The doctor called the signs of thyroid disorders

In the spring, many people experience drowsiness, weakness and a feeling of exhaustion, attributing this to seasonal fatigue. However, such symptoms may be associated not only with the body's reaction to winter, but also with thyroid disorders. Lyubov Stankevich, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Director of Laboratory Medicine at LabQuest, explained to Izvestia on April 15 how to distinguish them.

"From a physiological point of view, spring fatigue is often caused by accumulated deficits over the winter: lack of sleep, sunlight, vitamins and proper nutrition. In addition, during this period, the body may be weakened after suffering acute respiratory viral infections and exacerbation of chronic diseases. Against this background, even a healthy person develops weakness, drowsiness, and deterioration of skin, hair, and nails," the expert explained.

However, similar manifestations may be signs of endocrine disorders. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism and energy levels, so when its function decreases, apathy, fatigue, decreased performance, and weight gain occur. Such conditions are often perceived as ordinary fatigue, although they may indicate hypothyroidism.

The expert noted that the so-called endocrine depression is difficult to distinguish from seasonal depression in terms of well-being. In both cases, weakness, drowsiness, and decreased activity are observed. Laboratory tests of thyroid hormones are necessary for accurate diagnosis.

Special attention should be paid to unexplained weight changes. If the diet and the level of physical activity have not changed, but the body weight is increasing, this may be a reason for examination. At the same time, spring itself does not determine the change in appetite: the body's reactions may vary.

Stankevich stressed that thyroid disorders can persist for a long time and gradually worsen without treatment. If symptoms persist for several months, they should not be attributed solely to seasonal factors.

Thyroid diseases do not depend on the time of year, but in the spring they can become more noticeable due to the general weakening of the body. Thus, the season does not cause illness, but only helps to identify existing disorders.

The expert also warned that attempts to improve the condition on their own, for example by taking antidepressants, may be ineffective and even dangerous. It is important to identify the cause of the symptoms first, rather than eliminate their manifestations.

According to her, TSH testing alone is not enough for diagnosis. The basic examination should also include free T4 and antibodies to thyroid structures. This approach allows you to distinguish seasonal fatigue from thyroid dysfunction and take timely action.

Nutritionist at SM Clinic Alina Galkina explained on April 7 why the body sometimes resists weight loss. According to Galkina, one of the common reasons is an excessively strict diet with a serious calorie deficit.

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