Hyperthyroidism

In a normal and healthy body, the thyroid gland produces the exact amount of hormones required by the body. Hyperthyroidism is a condition which occurs when the thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland produces triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) hormones; these are mainly responsible for metabolism in the body. And either overproduction or underproduction of these hormones will result in complications. This condition develops slowly; hence the symptoms are mistaken for stress and general body weakness, especially in aged people.

The thyroid gland is located in the neck, and is shaped like a butterfly, with two wings and a part in between. It is found that women are more prone to hyperthyroidism than men, and the age where this condition is most common is between 20 and 50.

Cause –

Several diseases and conditions can contribute to hyperthyroidism such as –

Grave’s disease

Consuming excessive iodine

Intake of thyroid hormones

Thyroiditis – inflammation or infection of the thyroid gland

Toxic multinodular goiter

Toxic thyroid adenoma

Thyroid nodules found in the body

Grave’s disease is often the most common disease that is the cause of hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms –

Many people do not recognize these symptoms, and very often they are mistaken to be symptoms of aging, stress or other conditions. They most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include –

Weight loss

Hair loss

Weakness

Fatigue

Nervousness

Heat intolerance

Weakness of muscles

Goiter

Trouble falling asleep

Nausea

Lack of menstruation

Difficulty sleeping

Frequent bowel movements

Diarrhea

High blood pressure

Bulging of eyes

Increase in sweating

Jitteriness

Diagnosis –

Apart from a physical examination where the doctor checks the patient for certain symptoms such as goiter, excessive sweating, sudden weight loss, tremors etc, the doctor will also take a blood test to confirm the condition. The best method to find out if the patient has hyperthyroidism is by measuring the blood TSH level. This blood test will show if there is an abnormal increase in the T3 and T4 hormones.

Treatment –

Hyperthyroidism can be treated with the help of –

Antithyroid drugs

Radioactive iodine

Thyroid scan

Or by performing surgery to remove the thyroid gland.

By using antithyroid medications and radioactive iodine, the production of hormone is considerably slowed down. These options are usually very effective, which is why surgical treatment is rare. The treatment depends on how severe the symptoms are and other factors as well, such as the age of the patient, allergies, etc. The primary goal behind the treatment is to make sure the thyroid hormone is brought down to a normal level. Hence, taking care of any severe complications as well as relieving the present symptoms of the patient. It is important to note that the thyroid hormone level will not jump back to normal immediately; sometimes it may take months or even years. Consuming medicine is not the only way to treat thyroid, other factors such as a proper diet, adequate sleep and a healthy lifestyle are also required. The patient will find an immediate difference in the lifestyle as soon as the medications prescribed by the doctor are taken. It will make their life more comfortable and provide the needed relief.