What is hyperthyroidism and how to treat it

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

If everything falls out of your hands, it may be the thyroid gland.

What is hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too many hormones - thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

In women, hyperthyroidism occurs 10 times more often than Overactive thyroid (Hyperthyroidism) than in men. The disease usually begins between the ages of 20 and 40.

The metabolic rate depends on these hormones (they are called thyroid, from the Latin thyreoidea - "thyroid gland"). And in this case, the legendary "fast metabolism", which millions of those who lose weight dream of, is a real thing. And extremely harmful.

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism

Due to the overactive work of the thyroid gland, the body literally goes crazy: the processes inside it are accelerated, they begin to flow unevenly, in jumps. Hence the common symptoms of Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) hyperthyroidism.

• Weight loss. A person loses weight without putting any effort into it.
• Increased appetite.
• Accelerated heartbeat. Those who suffer from hyperthyroidism often experience tachycardia - a pulse of more than 100 beats per minute at rest.
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
• Increased intestinal motility. Food does not have time to properly digest, the body pushes it out too quickly. Often this process is accompanied by gurgling in the stomach.
• Weakness, fatigue.
• Sensitive to heat. People with hyperthyroidism do not tolerate heat very well.
• Increased sweating.
• Nervousness, irritability, anxiety.
• Shaking hands (tremors). If you ask a person with hyperthyroidism to stretch out their fingers, they will not be able to hold back their tremors.
• Sleep problems. Most often, insomnia.
• Menstrual irregularities in women. Your periods become irregular: sometimes they come earlier than expected, and sometimes they are delayed for several weeks.
• Thinning, dry skin.
• Hair problems. They become thin, brittle, dull.
• Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter). Usually a goiter appears as a rounded "bump", a swelling at the base of the neck.

Why is hyperthyroidism dangerous?

First of all, the fact that other diseases, much more dangerous, can be hidden behind it. For example, unexplained weight loss is not always associated with an excess of thyroid hormones: it can also be a sign of cancer that develops in another organ. Therefore, if you suspect hyperthyroidism, it is extremely important to undergo additional examinations in order to clarify the diagnosis.

In addition, an overactive thyroid gland, if left untreated, can lead to complications. Here are some Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) ones.

• Cardiovascular disorders, up to heart failure and heart attack.
• Brittle bones. Due to an excess of thyroid hormones, calcium is less well absorbed.
• Vision problems. This happens when the hyperthyroidism is caused by an autoimmune disorder. Another side effect of these is the so-called Graves' ophthalmopathy: the eyes turn red, swell, become bulging, photophobia arises, and vision deteriorates. If you start this state, a person can go blind altogether.
• Thyrotoxic crisis. This is the name for a sharp and noticeable jump in the level of thyroid hormones, which leads to an increase in temperature, an increase in pulse rate, dizziness, and impaired consciousness (delirium). This is an infrequent but dangerous condition in which you need to call an ambulance.

How to treat hyperthyroidism

If you have symptoms of hyperthyroidism, even if they are not too noticeable, see your doctor or endocrinologist as soon as possible. The doctor will ask you in detail about your well-being, conduct an examination and offer to take blood tests to establish the level of thyroid hormones T4 and T3, as well as the pituitary hormone (thyroid-stimulating hormone, TSH).

Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking a multivitamin supplement with biotin Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Diagnosis and Treatment (Vitamin B7): Because of these, a blood test can give a false result.

The pituitary gland regulates the thyroid gland. The classic sign of Hyperthyroidism is hyperthyroidism: T4 and T3 are at or above normal levels, and TSH is significantly lower. An abnormal decrease in the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone suggests that the body is trying with all its might to pacify, slow down the overly active thyroid gland, but does not cope with this task.

If the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is confirmed, the doctor will begin treatment. It can differ depending on your symptoms and overall health.

Taking antithyroid drugs

We are talking about drugs that prevent the thyroid gland from producing too many hormones. It will take at least a year to take them, but the symptoms of hyperthyroidism will go away sooner - usually a few weeks after you take the first pill.

However, medications have side effects and are not suitable for everyone.

Radioactive iodine therapy

It sounds a little creepy, but this method is effective: radioactive iodine quickly destroys thyroid cells that produce excess hormones.

According to the Hyperthyroidism of the American Thyroid Association, up to 70% of Americans with hyperthyroidism receive radioactive iodine therapy.

Hormone levels drop to normal within a few months. And the excess of radioactive iodine is completely removed from the body in a few weeks.

Removal of the thyroid gland or part of it

This surgery is called a thyroidectomy. It is prescribed when other treatments are unsafe or ineffective. For example, if you are pregnant or you are allergic to anti-thyroid medications and you are strongly against radioactive iodine. Or if the goiter has reached such a size that it interferes with breathing and swallowing.

The operation will relieve you of hyperthyroidism. However, because you will lose part of your thyroid gland, you will have to take synthetic thyroid hormone pills for the rest of your life.