Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) occurs when your thyroid gland produces too
much of the hormone thyroxine. This hormone maintain the rate at which body uses fats
and carbohydrates, help control your body temperature, influence your heart rate, and
help regulate the production of protein. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate your body's
metabolism, causing unintentional weight loss, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, more
frequent bowel movements, hand tremors.
Causes
A variety of conditions can cause hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease, an autoimmune
disorder, is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It causes antibodies to
stimulate the thyroid to secrete too much hormone.
Other causes of hyperthyroidism include:
excess iodine, a key ingredient in T4 and T3
thyroiditis, or inflammation of the thyroid, which causes T4 and T3 to leak
out of the gland into the bloodstream
tumors of the ovaries or testes
benign tumors of the thyroid or pituitary gland
large amounts of tetraiodothyronine taken through dietary supplements or
medication
Symptoms
Visibly, the thyroid gland itself can swell into a goiter, which can be either symmetrical
or one-sided. Your eyeballs may protrude beyond their normal protective orbits when
the tissues and muscles behind your eyes swell, which is a sign of exophthalmos, a
condition that’s related to Graves’ disease.
Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
increased appetite
Unintentional weight loss
Tremor (usually in hands)
Nervousness, anxiety
inability to concentrate
weakness
irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
Irregular heartbeat
sweating
difficulty sleeping
changes in menstrual patterns
fine, brittle hair (тонке, ламке)
increased sensitivity to heat
more frequent bowel movements
itching
Skin thinning
hair loss
nausea and vomiting
breast development in men
Hyperthyroidism can also cause atrial fibrillation, a dangerous arrhythmia that can
lead to strokes, as well as congestive heart failure.
Diagnostic
Physical exam on commons sings of hyperthyroidism.
Cholesterol test ( to check cholesterol levels, low cholesterol can be a sign of
elevated metabolic rate, in which the body is burning cholesterol quickly).
Blood test for T4, T3, TSH levels.
Ultrasound, CT or MRI scans
Treatment
Antithyroid medications, such as methimazole (Tapazole), stop the thyroid from
making hormones.
Radioactive iodine effectively destroys the cells that produce hormones.
Surgery (removal of section or all of thyroid gland). You will then have to take
thyroid hormone supplements to prevent hypothyroidism
Beta-blockers such as propranolol can help control your rapid pulse,
sweating, anxiety, and high blood pressure.
Prevention (to improve symptoms)
Eating a proper diet, with a focus on calcium and sodium, is important, especially in
preventing hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can also cause your bones to become
weak and thin, which can lead to osteoporosis. Taking vitamin D and calcium
supplements during and after treatment can help strengthen your bones.
