Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid becomes overactive, it occurs when the thyroid gland secretes too much thyroid hormone. This can lead number of symptoms, including:
- Weight loss, even with a normal or increased appetite
- Increased sweating (hyperhidrosis) and feeling hot.
- Racing or irregular heart rate (palpitation).
- Hand tremors
- Anxiety, nervousness, and irritability
- Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
- Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) or thyroid nodules
- Hair loss
- Nail changes (thickness or flaking)
- Sleep difficulty
Hyperthyroidism can affect any gender, but it’s more common in females, it typically occurs between the ages of 20 and 40. If not treated, hyperthyroidism can lead to serious problems with the heart, muscles, bones, menstrual cycle, and fertility.
Treatment for hyperthyroidism depends on the cause and severity of symptoms and may include: Antithyroid medicines, Radioactive iodine, and Surgery to remove the thyroid.
Eating well, exercising, and avoiding smoking can help reduce the risk of developing hyperthyroidism.
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck.
The thyroid gland produces two main hormones: thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3). These thyroid hormones affect different parts of the body. Thyroid hormones maintain the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. They help to maintain body temperature. These hormones affect heart rate. And they also help control how much protein the body makes.
Graves’ disease. It is an autoimmune disorder that causes high production of thyroid hormone (T-3 and T-4) from the thyroid gland due to an immune system attack on its gland and make thyroid hyper secretive.
Overactive thyroid nodules– there are some conditions like toxic adenoma, toxic multinodular goiter, and Plummer disease which cause overactive thyroid.
Thyroiditis– This is an inflammatory condition of the thyroid gland, in which the gland makes too many hormones.
- Risk factors for hyperthyroidism include:
- A family history of thyroid disease, particularly Graves’ disease.
- A personal history of certain chronic illnesses, including pernicious anemia and primary adrenal insufficiency.
- A recent pregnancy, which raises the risk of developing thyroiditis
Complication:
- Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke.
- Congestive heart failure
Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to weak, brittle bones. This condition is called osteoporosis.
Graves’ dermopathy
thyroid eye disease includes:
- Bulging of eyes.
- Gritty sensation in the eyes.
- Pain in the eyes.
- Puffy or retracted eyelids.
- Redness or inflamed eyes.
- Light sensitivity.
Thyrotoxic crisis
This rare condition also is called thyroid storm. Hyperthyroidism raises the risk of a thyrotoxic crisis. It causes severe, sometimes life-threatening symptoms. It requires emergency medical care. Symptoms may include:
- Fever.
- Palpitation.
- Nausea & vomiting
- Diarrhea & dehydration
- Confusion.
- Delirium.
Blood tests. This test measures the hormones T-4 and T-3 and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, high level of T-4 and a low level of TSH can confirm a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism.
Radioiodine scan and uptake test– If the thyroid gland uptakes in a high amount of radioiodine, it means the thyroid gland is making too much thyroid hormone.
Thyroid ultrasound– can see the shape and size of the thyroid gland.
Treatment
Anti-thyroid drugs include methimazole, carbimazole, and propylthiouracil. It’s taking several weeks to months to improve symptoms.
Beta-blockers– don’t affect thyroid hormone levels. However beta-blockers can improve symptoms of hyperthyroidism, like tremors, rapid heart rate, and palpitations.
Radioiodine therapy– The thyroid gland uptakes radioiodine, this lead to causes the gland to shrink.
Thyroidectomy– This is surgery to remove different parts of the thyroid gland.