Every woman throughout her life repeatedly encounters a prejudiced attitude towards changes in her condition. Physical ailments and health problems are attributed to characteristics of the “weaker sex”; sudden mood swings are at best PMS, or even typical female hysteria.
It is more difficult for a woman than for a man to take seriously seemingly insignificant symptoms: nervousness of the heart and shortness of breath, anxiety and irritability, sensitivity to emotional downturns and the psychosomatic expression of anxiety in the form of migraines, pressure changes and dizziness.
Neither female hormones nor innate emotionality have anything to do with it. Most often, these “minor little things” are a sign of VSD, a disease that currently affects more than half of the world’s population, regardless of age and gender. What is vegetative-vascular dystonia and how is it dangerous? Symptoms and treatment in women may differ in some ways from children, adolescents and men, as well as its course.
The principle of operation of the vegetative system
The autonomic nervous system is responsible for the functioning of all internal organs. It consists of 2 departments: sympathetic and parasympathetic. Both departments perform exactly opposite functions, that is, they are antagonists. If one department strengthens the work of some internal organ, then the other weakens it. Each organ is figuratively “attached” to a nerve, through which sympathetic and parasympathetic innervations are carried out. To make it easier to understand how the autonomic system works, you can imagine a car that has gas and brake pedals.
The sympathetic department plays the role of the gas pedal, and the parasympathetic department acts as the brake. Which department will turn on at one time or another is decided by the psyche. If she perceives external circumstances as threatening, then the sympathetic department turns on, and all internal organs work in enhanced mode. The muscles are the first to tense, the heart begins to beat faster, sweating increases, blood pressure rises, metabolic processes and respiratory function increase. Some people may experience a fever of up to 37-37.3°C.
If the parasympathetic department of the autonomic system is turned on, then all processes slow down. This is why people with VSD experience different symptoms. Much depends on which department is activated during certain events. In this case, the emotions experienced by a person play an important role. Negative emotions cause anxiety, tension and the appearance of bodily symptoms, which therapists attribute to the manifestation of VSD.
The concept of “dystonia” is not particularly clear to the average person, so such a diagnosis can be cause for concern. In fact, the prefix “dis” indicates a change or failure in the tone of the autonomic system. But failure does not imply pathology. This is only a temporary change in the functioning of the autonomic system under the influence of certain circumstances. Such disorders are treated by a psychotherapist, since in this situation it is important to normalize the psycho-emotional state of the woman.
Drugs for vegetative-vascular dystonia in women
Treatment of VSD in women should primarily be based on taking sedatives that will suppress excessive emotional overexcitation. Many may consider valerian, which has long been considered a harmless sedative, to be the No. 1 medicine. It can be in drops and tablets. But not everyone is satisfied with this treatment option, because its effect is mild.
Valerian tablets
Many women experience a severe stage of VSD, when such a drug is simply not able to reduce the excitability of the nervous system.
Important! In severe cases, doctors focus attention in three directions at once - prescribing psychotropic, cardiological and restorative drugs.
The medicinal way to solve a functional disorder is considered one of the most reliable, since sometimes a simple change in diet, rest and work patterns does not give a woman the expected results. Most often, doctors prescribe the following types of drugs:
- Sedatives (Persen, Novopassit).
- Antiarrhythmic drugs (Corvalment).
- Antidepressants (Azafen).
- Potassium-based drugs to strengthen blood vessels.
- Beta-blockers (Anaprilin).
- Tranquilizers (Nozepam).
- Vitamin preparations (Magne B-6).
- Vasodilators.
If the prescribed therapy for VSD does not help, then it is necessary to conduct a repeated detailed examination of the internal organs and systems.
Description of the causes of autonomic disorders
The causes of vegetative-vascular dystonia can be caused by neurological, physical and mental diseases. Since the autonomic system is part of the nervous system, neurological diseases can often manifest as autonomic failure syndrome. Such violations are associated with:
- brain injury;
- intoxication due to alcoholism;
- neuroinfection.
With such problems, a woman may experience palpitations, surges in blood pressure, sweating, fainting, dizziness, weakness and lethargy. Another important factor in the formation of autonomic disorders are such physical diseases as:
- thyrotoxicosis;
- pathologies of the adrenal glands;
- endocrine disorders.
Often, diseases of the thyroid gland involve the autonomic nervous system in the pathological process. Experts say that any somatic or infectious disease, depleting the body, can cause a vegetative crisis with the manifestation of certain symptoms. Mental disorders such as depression, neurosis, panic attacks are the 3rd cause of disruption of the autonomic system.
In addition to these diseases, vascular dystonia can be provoked by:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- severe allergic reactions with intoxication;
- brain hypoxia;
- heredity;
- anxious and suspicious character of a woman.
