Hyperthyroidism – causes, symptoms, treatment [EXPLAINED]

Proven content

Endless energy, unexplained weight loss – The initial symptoms of an overactive thyroid are often viewed as “good” symptoms, most of which see benefits. Therefore, hyperthyroidism is one of the most commonly undiagnosed endocrine disorders. Leaving it unchecked can lead to serious health effects. What is the thyroid gland? What is an overactive thyroid gland? What are the hallmarks of an overactive thyroid? How can it be treated?

The thyroid gland – what is this organ?

The thyroid gland is a small gland at the base of the neck. Although the thyroid gland is relatively small, it plays a huge role in our body, affecting the functioning of many of the body’s most important organs, including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin. Ensuring the health and proper functioning of the thyroid gland is extremely important to our overall well-being.

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of the neck. It releases hormones that control metabolism – the way the body uses energy. Thyroid hormones regulate the following body functions:

1. proper breathing,
2. ensuring the correct heart rate,
3. proper work of the central and peripheral nervous system,
4. body weight,
5. muscle strength,
6. menstrual cycles
7. body temperature,
8. cholesterol level
9. and a lot more!

The thyroid gland is located in front of the throat, below the protruding part of the cartilage of the trachea, sometimes called Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland has two sides called lobes, which are located on either side of the trachea and are connected by a strip of thyroid tissue called the isthmus. Some people do not have a isthmus and have two separate thyroid lobes instead.

Prophylaxis is important to enjoy a healthy thyroid gland. At Medonet Market you can buy prophylactic blood tests that will allow you to assess the condition of the thyroid gland and TSH home test – a cassette test.

The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system which is made up of glands that produce, store, and release hormones into the bloodstream so that the hormones can reach the body’s cells. The thyroid gland uses iodine from food to produce two main hormones:

1. triiodothyronine (T3),
2. tyroksyny (T4).

It is important that your T3 and T4 levels are neither too high nor too low. Two glands in the brain – the hypothalamus and pituitary gland communicate to keep T3 and T4 in balance. The hypothalamus produces TSH-releasing hormone, which signals the pituitary gland to make the thyroid make more or less T3 and T4 by increasing or decreasing the release of a hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). And so:

1. when the levels of T3 and T4 are low in the blood, the pituitary gland releases more TSH, then the thyroid gland should produce more thyroid hormones,
2. if T3 and T4 levels are high, the pituitary gland releases less TSH to the thyroid gland to slow down the production of these hormones.

You can check the level of T3 and T4 by performing diagnostic tests. The tests will help to exclude the suspicion of a disease such as hypothyroidism and to assess the condition of the organ, based on the analysis of a blood sample.

Also read: What is the 3rd generation TSH?

Hyperthyroidism – What is it?

An overactive thyroid gland occurs when the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormones than the body needs. ANDIn other words, if your thyroid is overactive and produces more thyroid hormones than your body needs, it causes your thyroid to become overactive.. Thyroid hormones control the way the body uses energy, so they affect almost every organ in the body, even the way the heart beats.

When your thyroid is overactive, your body’s processes speed up. This acceleration can cause, for example:

1. nervousness,
2. anxiety,
3. fast heartbeat,
4. shaking hands
5. excessive sweating
6. weight loss
7. difficulty sleeping.

To support the thyroid in the fight against hyperthyroidism, order Hyperthyroidism – a mixture of herbs that can be the perfect complement to your treatment.

Untreated hyperthyroidism can cause serious problems with your heart, bones, muscles, menstrual cycle and fertility. In order to prevent the development of the disease, perform diagnostic tests that will help assess the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Start the diagnosis or differentiation of thyroid diseases now – order the extended e-package of thyroid tests from the uPatient’s offer.

Hyperthyroidism – types

Depending on whether the hyperthyroidism develops without previous changes in the thyroid gland or on the basis of simple goiter, it is referred to as primary or secondary hyperthyroidism.

In addition to them, we also distinguish abortive forms of hyperthyroidism, in which there are only some symptoms of hyperthyroidism, and in varying severity.

An example of a primary hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, associated with the intensification of the hormonal activity of the gland. This is due to, inter alia, the production of antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland to produce hormones.

Start the diagnosis of thyroid problems by visiting your GP. Do not wait, make an appointment with the National Health Fund today via the halodoctor.pl portal. The consultation will take place without leaving your home in a form convenient for you.

Hyperthyroidism – causes

An overactive thyroid gland has several causes including Graves’ disease, thyroid nodules, and thyroiditis. Sometimes an overactive thyroid gland is caused by a non-cancerous tumor of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. Consuming too much iodine or consuming too much thyroid hormone can also raise thyroid hormone levels.

Graves’ disease – the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to produce too much thyroid hormone.

