Hyperthyroidism (Over-active Thyroid): Symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment (1)

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Hyperthyroidism
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Hyperthyroidism

• Hyperthyroidism is a health condition where the
  thyroid gland is overactive and produces large
  amount of the hormone thyroxine. The thyroid
  gland is situated at the front of the neck and
  releases hormones that control the bodys
  metabolism. When a patient is suffering from
  hyperthyroidism, his/her metabolism rate shoots
  up indefinitely causing irregular heartbeat,
  sudden weight loss, nervousness,
  sweating, sleeping issues and more. Hyperthyroid
  ism can create other health complications which
  often make it difficult for the doctor to
  diagnose.

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Causes of Hyperthyroidism

• The thyroid gland produces (T3) triiodothyronine
  and (T4) thyroxine hormones which control most of
  the body functions. If the gland makes too much
  of T3 and T4 hormones, it is definitely
  hyperthyroidism. One of the common and prime
  causes of hyperthyroidism is the autoimmune
  disorder Graves disease. In this disease, the
  body produces an antibody called
  thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) which
  causes the thyroid gland to release excessive
  amount of thyroid hormone. Graves disease
  usually runs in families and found more active on
  women. Another reason for hyperthyroidism is a
  multinodular goiter. These are lumps in the
  thyroid gland that cause the thyroid to make too
  much thyroid hormone. Additionally, swelling of
  the thyroid gland- known as thyroiditis-
  resulting from an immune problem may also
  temporarily cause hyperthyroidism. Furthermore,
  too much iodine intake in the form of food or
  medication can also trigger the symptoms of
  hyperthyroidism.

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Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism

• Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed by analyzing
  symptoms and based on them endocrinologists
  conduct physical exam and blood test to assess
  levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and
  thyroid hormones T3 and T4. He may perform an
  ultrasound to check the thyroid for inflammation.

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Symptoms

• It can cause a range of signs and symptoms 
• Even if your appetite and food intake remain the
  same, you may experience sudden weight loss 
• Irregular heartbeat, mainly 100 beats per minute 
• Muscular weakness or tiredness 
• Anxiety or nervousness 
• Changes in bowel movements 
• Dry skin 
• Irregular periods or missed periods 
• Increased intoleration to heat 
• Dizziness 
• Goiter, which may appear as an inflammation at
  the bottom of the neck 
• Problems with fertility 
• Changes in vision

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Treatments

• Various treatment options are available today if
  you have hyperthyroidism. Endocrinologists use
  anti-thyroid medications that prevent the thyroid
  gland from producing excess amounts of hormones.
  Another way to treat hyperthyroidism is to give
  patients radioactive iodine therapy, wherein they
  are asked to take radioactive iodine in the form
  of medication. The treatment is absolutely safe
  and it slows down the thyroid activity
  considerably. The medicine is usually taken on a
  daily basis. For pregnant women who are unable
  to withstand anti-thyroid drugs and radioactive
  iodine therapy, the only option is surgical
  removal of the thyroid. In some cases,
  endocrinologists also prescribe beta-blockers
  which block the effects of thyroid hormones.

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