Hyperthyroidism is a disease caused by the thyroid gland working too hard and releasing excess thyroid hormone (TSH) into the bloodstream. While the disease can occur in anyone, it is about 10 times more common in women than in men. It usually starts between the ages of 20 and 40. Blood tests show high levels of T3 and T4 and low levels of TSH.
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It is responsible for the production of two main hormones that control how cells use energy. These hormones are known as tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Diagnosis and treatment of some complaints and findings caused by an overactive thyroid gland can alleviate symptoms and prevent complications that may occur.
What are the Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism?
As a result of too much T3 and T4 hormones in the bloodstream, there is an increase in metabolic rate, this condition is called hypermetabolic. With the increase in metabolic rate, your heart rate may accelerate at a high rate, blood pressure may increase and hand tremors may occur.
The person may sweat a lot and develop sensitivity to heat. There may be frequent bowel movements, weight loss and irregular menstrual periods in women.
In addition, the thyroid gland may turn into goiter unilaterally or bilaterally, while the eyes may enlarge outward and appear prominent.
In addition, symptoms of hyperthyroidism can be listed as follows:
- Irritability and restlessness
- Decreased focus and concentration
- Slimming and weight loss
- Heartbeats become more pronounced and palpitations occur
- High blood pressure
- Sweating
- Thinning of the skin
- Prolonged diarrhea
- Difficulty transitioning to sleep
- Hair fragility and hair loss
- Itching
- Stomach problems, nausea and vomiting
- Breast enlargement in men
In addition, if the following symptoms and signs are seen and experienced by the person, a doctor should be consulted immediately and urgent medical intervention should be sought. These are as follows:
- Prolonged dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of consciousness and instability
- Rapid and irregular heartbeat
What Causes Hyperthyroidism?
There are some conditions that cause the formation of the disease. Graves' disease, which is among autoimmune diseases, is one of the most common problems that cause this condition.
In this disease, antibodies stimulate the thyroid to secrete excessive amounts of hormones. It is more common in women than in men and some data suggest that it is a genetic disorder. If family members have a history of Graves' disease, it is important to inform specialist physicians about the subject.
In addition, different causes of hyperthyroidism can be listed as follows:
- Too much iodine
- Tumor in the testicle or ovary
- Benign tumor in the thyroid or pituitary gland
- Excessive intake of tetraiodothyronine, either through diet or medication
- The presence of thyroiditis or thyroid inflammation, which causes leakage of T4 and T3 hormones from the thyroid gland
How is Hyperthyroidism Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is made by examinations performed by specialized doctors and by learning the medical history of the person. Some of the conditions observed in the person during the examination to diagnose the disease are; tremors in the hand, overactive reflexes, differences in the eye, whether there is hot and moist skin.
In addition, the thyroid gland is observed during swallowing to check its size, fluctuating behavior or sensitivity. The heart and pulse rate and its regularity can be checked to detect the disease.
Blood tests are then performed and the test result is evaluated. The disease is diagnosed as a result of the examination. High levels of TSH indicate an overactive thyroid. The TSH level is important because it is the hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce more thyroxine.
If a person takes biotin, a vitamin B supplement, before the blood tests, the tests may give incorrect results. It is therefore important to inform the doctor of any multivitamin and supplement use.
There are some tests that are performed to determine the overactive thyroid and the factors that cause it as a result of blood tests. These are known as Radioiodine uptake test, Thyroid scintigraphy, Thyroid ultrasound. These tests determine how the thyroid gland works and how much iodine it absorbs.
How does hyperthyroidism go away? Treatment Methods
The treatment of hyperthyroidism may differ depending on the gender, age and health status of the person. In addition, depending on a different underlying disease, a treatment process that is deemed appropriate by the doctor and appropriate for the person depending on the degree of the disease is planned.
If an explanation is made on the question ofhow hyperthyroidism passes and treatment methods, some examinations, drug treatments and surgical interventions may take place. These methods can be listed as follows:
Radioactive Iodine
The iodine absorbed by the thyroid gland is taken orally and examined. The function of the gland is ensured by shrinking it. Symptoms usually decrease and disappear with treatment.
Anti-thyroid medicines
With the use of medication, the thyroid gland's functioning is tried to be regulated and excessive hormone production is prevented. However, medication is a long-term treatment. For this reason, medications should be used regularly and under the supervision of a doctor.
In some cases, the disease may relapse. In some cases, medication may cause liver disease. Although it is rare for the body to have an allergic reaction to the medicines, reactions can usually occur as skin rash, hives, fever or joint pain. You should also be careful about the risk of infection.
Beta Blockers
Medicines are often helpful for tremors and to stabilize the heart rate. All medicines prescribed by a doctor can be used until thyroid levels are normalized. These medications are not recommended for asthma patients and may cause sexual dysfunction and fatigue.
Surgical Method
When it is not treated with medication or when there is a relapse, it is possible to treat it with surgical intervention if the doctor deems it necessary. During surgery, most of the thyroid gland is removed.
Some possible risks include damage to the vocal cords and the parathyroid gland, which controls calcium levels in the blood. In addition, treatment with levothyroxine (L-thyroxine) to maintain normal thyroid hormone levels in the body may be needed for a long time or even a lifetime.
At the end of the treatments, the symptoms decrease and the patient starts to feel better. In addition, a diet program is prepared for the patient by the doctor to pay attention to iodine intake and nutrition is kept under control.
When the symptoms and complaints of the disease begin to be experienced, it is important to go to health institutions immediately and to be checked by general surgery specialists.