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.