Subclinical hypothyroidism: do you always need hormone replacement therapy? A modern view of the problem

Abstract

Subclinical hypothyroidism is the initial stage of development of hypothyroidism, in which there are no clear clinical symptoms and there is a slow decline in thyroid function. It is known that subclinical hypothyroidism occurs in the population much more often than overt one, its prevalence depends on gender, age of patients and it is much more often diagnosed in elderly women. The literature review considers the effectiveness of the combined herbal preparation to improve the quality of life in hypothyroidism — Endomar, which contains 50 % of Potentilla alba, 25 % of Skutellaria baicalensis and 25 % of Rhodiola rosea. All three components of Endomar are synergistic in hypothyroidism. This multicomponent herbal product has a wide range of therapeutic properties and can be recommended for subclinical forms of thyroid hypofunction. Potentilla alba has been used in medical practice since ancient times. Biologically active components of Potentilla alba extract are flavonoids that regulate the permeability and elasticity of blood vessel walls, thereby neutralizing free radi-cals, phenolcarboxylic acids having antimutagenic and diuretic properties, saponin glycosides, which have a cardiotonic, neurotropic effect, hypocholesterolemic, adaptogenic, sedative action. Rhodiola rosea, an extract of the roots and rhizomes of this plant, is an adaptogen that increases the body’s resistance to stress, exhaustion, fatigue. Rhodiola rosea includes the following active substances: phenols and their derivatives aurol, salidroside; flavonoids: kaempferol, rhodiolin, rhodionin, rhodiosine, trace elements. Endomar includes Skutellaria baicalensis, which has unique properties. This plant contains flavonoid baicalin, which has a neuroprotective and neotropic effect, flavonoids scutellarin and vagonin that maintain normal vascular tone. In general, all components have an antioxidant, antispasmodic, antiinflammatory effect, they are also adaptogens and include trace elements such as magnesium, zinc, selenium.