HYPERTHYROIDISM
Hyperthyroidism refers to a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone
- The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the base of the neck.
- The thyroid is part of the endocrine system made up of glands that produce, store and release hormones into the bloodstream so the hormones can reach the body’s cells.
- Hormones produced by the thyroid gland are the triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The pituitary gland and the hypothalamus communicate to maintain T3 and T4 balance.
- The production of thyroid hormone is maintained by thyroid- stimulating hormone (TSH), which is made by the pituitary gland. TSH ensures that enough thyroid hormones are produced
- The thyroids hormone regulates vital body functions, including breathing, muscle strength, menstrual cycles, body temperature, central and peripheral nervous system, cholesterol levels and others.
- Too much hormone can affect many body functions and can accelerate the body’s metabolism causing sudden weight loss, irregular heartbeat, and sweating.
- It is more common in women than in men
CAUSES
Some common causes of hyperthyroidism may include:
- Grave’s disease. It is the cause of about 50 to 80% of cases of hyperthyroidism in the United States. It is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies produced by the immune system stimulates the thyroid to produce too much T4.
- Excessive iodine intake
- Excessive synthetic thyroid hormone
- Inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis). The thyroid can become inflamed for unknown reasons. This inflammation can cause excess thyroid hormone T3 and T4 to leak out of the gland into the bloodstream
- toxic adenoma
- Multinodular goiter
- Hypersecretion of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
SYMPTOMS
- Rapid heart rate, irregular heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Swelling in the neck caused by an enlarged thyroid gland, or goiter
- Sudden weight loss
- Increased appetite
- Sweating
- Hand tremor- trembling in the hands and fingers
- Changes in menstrual pattern
- Increased sensitivity to heat
- Nervousness, irritability, and decreased concentration
- Restlessness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Weakness
- Fine, brittle hair
- Skin thinning
- Increased bowel movements
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
The first step in making a diagnosis is to get a complete medical history and physical exam. The doctor may try to examine your hand for tremor and your thyroid gland as you swallow to see if it is bumpy, tender, or enlarged and check if your pulse is rapid
The diagnosis is confirmed by a blood test that shows a decreased TSH level and elevated thyroid hormone T3 and T4 levels.
If hyperthyroidism is confirmed. A radioactive iodine uptake test and thyroid scan enable doctors to determine the cause of the condition.
In the uptake test, radioactive iodine is taken orally or injected on an empty stomach to determine the amount of iodine the thyroid gland absorbs. An individual with hyperthyroidism absorbs much more than a normal person.
A thyroid scan is performed to allow for visual examination of the thyroid gland.
TREATMENT
Several treatment options exist for hyperthyroidism. The best approach depends on age, the underlying cause, the presence of coexisting medical illnesses and the severity of your disorder.
- Anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole (Tapazole) stop the thyroid gland from producing excess amounts of hormone.
- Radioactive iodine that effectively shrinks the cell that produces hormone and allows symptoms to subside. It has been shown to be effectively safe.
- Beta blockers can help to control rapid pulse, sweating and high blood pressure
- Surgery where most or all of the thyroid gland is removed. Lifelong treatment with levothyroxine will be needed to supply your body with the normal amount of thyroid hormone