What is Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism or over-operational thyroid gland is a condition whereby the thyroid gland produces hormones in excessive amounts. The thyroid gland is accountable for the production of thyroid hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

The thyroid gland is shaped in the form of a butterfly and is found in the frontal area of the neck region. Asides production of thyroid hormones, the thyroid gland helps with the regulation of the body temperature, metabolism, and heart rate.

Once your thyroid gland is properly functioning, your body is balanced, thereby enabling proper functioning of your body system. As little as your thyroid gland, under or over-functioning of this organ can destabilize your whole body system.

Although a rare disease condition in the United States, just about 1% of the population in the United States are diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism.

What Causes Hyperthyroidism?

The following conditions can be responsible for an overactive thyroid gland.

• Graves’ disease: This is a condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. This is known as an ‘auto-immune’ disease. It is more familiar in females than in males and can be inherited if there’s a history of this disease in your family. It is majorly a hereditary condition inherited from birth. It is the major cause of Hyperthyroidism and could lead to the thyroid gland overproducing thyroid hormones. Symptoms of graves’ disease include sensitivity to light, loss of vision, bulging eyes, and having double vision.
• Thyroiditis: Thyroiditis is a condition whereby your thyroid gland gets inflamed. This, however, may be painful or not painful. It may occur within a year of childbirth for women, known as ‘postpartum thyroiditis.’ Recovering from this condition may be hard too; therefore, leading to Hyperthyroidism.
• Consumption of iodine in excessive amounts: Iodine is a mineral required by the thyroid gland in your body to aid the production of thyroid hormones. If consumed in excessive amounts, either through your dietary intake or in medications, it can lead to the production of thyroid hormones in excessive amounts. For people at risk of Hyperthyroidism, it is important you take caution when consuming iodine foods and medications.
• Thyroid nodules: This is a condition whereby there’s a growth of cells in the thyroid gland, which could be a lump. Although rarely cancerous, these cells’ growth or lump can trigger excessive production of hormones more than required by your body.

What are the Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism?

A lot of symptoms can be associated with the condition, Hyperthyroidism. Some people may not show signs of Hyperthyroidism (asymptomatic) until a later stage, while others may.

Symptoms may include:

• Weight loss
• Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
• You also begin having more frequent bowel movements
• Changes in menstruation
• Having issues sleeping; could be insomnia
• Change in the texture of the hair and loss of hair
• Muscular weakness
• Goiter: This is the major visible symptom of Hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland becomes swollen and enlarged.
• Having bulging eyes
• Changes in vision
• Excessive sweating. You may also become intolerant to heat
• Your appetite increases
• You may also have thin, moist, and warm skin
• Nervousness or Shaky feeling

What are the Risk Factors of Hyperthyroidism?

Risk factors are factors that could increase your chances of having or developing Hyperthyroidism.

They may include:

• Pregnancy
• A family history of this condition (Hyperthyroidism). This is mainly inherited at birth.
• Excessive intake of iodine; either through diets or medications
• Medical history of diseased conditions like Type 1 diabetes, Addison’s disease (primary adrenal insufficiency), pernicious anemia, etc.

How is Hyperthyroidism Diagnosed?

There are several ways that can be used in diagnosing Hyperthyroidism by healthcare providers. They include:

1. Physical examination: This involves examining the neck to see if it is swollen or enlarged.

The following are checked during physical examination.

• Thyroid gland: This is done by gently feeling or pressing the thyroid on the neck to see if it’s tender or bumpy.
• Eyes: Here, your eyes are checked for redness, any bulge or swell.
• Hands: Your hands are outstretched to check for tremors or changes, including your fingernails too.
• Skin: Your skin is felt by your healthcare provider to see if it’s moist and warm.