Therefore, before making a diagnosis, it is necessary to do a complete examination. Before starting treatment, it is necessary to exclude physical pathologies. If doctors do not find serious physical illnesses, then most likely the symptoms of VSD are provoked by an anxiety disorder. Treatment of vegetative-vascular dysfunction is prescribed in accordance with the diagnostic results obtained. To make a diagnosis, you need to visit a neurologist, endocrinologist and psychotherapist.
How the disorder manifests itself: main symptoms
The disease may manifest itself as a deterioration in appetite.
Signs of VSD can be mistaken for a manifestation of any disease. Depending on which system is affected by dystonia, the following symptoms of pathology are distinguished:
- changes in blood pressure;
- rapid heartbeat;
- shortness of breath, suffocation;
- decreased appetite;
- stomach ache;
- nausea, vomiting;
- bowel dysfunction;
- frequent urge to urinate;
- nagging pain in the lower abdomen;
- headaches and dizziness;
- periodic increase in temperature;
- alternating attacks of chills and fever;
- intense sweating regardless of ambient temperature and physical activity.
Features of VSD on critical days
The monthly cycle is divided into two phases depending on which hormone is more actively produced. The synthesis of biological substances occurs under the control of the nervous and endocrine systems, and the genital organs. The load on these systems negatively affects a woman’s well-being. Pain appears in the head, stomach and back, digestion is disrupted, and weakness occurs. Several days before and after the start of a new cycle, irritability, apathy, nausea, and sleep disturbances are observed.
VSD and pregnancy
If a woman preparing to become a mother exhibits signs of autonomic dysfunction, she should consult a doctor. Under the mask of dystonia there may be a disease that is dangerous for mother and baby.
During pregnancy, a kind of “debut” of the disease may occur.
While carrying a child, the female body experiences severe stress. During this period, autonomic dysfunction may appear for the first time, and if the pathology was diagnosed earlier, then the manifestations of VSD become brighter. Depending on which system is under pressure, the following symptoms occur:
- blood pressure surges;
- heart rhythm disturbance;
- shortness of breath, coughing;
- inability to take a deep breath;
- loss of appetite or constant feeling of hunger;
- nausea, flatulence, constipation;
- irritability, tearfulness, mood swings;
- feeling of a lump in the throat;
- panic attacks, fear of death;
- frequent urge to urinate.
Manifestations of dystonia in thirty-year-olds
It is believed that at the age of 30 a person evaluates his achievements and compares them with his dreams. A midlife crisis sets in, which for some begins at 25 or 40 years old. If at the same time a woman experiences disappointment and suffers from unfulfillment, the following symptoms of worsening VSD appear:
A depression can be a manifestation of a woman’s unfulfillment in life.
- pain in the head and heart;
- blood pressure changes;
- feeling of a lump in the throat;
- intense sweating;
- suffocation;
- feeling of heat followed by chills;
- weakness;
- depression.
Description of the symptoms of VSD
Vegetative-vascular dystonia is manifested by painful symptoms that not only worsen the quality of life, but sometimes completely paralyze the patient’s movement. This is especially true in cases where the impairment is related to an anxiety disorder. Phobias, fear and tension of various muscle groups cause a number of unpleasant manifestations that increase anxiety. Signs of vegetative-vascular disorders can be recognized in the presence of:
- tachycardia (rapid heartbeat);
- pain in the heart area or the entire chest;
- frequent urination;
- irritable bowel syndrome;
- difficulty breathing (feeling of incomplete inhalation and exhalation);
- tinnitus;
- dizziness;
- low-grade fever;
- fainting states;
- derealization and depersonalization;
- high blood pressure during panic;
- hypotension;
- numbness of the limbs for no reason;
- extrasystoles (interruptions in heart function);
- dry mouth;
- nausea and vomiting of unknown origin;
- eating disorders;
- weight loss;
- increased sweating;
- insomnia;
- irritability;
- anxiety and unreasonable fear;
- depression.
Similar symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia are often observed in other diseases, therefore, in addition to collecting complaints, a diagnosis of the cardiovascular system is carried out at a face-to-face appointment. The necessary examination includes ultrasound of the heart or 24-hour monitoring (Holter), blood pressure monitoring, MRI or CT scan of individual areas of the spine.
