Hyperthyroidism Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Hyperthyroidism or hyperthyroid disease is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism is sometimes referred to as an overactive thyroid because the thyroid gland becomes so active that it can also increase in size. Hyperthyroidism is a serious disease because when left untreated it can lead to serious complications. The effects of hyperthyroidism include heart failure, osteoporosis, hypertension, and thyrotoxicosis which is a sudden worsening of hyperthyroidism symptoms triggered by stress or infection.
Hyperthyroidism is caused by several factors. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder wherein a person’s own immune system is attacking the thyroid gland. Graves’ disease affects women more often than men and is common in adults between the ages of 30 to 40. Tumors or nodules within the thyroid gland can sometimes stimulate the gland into producing more hormones than needed. Inflammation of the thyroid gland or thyroiditis can also result in hyperthyroid disease. Thyroiditis is often caused by a viral infection or it can be a complication from childbirth.
Some of the causes of hyperthyroidism can be prevented. One of the most common causes of hyperthyroidism in normal people is too much intake of iodine. Iodine stimulates the production of thyroid hormones and too much iodine from food and supplements can increase the level of thyroid hormones in the blood. Another preventable cause of hyperthyroidism is amiodarone. Amiodarone is a drug used to treat heart rhythm irregularities such as arrhythmia and tachycardia. The structure of amiodarone is similar to the thyroid hormone thyroxine and this can cause thyroid overactivity. Lastly, hypothyroidism patients can also suffer from hyperthyroidism when they overdose on their thyroid hormone supplements.
The symptoms of hyperthyroid disease are often easy to disregard because they can be mild and can easily be mistaken for stress or increased metabolism due to dieting and exercise. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism only get noticed once they become serious or severe. The most common hyperthyroidism symptoms include
- heart palpitations,
- heat intolerance or low sensitivity to heat,
- insomnia,
- breathlessness,
- fast heart rate,
- goiter,
- mood swings,
- increased bowel movements,
- excessive sweating or perspiration,
- tremors or fine shaking of the hands,
- nervousness, agitation, irritability or restlessness,
- inability to concentrate,
- increased appetite,
- fatigue,
- weight loss,
- amenorrhea or light menstrual periods, and
- hair loss.
In addition to looking for symptoms of hyperthyroidism, a doctor would perform several laboratory tests in order to make a definitive diagnosis of the disease. The tests would include iodine thyroid scans and blood tests to measure the thyroid hormone levels in the body.
Treatment for hyperthyroidism can commence once the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is established and the cause is determined. The type of treatment prescribed would depend on the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, cause of the disease, and the type of treatment that’s comfortable for the patient. There are 3 common treatments for hyperthyroidism.
- Antithyroid drugs. Antithyroid drugs are drugs that suppress the production of thyroid hormones. Antithyroid medications are usually given for mild to moderate cases of hyperthyroidism and treatment usually lasts for at least a year.
- Radioactive Iodine. Radioactive iodine is usually prescribed for people with moderate to severe hyperthyroidism. Radioactive iodine gradually destroys the thyroid gland and eventually cures hyperthyroidism. Since this treatment destroys the thyroid permanently, patients who go for this treatment would have to have thyroid replacement therapy for the rest of their lives.
- Surgery. The surgical treatment for hyperthyroidism is called thyroidectomy where a surgeon removes all or part of the thyroid gland. Surgery is a safe, effective and permanent cure for this disease, but can only be used for some patients. Patients’ with Graves’ disease and nodular goiter are ideal candidates for thyroidectomy.
Hyperthyroidism is a disease that can be prevented and cured. Armed with the right information and with the advice from doctor, you can be free from hyperthyroidism and its effects.
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