When the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, hyperthyroidism results. This issue is also known as an overactive thyroid. The body’s metabolism is accelerated by hyperthyroidism. This can result in a variety of symptoms, including weight loss, hand tremors, and an erratic or rapid heartbeat.
There are numerous therapies for hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland can produce fewer hormones by using radioiodine and anti-thyroid medications. Surgery to remove all or a portion of the thyroid gland may be used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Depending on the underlying cause, hyperthyroidism may occasionally go better on its own without medication or other treatments.
Symptoms
There are situations when hyperthyroidism mimics other medical conditions. This may make a diagnosis challenging. It may produce a variety of symptoms, such as:
- Weight loss without exerting effort.
- The medical term for a rapid heartbeat is tachycardia.
- Arrhythmia is another name for an irregular heartbeat.
- Heart palpitations, often known as heart pounding.
- Increased appetite.
- Anxiety, nervousness, and irritation.
- Small tremors, generally in the hands and fingers.
- Sweating.
- Modifications to menstrual periods.
- Increased heat sensitivity.
- Modifications to bowel habits, particularly more frequent stool motions.
- Goiter, often known as an enlarged thyroid gland, can present as a swelling at the base of the neck.
- Tiredness.
- Muscular lassitude.
- Issues with sleep.
- Moist and warm skin.
- Skin thinning.
- Small, fragile hair.
It is more common for older persons to experience symptoms that are difficult to recognize. An irregular heartbeat, weight loss, depression, and feeling weak or exhausted during routine activities are a few examples of these symptoms.
Whenever to visit a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience weight loss without attempting, or if you experience a rapid heartbeat, extreme perspiration, neck swelling, or other hyperthyroidism symptoms. Even small symptoms should be mentioned to your healthcare physician.
The majority of patients require routine follow-up appointments with their doctor to check their hyperthyroidism after a diagnosis.
Causes
Several medical diseases that affect the thyroid gland can lead to hyperthyroidism. The thyroid is a little gland at the base of the neck that resembles a butterfly. It significantly affects the body. The thyroid gland produces hormones that govern every aspect of metabolism.
Thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3) are the two primary hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Every cell in the body is influenced by these hormones. They support how quickly the body consumes carbohydrates and lipids. They aid in regulating body temperature. Heart rate is impacted by them. And they assist in regulating the body’s production of protein.
When the thyroid gland releases too many thyroid hormones into the bloodstream, hyperthyroidism results. The following conditions can result in hyperthyroidism:
Graves’ illness: An autoimmune condition called Graves’ disease makes the thyroid gland vulnerable to attack by the immune system. As a result, the thyroid produces an excess of thyroid hormone. The most typical cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease.
Thyroid nodules that are too active: This illness is also known as Plummer disease, toxic multinodular goiter, and toxic adenoma. This particular type of hyperthyroidism results from an overproduction of thyroid hormone by a thyroid adenoma. A walled-off portion of the gland known as an adenoma is walled off from the remainder of the gland. It creates benign tumors that can enlarge the thyroid beyond normal size.
Thyroiditis: The inflammation of the thyroid gland causes this illness. It can sometimes be attributed to an autoimmune condition. In certain cases, the cause is not evident. The extra thyroid hormone that has been accumulated in the thyroid gland may seep into the bloodstream as a result of the inflammation, leading to hyperthyroidism symptoms.
Risk elements
The following are risk factors for hyperthyroidism:
- A history of thyroid disorders in the family, especially Graves’ disease.
- A personal history of some chronic conditions, such as primary adrenal insufficiency and pernicious anemia.
- A recently completed pregnancy, which increases the risk of thyroiditis. The result could be hyperthyroidism.
Complications
Complications from hyperthyroidism include the ones listed below.
Heart issues in hyperthyroidism
The heart is impacted by some of the most severe hyperthyroidism side effects, including:
- Atrial fibrillation, a cardiac rhythm abnormality that raises the risk of stroke.
- A condition known as congestive heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s requirements.
Broken bones in hyperthyroidism
Bone fragility and fragility can result from untreated hyperthyroidism. The name of this condition is osteoporosis. The amount of calcium and other minerals in bones affects their strength in part. Calcium absorption into bones is hampered by an excess of thyroid hormone.
Vision issues in hyperthyroidism
Thyroid eye illness is a condition that some people with hyperthyroidism experience. It occurs more frequently in smokers. The muscles and other tissues around the eyes are affected by this illness.
Thyroid eye disease symptoms include:
- Expanding eyes.
- A scratchy feeling in the eyes.
- Discomfort or pressure in the eyes.
- Swollen or receded eyelids.
- Eyes that are irritated or red.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Multiple vision.
- Vision loss could result from untreated eye issues.
Bruised, discolored skin
People who have Graves’ disease can occasionally develop Graves’ dermopathy. This results in color changes and swelling of the skin, frequently on the feet and shins.
Thyrotoxic emergency
Thyroid storm is another name for this uncommon illness. Thyrotoxic crisis risk is increased by hyperthyroidism. It produces severe, occasionally lethal symptoms. It necessitates urgent medical attention. Some signs could be:
- Fever.
- Rapid heart rate.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Dehydration.
- Confusion.
- Delirium.
