What is Hyperthyroidism?
The
thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the
neck below your Adam’s apple. It produces tetraiodothyronine (T4) and
triiodothyronine (T3), two hormones which control how your cells use energy.
The process by which cells use energy is called metabolism.
Hyperthyroidism
occurs when too much T4 and/or T3 is produced. Proper diagnosis and treatment
of the underlying cause relieves symptoms and prevents complications.
Hyperthyroidism can run in families. Make sure to tell your doctor if there is
a family history of the condition.
A
variety of conditions can cause hyperthyroidism. Graves' disease (an
autoimmune disorder) is the most common. It occurs more often in women and
tends to run in families. In Graves' disease, antibodies stimulate the thyroid
to secrete too much hormone. Other causes of hyperthyroidism include:
-
excess iodine (iodine is needed to make T4 and T3)
-
inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis causes T4 and T3 to leak out of
the gland)
the gland)
-
tumors of the ovaries or testes
-
benign tumors of the thyroid or pituitary gland
-
taking large amounts of tetraiodothyronine (through dietary supplements or
medication)
medication)
What
are the Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism?
Symptoms
are related to the effects of excess thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones control
metabolism, so excessive amounts of T4 or T3 cause a metabolic rate that is too
high. This is called a hyper-metabolic state.
People
with hyperthyroidism typically have rapid heart rates, weight loss, and heat
intolerance. The thyroid gland can be visibly enlarged (goiter). You
can also have elevated blood pressure, nervousness, and hand tremors. You may
also sweat a lot, feel hungry and restless, and have difficulty concentrating.
Your bowel movements may be more frequent and women may have irregular
menstrual cycles. In Graves' disease, the eyes may appear quite prominent. This
symptom is called exophthalmos. Other symptoms include:
·
weakness
·
irregular
heartbeat
·
difficulty
sleeping
·
itching
·
hair
loss
·
nausea
and vomiting
·
breast
development in men
Hyperthyroidism
can also cause atrial fibrillation, a dangerous arrhythmia that can cause
strokes. Congestive
heart failure may also occur. Seek medical care immediately if
you notice dizziness,
shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, or fast irregular heart rate
How is Hyperthyroidism Diagnosed?
The first step is a complete history and physical exam. This can reveal
common symptoms, such as weight loss, rapid pulse, elevated blood pressure,
protruding eyes, and/or an enlarged thyroid gland (which can either appear
either symmetrical or one-sided).
Other tests may be performed to further evaluate your diagnosis. These
include:
Cholesterol Level
Test
Cholesterol levels vary with the
metabolic rate. The metabolic rate is the rate at which cells use energy. In
hyperthyroidism, cholesterol can be low due to the elevated metabolic rate.
T4 and T3RU (T3
Resin Uptake)Tests
These tests measure how much thyroid hormone is present in your blood.
TSH Level Test
TSH is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus that stimulates the thyroid gland to
produce thyroid hormone. When your thyroid hormone levels are normal or high,
TSH should not be elevated.
Triglyceride
Level Test
Reasons for low triglyceride levels are the same as for low cholesterol
levels.
Thyroid Scan and
Uptake
This allows your doctor to see if your thyroid is overactive. It can
also tell if the entire thyroid gland or just a single area of the gland is
causing the overactivity.
Ultrasound
A doctor can use ultrasound to measure the size of the entire thyroid
gland, and any masses within it. An ultrasound allows doctors to know if the mass is
solid or cystic.
Computed
Tomography (CT) Scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):
A CT or MRI of the head is done if a pituitary tumor is suspected.
Treatment of Hyperthyroidism
Medication
Antithyroid medications and radioactive iodine are treatment mainstays.
Antithyroid medications inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormone and
radioactive iodine effectively destroys the thyroid producing cells.
Methimazole (Tapazole) is an example of an antithyroid medication. However,
these medications can have severe side effects, such as low white blood cell
count.
Surgery
Sometimes, a portion or all of your thyroid gland may have to be
surgically removed. When this happens, thyroid hormone supplements must be
taken to prevent hypothyroidism.
Beta-blockers (propranolol) can help to control rapid pulse, sweating, anxiety, and blood pressure. Most
people respond well to this treatment. Your doctor may refer you to an
endocrinologist, a specialist in hyperthyroidism and other endocrine problems.
Treatment also is important to prevent thyroid storm or thyrotoxicosis
and other complications. Thyroid storm is a sudden worsening of symptoms as a
result of the release of large amounts of thyroid hormone. It can occur due to
stress or infections.
What you can do at Home to Improve Symptoms
Getting the proper amount of calories, calcium, and sodium during and
after treatment is important. A diet with too many calories can result in
weight gain or obesity. Talk with your doctor and
obtain healthy guidelines for your daily diet, nutritional supplements, and exercise.
Hyperthyroidism also can cause your bones to become thin (osteoporosis).
Taking vitamin D and calcium supplements during and after treatment can help
strengthen your bones.. Make sure to ask your doctor about how much daily
vitamin D and calcium is appropriate for you
Long-Term Outlook for Hyperthyroidism
The long-term outlook depends upon the cause. Some causes go away
without treatment. Others, like Graves' disease, get worse over time. Complications
of Graves' disease can be life threatening and affect quality of life for a
long time.
Source: http://www.healthline.com
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