Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid produces too much of the hormone that regulates the body's metabolism. Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and other information about this treatable condition.
Causes
There are various causes for hyperthyroidism, which can include ingesting too much food that contains iodine or having medical tests that involve ingesting iodine; thyroid inflammation after pregnancy or due to another cause; noncancerous growths; and certain tumors of the testes or ovaries. However, most cases of hyperthyroidism are a side effect of Graves disease, an autoimmune disorder in which the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue.
Symptoms
Hyperthyrodism's most common symptom is weight loss that is otherwise unexplained. The condition can also cause exhaustion, bowel disruption or diarrhea, trouble concentrating and remembering, increased appetite, sweating, restlessness, sleep problems, and disruption of the menstrual cycle. If you have been experiencing these symptoms, let your doctor know. He or she can determine whether they are caused by hyperthyroidism.
Diagnosis
If your health care provider suspects that you may have hyperthyroidism, he or she will conduct blood tests to measure T3, T4, and TSH levels, which are thyroid hormones, as well as cholesterol and glucose levels. A physical exam will also be conducted, in which your doctor will look for high blood pressure, increased heart rate, enlarged thyroid gland, and trembling hands.
Treatment
Fortunately, hyperthyroidism is easily treatable. Antithyroid medications work for many people; however, if these prescriptions are not effective, surgery to remove the thyroid may be necessary. If that's the case, you'll be prescribed thyroid replacement medications. Some doctors also prescribe beta blockers to control the symptoms of hyperthyroidism until the condition is controlled. If you are diagnosed with this condition, nutrition is important as you stabilize to avoid excessive weight gain and rebuild lost muscle. Vitamin D and calcium can also help keep you healthy as you recover.
Considerations
It's important to contact your doctor right away if you experience worrisome symptoms that could indicate hyperthyroidism. Left untreated, the condition can lead to dangerous heart problems as well as osteoporosis. You may also experience a complication called thyroid crisis, which is a sudden worsening of symptoms that must be treated in the hospital.
In addition, hyperthyroidism and other thyroid conditions tend to run in families, and are more common in women than in men. If you have a family history of hyperthyroidism, make sure your doctor is aware so he or she can be alert for symptoms that may develop.