Overactive thyroid nodules – lumps that grow on the thyroid gland and increase the production of thyroid hormones. Thyroid nodules are common and usually benign, which means they are not cancerous. However, one or more of the nodules may become overactive and produce too much thyroid hormone. The presence of many overactive nodules is most common in the elderly,

Inflammation of the thyroid gland This is an inflammation that causes stored thyroid hormone to leak out of the thyroid gland. An overactive thyroid gland can last up to 3 months, after which it may develop into underactive thyroid gland, a condition called hypothyroidism.

To support the functioning of the thyroid gland, it is worth reaching for appropriate dietary supplements. We recommend, for example, the ThyroMe Complex Health Labs kit – daily thyroid support.

Several types of thyroiditis can cause an overactive thyroid gland, followed by an underactive thyroid:

1. subacute thyroiditis – this condition includes painful inflammation and an enlarged thyroid gland. Experts aren’t sure what causes subacute thyroiditis, but it could be related to a viral or bacterial infection.
2. postpartum thyroiditis – this type of thyroiditis develops in women after childbirth,
3. silent thyroiditis – this type of thyroiditis is called “silent” because it is painless, even when the thyroid gland is enlarged. Experts believe that silent thyroiditis is likely an autoimmune disease.

Increased iodine consumption – some foods and medications contain iodine and too much iodine can overstimulate the thyroid gland.

Increased intake of thyroid hormone drugs – this sometimes happens in patients who are treated with thyroid hormones to correct an underactive thyroid gland (an underactive thyroid gland).

Also read: Too much iodine in the mother can promote hypothyroidism in the baby

Hyperthyroidism – symptoms

The main symptoms of hyperthyroidism are also accompanied by the following to a varying degree:

1. losing weight,
2. shaking hands
3. excessive mobility and increased nervous excitability,
4. increased sweating,
5. tendency to diarrhea,
6. feeling of increased heart palpitations,
7. insomnia,
8. menstrual disorders in women.

When you notice disturbing symptoms, it is worth going to an endocrinologist’s appointment to help rule out thyroid abnormalities. Consultation with a specialist is necessary if you want to maintain a healthy thyroid organ.

Various types of vascular disorders are also noticed, such as:

1. feeling hot
2. slight redness of the face and neck,
3. increased dermographism, i.e. redness of the skin where it has been rubbed.

Laboratory tests show an increase in basal metabolism and an overproduction of thyroid hormones. Symptoms may vary from person to person.

Hyperthyroidism – Who Is At Risk?

Women are 2 to 10 times more likely to develop hyperthyroidism than men. The risk of developing an overactive thyroid gland is greater if:

1. has been in the immediate family of an overactive thyroid gland
2. you struggle with pernicious anemia (vitamin B12 deficiency),
3. you suffer from type 1 diabetes,
4. you struggle with primary adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison’s disease (a disorder in which the adrenal glands do not make enough hormones such as cortisol)
5. you eat a diet rich in iodine or iodine-containing medications
6. you are over 60 years old,
7. you were pregnant in the last 6 months,
8. you have had thyroid surgery or you have a thyroid problem such as goiter, which is a swollen thyroid gland. 

You can support the work of the thyroid gland by adding adequate selenium supplementation to your daily diet. The trace element is actively involved in the production of thyroid hormones, therefore its deficiency should not be allowed. The daily dose of selenium can be provided by the dietary supplement Selenium 200 µg. You can also order a preparation that will provide your body not only with selenium, but also iodine, zinc, iron and other vitamins and minerals important for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. We recommend, for example, Thyroid Complex – ThyroidComplex Viridian available on Medonet Market in the form of capsules.

The editorial board recommends: The adrenal glands – what are they?

Hyperthyroidism – What to Do When Symptoms Occur?

People who notice symptoms that may indicate an overactive thyroid gland should perform a laboratory test of hormones. You should go to your GP with the results, they will help you interpret the result and then decide on what to do next. They may recommend a blood TSH test. This test does not have to be performed on an empty stomach. If the patient is diagnosed with severe hyperthyroidism, he or she is referred to hospital immediately.

See: What tests should be performed for the thyroid gland?

Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism

The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is made on the basis of the overall clinical picture and laboratory tests, including in particular those determining the concentration of appropriate hormones in the blood, i.e., secreted by the thyroid gland triiodothyronine (T₃) and thyroxine (T.₄) and pituitary thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

In a situation where a doctor diagnoses hyperthyroidism in us, it will be necessary to determine its cause in order to select the appropriate treatment. For this purpose, the doctor will order auxiliary tests, such as:

1. Ultrasound of the thyroid gland – it will help to find changes in the thyroid gland in terms of Graves’ disease: reduced echogenicity, – you can buy the ultrasound at Medonet Market,
2. anti-thyroid antibodies in the blood, especially antibodies against the TSH receptor (anti-TSHR) – a high level of anti-TSHR is typical for Graves’ disease,
3. fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the thyroid gland – when thyroid nodules are found,
4. thyroid scintigraphy, which is only performed in some cases.

Do you want to support the proper functioning of your thyroid gland? Reach for Daily Thyro ° on the thyroid gland. This supplement contains, among others inositol, which can improve the thyroid sensitivity to TSH, has a positive effect on general well-being, protects the thyroid cells and supports the regulation of the hormonal balance.