2. Blood tests: Your blood sample is taken to see if there’s a high level of concentration of thyroid hormones in the body. Evidence of Hyperthyroidism is confirmed if the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood (T3 and T4) are higher than normal and if your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is lower than normal.
3. Imaging tests: Conducted to properly examine the thyroid gland. Imaging tests include:

• Radioactive Iodine Uptake (RAIU): Here, a small safe dose of radioactive iodine (radiotracer) is given to you into your mouth to see how much your thyroid can absorb. Between 6-24 hours later, your neck is scanned with a gamma probe to see how much radioactive iodine is sponged by your thyroid gland. If a lot is absorbed by your thyroid gland, it simply means your thyroid gland over-produces thyroxine (T4). You may also likely be diagnosed with thyroid nodules and graves’ disease.
• Thyroid scan: Here, you are asked to lie flat on a table with your head tilted backward, while several images of you are taken by a special camera known as a gamma camera. All or specific parts of your thyroid are shown on the screen and can be used to check for lumps, thyroid nodules, inflammation, goiter, or swelling.
• Thyroid Ultrasound: An ultrasound creates images of your thyroid by using high-frequency sound waves. This procedure is non-invasive (it doesn’t require cuts or surgery to be done). These images can be used to check for thyroid nodules.

What are the Treatment Options for Hyperthyroidism?

There are several options available for treating Hyperthyroidism. However, this is majorly dependent on the cause of the condition.

There are some restorative options that will be suitable for you and some that will not. Ensure you discuss each treatment option with your doctor to determine the most suitable treatment option and plan for you.

Options for treating Hyperthyroidism include:

1. Surgery: Through a surgical procedure known as thyroidectomy, your thyroid gland is removed. This helps correct the condition. But at the same time, it could lead to hypothyroidism (under-production of thyroid hormones) and may require the usage of thyroid supplements for a long time in order to keep the hormonal levels stable and normal.
2. Medications: Medications such as anti-thyroid drugs (methimazole or propylthiouracil) can be prescribed to help with controlling your thyroid.
3. Beta-blockers: These are drugs that regulate the activity of the thyroid hormones in your body. They do not provoke a change in the hormonal levels in your blood but can help regulate symptoms like nervousness, rapid heartbeat, and shakiness. The beta-blockers treatment option isn’t used alone. It is usually paired or used along with another treatment option for a long time.

What are the Complications That Could Arise from Hyperthyroidism?

Complications may arise due to not treating or not properly treating Hyperthyroidism. Untreated Hyperthyroidism can be caused by several factors such as ignorance, high cost of treatment, lack of knowledge, whereas lack of proper treatment for hyperthyroidism condition may be due to late detection, visiting quack clinics and doctors, selection of wrong treatment options, etc.

Hyperthyroidism can have an effect on many parts of your body. Different systems in your body can be greatly affected, such as your skeletal system (bones), cardiovascular system (heart), etc., all due to an over-production of hormones in your body.

Complications may include:

• Osteoporosis
• Stroke
• Atrial fibrillation
• Congestive heart failure

Another grave complication that can arise from Hyperthyroidism include:

Thyroid storm, also known as thyrotoxic crisis or thyroid crisis. This is a rare yet serious condition that happens when the thyroid produces a large or excessive quantity of thyroid hormones in a short period of time. This condition is life-threatening, and such is termed as an emergency. A prompt medical lookout should be given to any person with this condition.

Thyroid storm symptoms include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Delirium (confusion, restlessness, disorientation, hallucination).
• Hyperthermia (high fever)): having a temperature between 104 degrees-106 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Congestive heart failure
• A feeling of agitation and irritability
• Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat): Heartbeats that can exceed 140bpm (beats per minute).

What to Do if You are At Risk of Hyperthyroidism?

If you’re at risk of having Hyperthyroidism, you can reduce the impact or effect of Hyperthyroidism when you minimize intake of iodine through your diets or medications.

You should consume less seafood such as fish, crab, sushi, prawns, lobster, and many more. Milk, cheese, egg yolks, and other dairy products that contain a very high amount of iodine should be less consumed.

Conclusion

It is noteworthy that Hyperthyroidism isn’t a death sentence. It is a condition that can be cured if properly managed or treated. Once you start experiencing any of the symptoms stated above or are at risk of having the condition, ensure you contact your healthcare provider. You will have to undergo diagnostic tests to determine your condition state and the best treatment option/plan for you as well.