Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a thyroid gland disorder that can substantially affect a person's health and quality of life if left untreated. It is a relatively rare condition. Women are two to ten times more likely to develop this condition than men. The risk increases for people over 60 years of age. This article explores what hyperthyroidism means, its typical symptoms, mechanisms, treatment options, and the right time to consult a doctor. 

What is Hyperthyroidism?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that secretes numerous hormones. These hormones play a major role in regulating how your body uses energy.

Your thyroid can sometimes produce too many hormones—especially T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). This excess speeds up your body's metabolism and affects almost every organ system.

Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

The signs can be different if you have this condition. Some people notice them quickly while others see gradual changes. The following are some common hyperthyroidism symptoms in females:

• Fast heartbeat and shaky hands
• Losing weight despite eating more
• Feeling anxious, irritable and can't sleep well
• Sweating a lot and feeling too warm
• Going to the bathroom more often
• Hair getting thinner and the menstrual cycle is shifting

Seniors might show different signs that look like depression or dementia.

Hyperthyroidism Causes 

Graves' disease is the main trigger behind 4 out of 5 cases. Here is what else can cause it:

• Thyroid nodules that make too many hormones
• Thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis)
• Too much iodine in your diet
• Taking more thyroid medicine than needed

Risk Factors

You are more likely to develop this condition if you are:

• Women get hyperthyroidism 10 times more often than men 
• People over 60 
• Those with thyroid disease in their family 
• New mothers (within 6 months after giving birth) 
• People who have autoimmune conditions like pernicious anaemia 
• Smokers 

Complications of Hyperthyroidism

Without treatment, serious health problems can develop:

• Your heart might beat irregularly or fail. 
• Eye problems
• Weak bones
• Fertility issues
• Thyroid storm - a rare but dangerous condition 

Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism

• Blood tests: Doctors use blood tests to check thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. A patient's low TSH typically points to hyperthyroidism. The test measures triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels—high readings help confirm the condition. 
• Other important tests include:
  • Thyroid antibody tests that identify Graves' disease
  • Radioactive iodine uptake tests showing your thyroid's iodine collection
  • Thyroid ultrasound to check the gland's size and look for nodules

Hyperthyroidism Treatment

Patients have several treatment options that work:

• Antithyroid medications block hormone production and control thyroid function within 2-3 months. The treatment continues for 12-18 months.
• Radioactive iodine therapy destroys overactive thyroid cells with a single oral dose. Most patients develop hypothyroidism afterwards and need lifelong hormone replacement.
• Surgery removes part or all but one of these thyroid glands. Doctors recommend this option for patients who have large goitres or are pregnant.
• Beta-blockers help control symptoms like a rapid heartbeat until other treatments start working.

When Should I See a Doctor

You should contact your doctor right away if you notice:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Rapid heartbeat
• Unusual sweating
• Neck's base swelling

Home Remedies for Hyperthyroidism

A natural cure doesn't exist, but these approaches might help control symptoms:

• A low-iodine diet that avoids seafood, dairy products, and iodised salt
• Vitamin D from sunlight exposure
• Relaxation techniques that reduce stress

Conclusion

Dealing with hyperthyroidism definitely brings challenges, but understanding and managing it properly makes the most important difference. This condition affects a small percentage of people, yet it needs attention because it impacts the body in many ways. Women develop this health issue more often than men, especially after they turn 60.

Many people find lifestyle changes help them handle daily symptoms better. Stress reduction techniques and dietary changes are a great way to get relief, especially when you have mild cases or while waiting for treatments to take effect.

Hyperthyroidism needs professional medical attention. Trying to diagnose yourself or avoiding symptoms can create serious problems with your heart, bones, and other body systems. Doctor visits let medical professionals track your thyroid function and adjust your treatment plan when needed. The right treatment approach helps most people with hyperthyroidism live normal, active lives. 

FAQs

1. Can hyperthyroidism be cured?

Doctors can permanently treat hyperthyroidism. Complete removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) solves the problem completely, but you will need hormone replacement therapy for life. Radioactive iodine therapy destroys overactive thyroid cells and cures the majority of patients within a year. 

2. What are the warning signs of hyperthyroidism?

Watch out for these early signs:

• Anxiety and restlessness without reason
• Poor sleep
• Racing heart or palpitations
• Weight loss despite eating more
• Shaky hands
• Not handling heat well
• Problems focusing or brain fog 
• Women might notice irregular periods. 

Many people feel tired all the time and have digestive issues like frequent bowel movements.

3. What are the long-term effects of hyperthyroidism?

Without treatment, hyperthyroidism can cause:

• Heart problems including atrial fibrillation and heart failure 
• Weak bones from poor calcium absorption 
• Eye problems from thyroid eye disease 
• Mental health issues like anxiety and mood swings 
• Problems during pregnancy such as early delivery and preeclampsia 

4. What should you not do if you have hyperthyroidism?

You should stay away from:

• Too much exercise - people with serious hyperthyroidism "are already running a treadmill every day" 
• Foods high in iodine like kelp and seaweed 
• Too much caffeine from coffee, tea, chocolate and energy drinks 
• Iodine supplements unless your doctor says it's okay 

5. Can you gain weight with hyperthyroidism?

Some people do gain weight with hyperthyroidism, which surprises many. Some patients gain instead of lose weight. This happens when increased hunger leads to eating more than even a fast metabolism can handle. Most patients gain weight after treatment starts as their metabolism returns to normal. Research shows people might gain more weight after radioiodine treatment compared to other options.

6. Which deficiency causes hyperthyroidism?

Nutrient deficiencies typically do not cause hyperthyroidism. Too much iodine can make thyroid hormones go into overdrive in some people. Not having enough iodine actually causes hypothyroidism (slow thyroid) in many places worldwide.

7. Who is at risk of hyperthyroidism?

These groups face higher risks:

• Women
• People over 60
• Have family members with thyroid disease
• Had a baby in the last 6 months
• Smokers 

8. Can lack of sleep cause hyperthyroidism?

Poor sleep doesn't cause hyperthyroidism. The opposite happens - hyperthyroidism messes with sleep patterns. The majority of patients have trouble sleeping, including problems falling asleep and staying asleep. Sleep usually gets better once thyroid hormone levels become normal with treatment.

CARE Medical Team