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 may result in various symptoms, including weight loss, hand tremors, and an erratic or fast heartbeat.
There are several therapies for hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland may produce fewer hormones by using radioiodine and anti-thyroid medications. Surgery to remove all or a portion of the thyroid gland may be used to treat hyperthyroidism. Depending on the underlying cause, hyperthyroidism may sometimes go better 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
- A rapid heartbeat or tachycardia
- Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat
- Heart palpitations or heart pounding
- Increased appetite
- Anxiety, nervousness, and irritation
- Small tremors, generally in the hands and fingers
- Sweating
- Changes in menstrual periods
- Increased heat sensitivity
- Changes to bowel habits, particularly more frequent stool motions
- Goiter, often known as an enlarged thyroid gland, may present as a swelling at the base of the neck
- Tiredness
- Muscular lassitude
- Sleep issues
- Moist and warm skin
- Skin thinning
- Small, fragile hair
It is more common for older persons to have symptoms that are difficult to recognize. Some of these symptoms are irregular heartbeat, weight loss, sadness, and feeling weak or exhausted during routine tasks.
When To See A Doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience weight loss without attempting or have a fast heartbeat, extreme perspiration, neck swelling, or other hyperthyroidism symptoms. Even minor signs should be mentioned to your healthcare physician.
Most patients need regular follow-up appointments with their doctor to check their hyperthyroidism after a diagnosis.
Causes
Several medical diseases that affect the thyroid gland may 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 the thyroid gland produces. These hormones influence every cell in the body. They support how quickly the body consumes carbs and lipids. They aid in regulating body temperature. They impact heart rate. They assist in regulating the body’s production of protein.
When the thyroid gland releases too many thyroid hormones into the circulation, hyperthyroidism results. The following conditions may result in hyperthyroidism:
- Graves’ disease. An autoimmune condition called Graves’ disease makes the thyroid gland vulnerable to assault 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 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 may enlarge the thyroid beyond average size.
- Thyroiditis. The inflammation of the thyroid gland causes this illness. It may sometimes be attributed to an autoimmune condition. In some instances, the cause needs to be more evident. The excess thyroid hormone accumulated in the thyroid gland may seep into the circulation due to the inflammation, leading to hyperthyroidism symptoms.
Risk Factors
The following are risk factors for hyperthyroidism:
- The family has a history of thyroid disorders, especially Graves’ disease.
- A personal account of some chronic conditions, such as primary adrenal insufficiency and pernicious anemia.
- A recently completed pregnancy which increases the risk of thyroiditis. The result might be hyperthyroidism.
Complications
Complications from hyperthyroidism include the ones listed below.
Heart conditions
The heart is impacted by some of the most severe hyperthyroidism side effects, including:
Atrial fibrillation is a cardiac rhythm abnormality that raises the risk of stroke.
A disease known as congestive heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to fulfill the body’s requirements.
Broken bones
Bone fragility and fragility may result from untreated hyperthyroidism. The name of this ailment is osteoporosis. The quantity of calcium and other minerals in bones partially affects their strength—an excess of thyroid hormone hampers calcium absorption into bones.
Vision problems
Thyroid eye illness is a condition that some individuals with hyperthyroidism experience. It occurs more often among smokers. The muscles and other tissues surrounding the eyes are affected by this illness.
Thyroid eye disease symptoms include:
- Bulging 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
- Double vision
- Vision loss might result from untreated eye issues
- Bruised, discolored skin
People who have Graves’ disease may sometimes develop Graves’ dermopathy. This results in skin color changes and swelling, often on the feet and shins.
Thyrotoxic crisis
Thyroid storm is another name for this uncommon illness. Thyrotoxic crisis risk is increased by hyperthyroidism. It produces severe, perhaps lethal symptoms. It needs urgent medical attention. Some signs might be:
- Fever
- Rapid heart rate
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Confusion
- Delirium