Let's discuss in this blog the disease caused due to excess thyroid hormone levels (Hyperthyroidism) in detail.
Hyperthyroidism also known as the overactive thyroid is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces an excess amount of thyroid hormone that disrupts metabolism and can lead to rapid heart rate, weight loss increased appetite, and anxiety It can be treated with antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, beta blockers and surgery.
What is Hyperthyroidism?
It is a condition in which your thyroid releases excess hormones than usual This is also called the overactive thyroid The main hormones your thyroid makes are the triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
What is the Role of the Thyroid Gland?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck region this organ can be found all over your body. The thyroid gland plays a big part in many of your body’s main functions, including:
- Regulates body temperature.
- Controlling your heart rate.
- Controls metabolism.
Difference Between Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism both are medical conditions that are related to the number of thyroid releases(Either high or low) depending upon the medical condition of a patient.
The word hyper means “High” So When you have hyperthyroidism, your thyroid is overactive and produces and releases too much thyroid hormone.
In the medical world, the prefix “hypo-” means “low” or “not enough.” When you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid is underactive and doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone that your body needs for normal body activity.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism?
There are many symptoms of hyperthyroidism, depending on the medical status and the extent to which it affects the body some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include:
- Fast heartbeat (palpitations).
- Nervousness(Feeling shaky).
- Weight loss.
- Increased hunger.
- Diarrhoea and frequent bowel movements.
- Blurry vision.
- Thin, warm and moist skin.
- Irregular periods.
- Intolerance to heat and excessive sweating.
- Sleep issues(Sleep apnea).
- Swelling and enlargement of the neck due to enlarged thyroid gland(goitre).
- Hair loss and change in texture(brittle).
- Bulging of the eyes (sign of Graves’ disease).
- Muscle weakness
Causes of Hyperthyroidism?
Medical conditions and situations that can cause hyperthyroidism include:
- Graves’ disease: It is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system attacks your thyroid which leads to excess release of thyroid hormone. Graves’ disease is a hereditary condition (passed down through a family). If a . It’s more common in people assigned female at birth than people assigned male at birth. It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, responsible for about 85% of cases.
- Thyroid nodules: It is a lump or growth of cells in your thyroid gland. That leads to the production of more hormones than your body needs which may lead to cancer in rare cases.
- Thyroiditis: Thyroiditis refers to the inflammation of your thyroid gland, which may be painful or painless. It may happen during the delivery of a baby (postpartum thyroiditis). Due to this condition, your thyroid may be unable to recover, which would lead to hypothyroidism.
- Excess iodine: Consuming too much hormone can lead your thyroid to produce more thyroid hormone which may lead to Hyperthyroidism. Iodine is a mineral that your thyroid uses to create thyroid hormones but excess hormone can affect the release of the thyroid hormone. Intravenous iodinated contrast (iodine “dye”) like Amiodarone may also cause hyperthyroidism.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your healthcare provider can diagnose hyperthyroidism in several ways, including:
- A physical exam of your neck to see if your thyroid is larger than normal.
- Blood tests to diagnose the exact condition.
- Imaging tests to get an enlarged 3D view of the thyroid.
Physical Exam for Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism
Physical examination for the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism includes:
- Thyroid Checkup: Your provider may gently feel your thyroid through the outside of your neck to check if it’s enlarged
- Eyes checkup: Your provider may check your eyes for swelling, redness, bulging and other signs of Graves’ eye disease.
- Heart checkup: Your provider may use a stethoscope to listen to your heart for a rapid and/or irregular heartbeat.
- Skin checkup: Your provider may feel your skin to see if it’s warm and moist sign of hyperthyroidism.
Types of Thyroid Blood Tests That Diagnose Hyperthyroidism
- TSH Test- checks for the levels of the thyroid hormone during certain conditions.
- T3 and T4 test- This test is used to check the level of T3 and T4 required for normal growth and development of the body.
- Thyroid Antibody test -This test is used for diagnoses of an autoimmune disease like Hashimoto's Thyroiditis to check the level of antibodies produced against the thyroid gland.
Imaging Tests for Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism
Imaging tests include:
- Radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test: Fin this test a small amount of radioactive iodine is taken (also called a radiotracer) by mouth to see how much of it your thyroid absorbs. After a certain amount of time — usually six and 24 hours later — the amount of radioactive iodine the thyroid has absorbed is measured by a device called a gamma probe and if a lot of the radioactive iodine is absorbed, it means that your thyroid gland is producing too much thyroxine (T4).that may be a sign of Graves' disease or thyroid nodules.
- Thyroid scan: This procedure is an extension of the RAIU, where in addition to measuring the absorbed amount of radioactivity by your thyroid, the gamma takes several pictures of the thyroid and the radioactive material makes all or certain parts of your thyroid appear “bright” on the screen. By using a thyroid scan your provider may look for lumps or nodules on your thyroid, inflammation, swelling, goitre or thyroid cancer.
- Thyroid ultrasound: An ultrasound is a radiological technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your thyroid. It’s a non-invasive procedure that provides a detailed image of the thyroid gland to identify the exact cause.
Management and Treatment
Hyperthyroidism can be treated and managed depending on the health condition of a patient. Your healthcare provider will discuss each option with you and help you determine the best treatment plan.
Treatment options for hyperthyroidism are:
- Thyroid drugs: Antithyroid drugs like methimazole (Tapazole) or propylthiouracil (PTU) block the thyroid production hormones. They offer rapid control of your thyroid.
- Radioactive iodine: Radioactive iodine has radioactivity absorbed by the thyroid cells and causes your thyroid to shrink This usually leads to permanent destruction of the thyroid, which will cure hyperthyroidism.
- Removal of the thyroid gland: In severe conditions, Your healthcare provider may remove the thyroid gland through surgery (thyroidectomy). This can correct hyperthyroidism, but it may cause Hypothyroidism, which requires lifelong thyroid supplements to keep hormone levels in control.
- Beta-blockers: These drugs block the action of thyroid hormones in the body. Without changing its level in the blood, they are used to manage conditions like rapid heartbeat, nervousness and shakiness that are caused due to hyperthyroidism. This treatment is used along with other treatments to provide long-term effect
Prevention
Some factors that could increase your risk of developing hyperthyroidism can include:
- Having a family history of thyroid disease.
- Having a medical history that includes conditions like pernicious anaemia, Type 1 diabetes and primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease).
- Having excess iodine in your diet
- During pregnancy.
Conclusion
Hyperthyroidism is a potentially harmful condition that has severe effects on the body and it may cause disruption in the thyroid hormonal level that affects the metabolism, appetite, body weight etc. So get yourself tested for the condition and if it is confirmed go and treat it well from the best diagnostic centre near you.
FAQs
Can I develop Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy?
You may develop this condition during pregnancy as thyroid hormones are released at a very rapid rate, Get properly tested by consulting with your doctor to avoid any complications.
What happens if hyperthyroidism is left untreated?
It may lead to conditions like:
- Atrial fibrillation.
- Stroke.
- Congestive heart failure.
- Osteoporosis.
What foods should be avoided with hyperthyroidism?
Avoid iodine-rich diet and seafood like fish, seaweed, crab, prawn etc and other products like cheese, yoghurt, dairy products etc.
