When the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, hyperthyroidism symptoms results; this condition 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 symptoms 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 are 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
- Goitre, also known as an enlarged thyroid gland, may present as a swelling near the base of the neck
- Tiredness
- Muscular weakness
- 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 recognise. 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 primary hormones the thyroid gland produces. These hormones influence every cell in the body. It support how quickly the body consumes carbs and lipids. They aid in regulating body temperature. The 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 symptoms 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 history of some chronic conditions, such as primary adrenal insufficiency and pernicious anemia.
- A recently completed pregnancy increases the risk of thyroiditis. The result might be hyperthyroidism.
Complications
Complications from hyperthyroidism symptoms include the ones listed below.
Heart Problems
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
- Scratchy feeling in the eyes
- Discomfort or pressure in the eyes
- Swollen or receding eyelids
- Eyes that are irritated or red
- Sensitivity to light
- Multiple vision
- Vision loss might result from untreated eye issues
Bruised, Discoloured 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 Emergency
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
Diagnosis
Blood tests, a physical examination, and a medical history are used to diagnose hyperthyroidism. You could also need other testing, depending on the outcomes of the blood tests.
Physical examination and medical history. During the test, your doctor could look for:
- A slight trembling in your hands and fingers
- Exaggerated reflexes
- Pulse that is erratic or rapid
- Eye morphs
- Moist and warm skin
As you swallow, your doctor checks your thyroid gland to determine whether it is more significant than usual, lumpy, or painful
A diagnosis of hyperthyroidism may be confirmed with blood tests that monitor the hormones T-4, T-3, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). People with hyperthyroidism often have high T-4 levels and low TSH levels.
Older persons should get blood testing more often since they may not exhibit the typical signs of hyperthyroidism.
If you use biotin, thyroid blood tests might provide misleading findings. A B vitamin supplement called biotin may also be included in multivitamins. Let your doctor know if you use biotin or a multivitamin that contains biotin. Your doctor may advise you to cease taking biotin three to five days before the test to ensure the accuracy of your blood test.
Your doctor could advise one of the following tests if your blood test results reveal hyperthyroidism. They may aid in determining the cause of your thyroid’s hyperactivity.
Radioiodine uptake and scanning tests. You ingest a tiny amount of radioactive iodine or radioiodine for this test to determine where and how much of it accumulates in your thyroid gland.
It is a sign that your thyroid gland is producing too much thyroid hormone when your thyroid gland absorbs a lot of radioiodine. Graves’ disease or hyperactive thyroid nodules are the most probable causes.
A poor radioiodine uptake by your thyroid gland indicates that hormones stored there are escaping into the circulation. You most certainly have thyroiditis in such an instance.
Imaging of the thyroid. High-frequency sound waves are using in this examination to create pictures of the thyroid. Compared to other testing, ultrasound may be more effective at detecting thyroid nodules. This test involves no radiation exposure, making it suitable for those who cannot take radioiodine or are pregnant or nursing.
Treatment
There are several therapies for hyperthyroidism. Your age and state of health will determine the best course of action—additionally, the underlying cause of hyperthyroidism and its severity matter. As you and your healthcare professional choose a course of action, your personal preferences should also be considered. Treatment options include:
Thyroid-blocking drugs stop the thyroid gland from producing too many hormones to reduce hyperthyroidism symptoms gradually. Medication for treating hypothyroidism includes propylthiouracil and methimazole. Within many weeks to months, symptoms often start to get better.
Anti-thyroid medication treatment typically lasts 12 to 18 months. After that, if symptoms subside and a blood test reveals that thyroid hormone levels are back within the normal range, the dosage may be gradually reduce or discontinue. Some people’s hyperthyroidism enters a long-term remission after using anti-thyroid medication. Others, however, may discover that following this therapy, their hyperthyroidism returns.
Significant liver damage is possible with both anti-thyroid drugs, albeit uncommon. However, propylthiouracil is often only using when patients cannot take methimazole because of the many incidences of liver damage it has been linking to. A tiny percentage of persons who are allergic to these medications may have joint discomfort, fever, hives, or skin rashes. They may also make you more vulnerable to illness.
Beta blockers. Thyroid hormone levels are unaffected by these medications. However, they may diminish hyperthyroidism symptoms, including tremors, fast heartbeat, and palpitations. Medical professionals sometimes prescribe them to treat symptoms until thyroid hormone levels align with normal ranges. Asthmatics are often advising against using these medications. Sexual issues and weariness are potential side effects.
Radioiodine treatment. The thyroid gland takes up radioiodine. The gland shrinks as a result of this therapy. This medication is ingesting. Symptoms usually start to fade within a few months of receiving this therapy. The thyroid gland becomes underactive due to this medication, slowing thyroid activity to an acceptable level. Hypothyroidism is that condition. As a result, you could eventually need to take medication to restore your thyroid hormones.
Thyroidectomy. This procedure involves removing all or a portion of the thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism is not often treating with it. But women who are expecting could find it to be an option. It may also be an option for those who cannot or won’t take radioiodine treatment or anti-thyroid medications.
Vocal cord and parathyroid gland injury are risks of this procedure. Four teeny-tiny glands on the thyroid’s back are the parathyroid glands. They aid in maintaining blood calcium levels.
Levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, etc.) must be taken on a lifetime basis by those who have had a thyroidectomy or radioiodine therapy. It provides thyroid hormones to the body. Medication is also required to maintain a healthy blood calcium level if the parathyroid glands are removing during surgery.
Ocular Thyroid Disease
If you have thyroid eye disease, self-care techniques like artificial tears and lubricating eye gels may help you manage moderate symptoms. Avoiding wind and harsh lighting might also be beneficial.
Corticosteroid medications like prednisone or methylprednisolone may be using to address more severe symptoms. They may reduce the edema around the eyes. Teprotumumab (Tepezza), a drug, may also be using to treat moderate to severe symptoms. Other medications may treat thyroid eye disease if those don’t help with the symptoms. They consist of mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept), rituximab (Rituxan), and tocilizumab (Actemra).
Surgery may be requiring to address thyroid eye disease in several situations, including:
- Surgery to deflate the orbit. The bone between the sinuses and the eye socket is removed during this procedure. The operation may enhance eyesight. Additionally, the eyes have more space and may return to their regular posture. This operation has a risk of complications. Your double vision before the surgery could not go away afterwards. After the procedure, some patients have a double idea.
- Surgery on the muscles of the eye. Sometimes, thyroid eye disease scar tissue might result in one or more eye muscles that are overly short. Double vision results from the eyes being misaligned as a result. By removing the muscle from the eyeball and reattaching it farther back, eye muscle surgery may be able to treat double vision.