Physiotherapy
To improve the condition of dystonia, physiotherapy is often prescribed:
- electrosleep - the central nervous system is affected by low-frequency pulsed current. The procedure has a sedative, antispasmodic and secretory (release of biologically active substances into the blood) effect. The duration of the procedure is 20-40 minutes, the course is usually prescribed for 15-20 sessions, followed by repetition after 2-3 months;
- electrophoresis - with this procedure for VSD, sedative drugs are administered subcutaneously, due to the fact that they disintegrate into ions under the influence of current. As a rule, 10-15 procedures lasting 12-13 minutes are prescribed during treatment. As a result, during the session the patient receives a relaxing, vasodilating and calming effect;
- water procedures - these can be pine-salt and radon baths, fan and circular showers. As a rule, such treatment can be obtained in various sanatoriums and boarding houses, where these procedures are prescribed for 7-8 days for 15-20 minutes. At home, you can also take relaxing pine baths and do contrast procedures using a shower. Such water manipulations have a beneficial effect on vascular tone, improve blood flow, and reduce fatigue;
- massage – to alleviate the symptoms of dystonia and increase overall tone, a massage of the collar area is usually prescribed, which relieves muscle tension and helps to relax. Massage is carried out in courses of 10-12 sessions several times a year.
All these procedures stimulate the nervous system and have a beneficial effect on its condition.
Treatment of VSD with medications
Treatment of autonomic disorders with medications is carried out under the supervision of a physician. For diseases of the thyroid gland, medications are prescribed to regulate the production of necessary hormones. The female body requires hormonal correction during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Medicines taken in such situations help eliminate unpleasant symptoms partially or completely. For neurological diseases, treatment can last for months. Medicines prescribed by a neurologist must be taken strictly according to the schedule, adhering to the prescribed dosage.
Since a neurotic disorder is most often hidden under the guise of VSD, a psychotherapist should treat the woman. Comprehensive therapy for anxiety disorder includes:
- taking medications (antidepressants and tranquilizers);
- psychotherapy;
- physiotherapeutic procedures;
- playing sports;
- lifestyle changes;
- proper nutrition;
- correction of sleep patterns;
- complete healthy rest;
- eliminating chronic stress.
The use of antidepressants and tranquilizers in treatment is carried out only in the most advanced cases. If anxiety, fear, or phobias have paralyzed a woman’s life, then psychotherapy alone is not enough. In the first months of treatment, acute symptoms are relieved with medication, after which a course of psychotherapy should be completed. Sometimes a vegetative-vascular crisis can only be stopped in a hospital setting.
With high blood pressure, tachycardia provoked by a panic attack, it is better to take the woman to the hospital. A course of treatment with medications can be completed at the PND (psychoneurological dispensary). But most often, therapy with antidepressants and tranquilizers is carried out on an outpatient basis. Self-treatment with these drugs is impossible, as they are sold by prescription.
Taking antidepressants in the first days can provoke an exacerbation of symptoms, so treatment begins with minimal doses and then increases. The course of treatment should last at least 6-8 months. The therapeutic effect occurs no earlier than 3-4 weeks from the start of administration. Antidepressants are prescribed in combination with tranquilizers.
Which doctor should I contact?
When a girl has her first attack of VSD, she begins to panic. It is difficult to calm down during the first attack, so not everyone knows how to help themselves. The main thing is to seek medical help.
Doctor's appointment
To diagnose the initial stage of development of VSD, the doctor needs to conduct an examination. Doctors prescribe an electrocardiogram, ultrasound of the thyroid gland or abdominal cavity. To begin the diagnostic process, the patient needs to see either a therapist or a neurologist.
For in-depth diagnosis, the attending physician can give a referral to see an endocrinologist or cardiologist. Additional consultations are appropriate if the patient has pathologies of internal organs. To make a diagnosis, your doctor may recommend blood and urine tests. An endocrinologist will definitely give you a referral for a blood test for thyroid hormones.
Prevention of autonomic disorders
To avoid autonomic disorders, it is necessary to monitor both physical and mental health. It is important for a woman to treat all infectious diseases in a timely manner. Often it is the infection that provokes diseases that lead to complications. Physical ailments affect a woman’s psycho-emotional state. Unpleasant symptoms can cause fear for life and health. And fear, anxiety and tension lead to neurotic disorders.
Do not abuse alcohol and junk food. Obesity, overweight, and intoxication cause disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system. Therefore, women working in an office should set aside time for exercise. Sometimes experts advise changing jobs to avoid prolonged stress. This applies to women with a labile nervous system. It is recommended to sleep at least 8 hours a day, and you need to go to bed and get up at the same time.
Diagnostics
Only a doctor can determine the cause of the developing clinical picture. Independent attempts to make a diagnosis lead to serious complications. The danger of VSD is that its manifestations are similar to the symptoms of various diseases. Differential diagnosis is required to exclude pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, heart, and excretory system. It is important to examine the state of the nervous system. For this purpose, electroencephalography is performed. To facilitate diagnosis, the patient should observe the symptoms that arise and determine what determines their manifestation.
