Hyperthyroidism is one of the thyroid disorders in which the body has too much thyroid hormone. This thyroid disorder can affect various bodily functions, including heart rate, mood, energy levels, metabolism, bone health, and pregnancy.
Know what can cause hyperthyroidism and the symptoms experienced.
What is the hyperthyroid disease?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. This gland produces hormones that play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, metabolism, and the body's response to other hormones. The gland also produces calcitonin hormone, which helps bone cells process calcium and incorporate it into bone.
Hyperthyroidism, sometimes referred to as overactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland overproduces thyroid hormone. An excessively high metabolism brought on by hyperthyroidism results in weight loss, trembling hands, and an accelerated and irregular heartbeat.
Causes of hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism can affect anyone, but the majority of cases are experienced by women. Hyperthyroidism can be caused by various health conditions, including:
- Disorders that cause the immune system to attack the thyroid
- presence of nodules growing in the thyroid gland
- Inflammation of the thyroid gland
- Consuming too much iodine
What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
The disease of hyperthyroidism is often difficult to diagnose because it has symptoms similar to those of other health problems. These symptoms include:
- Sudden weight loss
- Fast and irregular heartbeat
- Increased appetite
- Tremors in the hands and fingers
- Restlessness, anxiety, and irritability
- Excessive sweating
- Changes in menstrual cycles
- Increased sensitivity to heat
- More frequent bowel movements
- Goiter, enlargement of the thyroid gland
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Sleep problems
- Warm and moist skin
- Thinning skin and brittle hair
The symptoms of hyperthyroidism in older individuals are often more difficult to recognize. If left untreated, it can lead to various health complications.
Possible complications include stroke, heart failure, osteoporosis, vision problems, or thyroid storms, which can be life-threatening. That's why it's important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above.
To confirm whether your symptoms are due to hyperthyroidism, you'll need to undergo a series of physical examinations, blood tests, and thyroid ultrasounds.
Treatment for hyperthyroidism generally aims to alleviate symptoms and inhibit the thyroid gland from producing excess thyroid hormones. Your doctor may also recommend surgery to remove the thyroid gland. Discuss further with your doctor about the best treatment for hyperthyroidism based on your condition and symptoms.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!
- dr Nadia Opmalina
Mayo Clinic (2022). Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20373659
John Hopkins Medicine. Thyroid Disorders. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/disorders-of-the-thyroid
Cleveland Clinic (2021). Hyperthyroidism. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14129-hyperthyroidism
American Thyroid Association. Q and A: Can thyroid disease be cured?. Available from: https://www.thyroid.org/patient-thyroid-information/what-are-thyroid-problems/q-and-a-can-thyroid-disease-be-cured/
