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What is hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism, also referred to as overactive thyroid, is when the thyroid gland releases too much thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland sits in the lower part of the neck, and it is what produces thyroid hormone, which in turn regulates metabolism. This regulates processes in the body like temperature, and the internal body clock (an effect on sleep). Too much thyroid hormone will thus have an effect on metabolism and lead to issues in the body. Hyperthyroidism is more prevalent in women, and though it can manifest at any age, it most often occurs showing more in people aged between 20 and 40 years. What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism? Since the thyroid gland influences so many bodily functions related to metabolism, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are very diverse. These are:• Sensitivity to heat• Nervousness, anxiety, or irritability• Fatigue• Mood swings• A more frequent urge to pee• Weakness in muscles• Sleeping problems• Lack of sexual desire• Being constantly thirsty• Swelling in the neck (due to an enlarged thyroid gland)• Irregular heart beat• Too much sweating• Baldness• Weight loss• an itchy rash (hives)Hyperthyroidism symptoms may be caused by a variety of reasons, but it is always advisable to get them examined by a GP. What causes hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism may have more than one cause. Most cases result from Graves’ disease, a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to an overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid. Hyperthyroidism is also caused by some medications, usually those which include iodine. A buildup of iodine in the body can lead to an overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid. Nodules, or lumps on the thyroid, can also lead to hyperthyroidism since they contain thyroid tissue. The surplus in thyroid tissue may lead to an excess of thyroid hormone. Much less often, thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland), thyroid cancer, and benign pituitary gland tumours may lead to hyperthyroidism. How can it be prevented? Hyperthyroidism is most commonly caused by Graves’ disease, which is a hereditary disorder. Thus, there is no method of preventing the condition. Nonetheless, there are some lifestyle factors that can help minimize the risk, including avoiding smoking, having a healthy diet, exercise, and maintaining stress levels low. What is the treatment for hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism is generally treatable and the patient is referred to an endocrinologist, a doctor specializing in hormone disorders, to recommend the best treatment option. Treatment often takes the form of medication, radiation therapy (radioiodine treatment which harms the thyroid gland and reduces the amount of thyroid hormone it produces), or surgery, which destroys part, or all of the thyroid so it can no longer produce thyroid hormone.

What is hyperparathyroidism? Hyperparathyroidism is an overabundance of parathyroid hormone in the blood. It happens because one (or more) of the parathyroid glands in the body is becoming overly active. The body has four parathyroid glands that reside in the neck and make parathyroid hormone. The parathyroid hormone keeps the correct balance of calcium in the body and in body tissues. What are the symptoms? Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism are:• Abdominal pain• Bone and joint aches• Nausea• Vomiting• Loss of appetite Also, patients with hyperparathyroidism complain of:• Frequent need to urinate• Kidney stones• Osteoporosis, or bones more susceptible to fracture• Fatigue, or getting tired easily• Weakness• General malaise Symptoms may be very mild, so they might not be noticed or it may be difficult for a patient to realize that anything is amiss. Hyperparathyroidism is still usually diagnosed before symptoms appear, during tests for other conditions or at routine check-ups with a doctor. Symptoms may also be very severe – it depends, and on the patient. What causes hyperparathyroidism? Primary hyperparathyroidism happens when one or more of the parathyroid glands in the body secrete too much parathyroid hormone, thereby causing high blood levels of calcium. This is referred to as hypercalcaemia, which results in a wide range of medical issues. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is due to another condition or disease that results in low levels of calcium in the body. With time, this leads to a rise in parathyroid hormone levels. How can it be prevented? Hyperparathyroidism cannot be avoided, but some risk factors for the condition are present, such as radiation therapy for cancer, deficiency of vitamin D, being female and having passed through the menopause, and having received lithium, a drug commonly employed in the therapy of bipolar disorder. What is the treatment? Hyperparathyroidism is usually picked up by physicians during routine testing, when there is an elevation of calcium presented in the blood. There are numerous conditions which present with an elevation of calcium, but when this is paired with an elevation of parathyroid hormone, this diagnoses hyperparathyroidism. The most standard treatment is surgery (in the case of primary hyperparathyroidism), where the enlarged glands are removed and the rest which are functioning normally are left behind. There are some medicines that can be taken to cure hyperparathyroidism, such as hormone replacement therapy that helps the body retain calcium, particularly in women who have reached menopause. There are occasions when physicians opt to monitor the condition and prescribe no treatment. Nevertheless, this entails scheduled blood tests to keep an eye on the calcium levels in the blood and bone density scans to determine if the hyperparathyroidism is causing harm to the bones.

Erectile dysfunction is the inability or difficulty to have or sustain an erection of the penis that leads to a satisfactory sexual relationship. It is also referred to as impotence. Erectile dysfunction is very prevalent and grows with age. If it occurs often, you should consult a doctor. What are the symptoms? The primary symptom of erectile dysfunction is a change in the quality of the erection. If the reason is physical, you typically have the inability to get an erection upon waking up in the morning. Erectile dysfunction can impact both your ability to get an erection and how long an erection lasts. Erectile dysfunction may also include a loss of sexual desire. What causes erectile dysfunction? There are numerous causes of erectile dysfunction, including: Physical causes – like diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, side effects of medicine, alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, hormonal issues, and sleep disorders. Psychological causes – like stress, anxiety, depression, or problems in your relationship. Erectile dysfunction can also follow treatment, including surgery to the spinal cord or prostate. Your risk of being affected by erectile dysfunction increases with age What is the usual age for erectile dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction increases with age. It has been observed that about 40 per cent of men are impacted at age 40 and close to 70 per cent of men are affected in their seventies. Can erectile dysfunction be prevented? You can’t always prevent erectile dysfunction, but you can lower your risk by:quitting smoking; having a healthy weight;getting regular exercise. How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed? In most instances, diagnosis is just a matter of asking you about your symptoms and when they began. In case the doctor suspects a physical cause that requires investigation, they may refer you for follow-up tests, including blood tests or an ultrasound. How can you fix erectile dysfunction? Treatment is based on whether there is a cause – addressing the cause should help symptoms. Aside from this the most common treatment for erectile dysfunction is drugs, which are readily available and effective in helping to get an erection more easily. If the issue is low testosterone levels, your treatment might include hormone replacement therapy. If drugs don’t work, other treatments are: penis pumps – this might not be available from your doctor directly penile implants – an operation to insert rods that assist you in controlling your erections If the issue is psychological, there are several types of therapies you can have, including:cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)