption in the connection between the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain.
Symptoms of Myxedema
Myxedema is characterized by swelling of the face, neck, and hands. Patients often exhibit a fixed facial expression and significant eyelid swelling. Skin changes lead to alterations in hair structure, hair loss, and brittle nails. Neck swelling affects the vocal cords, making the voice muffled and indistinct. Hypothyroidism is accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, chills, weakness, drowsiness, scattered attention, gastrointestinal disturbances, and loss of appetite. The disease is complicated by joint and muscle pain, as well as inflammatory processes on the surfaces of internal organs. Congenital myxedema is a cause of many pathologies in children.
Diagnosis of Myxedema in Israel
Diagnosis in Israel begins with testing the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. The patient is examined for the presence of pituitary hormones that facilitate the release of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. For this purpose, ultrasound and biopsy are performed. An important aspect of diagnosis is the exclusion of elephantiasis, Addison's disease, and Simmonds' disease.
Treatment of Myxedema in Israel
In Israel, myxedema is treated with hormone therapy aimed at stabilizing hormone production by the thyroid gland. The complexity of treatment lies in the fact that hormonal levels do not fully restore. Therefore, the patient must remain in the clinic under the supervision of an endocrinologist throughout the treatment course, and then undergo new examinations and hormone level adjustment therapy every six months. A preventive measure in the treatment of myxedema is the timely detection of disruptions in the release of thyroid hormones into the blood and the initiation of restorative treatment.