Hyperthyroidism – treatment

In order to restore the proper hormonal function of the thyroid gland in people with hyperthyroidism, it is first of all necessary to provide them with peace for many weeks, eliminate all sources of conflicts and emotions, ensure favorable environmental conditions and use appropriate pharmacological preparations blocking the activity or inhibiting the excessive production of hormones conditioning the given syndrome. clinical symptoms.

The type of pharmacological treatment of hyperthyroidism, the dose of the preparation and the duration of use are determined and changed each time by the doctor. Systematic treatment is the basic condition for obtaining treatment results. In some cases, isotope or surgical treatment is used.

Treatment of an overactive thyroid depends on:

1. its causes,
2. patient’s age,
3. severity,
4. other diseases.

Therefore, the method of treatment is selected by the doctor individually. This condition should not be underestimated, because untreated hyperthyroidism can cause very dangerous complications such as: heart failure, arrhythmias, osteoporosis.

In the treatment of hyperthyroidism, antithyroid drugs (thyreostatic drugs) are used – this group of drugs includes thiamazole and propylthiouracil. These preparations are responsible for suppressing the production of thyroid hormones, and their effect appears after about 2-4 weeks of taking. Thyreostats alleviate symptoms such as: trembling hands or rapid heartbeat. The dose of the drug is determined individually by the doctor.

The use of this preparation may lead to side effects such as joint pain or itching of the skin, then the dosage should be changed or (in some cases) discontinued. A dangerous complication can be agranulocytosis – a decrease in the amount of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in the serum due to reversible toxic bone marrow damage that disappears only after drug discontinuation, but requires close medical supervision. During this complication, the body loses its resistance to infection.

Oral radioiodine treatment – taking this medicine is expected to cause slow and irreversible destruction of the thyroid cells that take up iodine from the serum. Several months of treatment are required for the therapy to be effective. Radioactive iodine must not be administered to pregnant women and during breastfeeding. For at least six months after the end of treatment, women should not plan a pregnancy,

Surgery (strumectomy, thyroidectomy) – intended for suspected thyroid cancer. Surgery is also planned for patients who have a lump that compresses the thyroid gland. The treatment causes hypothyroidism, which must be constantly treated with thyroxinei. As with any operation, this one has certain complications: paralysis of the vocal cords (one or both) or irreversible hypoparathyroidism.

Also check: Did you know that a sick thyroid gland can contribute to a heart attack?

Hyperthyroidism in children

Graves’ disease (GD) is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in children. GD is a rare disease in children, accounting for 1% to 5% of the disease. all GD patients. In adults, this disease affects about 2 percent. women and 0,2 percent. men.

In both adults and children, GD is much more common in women than in men. It can occur at any age during childhood, but its frequency increases with age, peaking in adolescence. The incidence is believed to be increasing and is about 0,1 per 100 in young children to 000 per 3 in adolescents.

The cause of GD remains unclear, but it is believed to be the result of a complex interaction between the genetic background (heredity), environmental factors and the immune system. For unknown reasons, the immune system produces an antibody [TSH receptor antibody (TRAb)] that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce excess thyroid hormone. The genetic susceptibility to this disease is believed to be multi-gene.

Symptoms of an overactive thyroid in children include:

1. anxiety,
2. nervousness,
3. reduced ability to concentrate (symptoms resembling an attention deficit),
4. reduced school performance,
5. depressed mood and irritability,
6. constant feeling of warmth,
7. heartbeat (palpitations)
8. hair loss, especially on the head,
9. emotional outbursts such as crying or yelling
10. trembling (trembling hands)
11. difficulty swallowing
12. bulging eyes
13. increased urination, bedwetting,
14. frequent bowel movements and weight loss despite good or even increased appetite. 

Difficulty falling asleep, fatigue, decreased strength, and decreased ability to tolerate exercise are also common. Even climbing and descending stairs can be more tiring than usual. Younger children may show increased growth (increased height), but the onset of puberty may be delayed until treatment is started.

Graves’ disease may be more difficult to diagnose in children who are only slightly hyperactive. The parent may confuse the child’s behavior with hyperactivity or some other psychiatric condition.

Also check: Thyroid doctor – endocrinologist or thyroidologist?

Male hyperthyroidism

The symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland in men should not be ignored or left untreated. The most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism in men are fatigue, sweating, restlessness, changes in appetite, trouble concentrating, and weight loss. The thyroid gland itself can also become enlarged, causing the neck and throat near the Adam’s apple to become swollen.

One of the remarkable side effects that only affect men is the swelling of the breast tissue, which actually causes male breasts to grow.

Less common symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland in men are hair loss, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and weakness. If an overactive thyroid is caused by GB, some symptoms may include puffy or swollen eyes, eye irritation, and an overproduction of tears.

Another possible symptom is the feeling of your heart beating very fast. The heart may beat irregularly and it will be difficult to breathe even when you are resting. Most people feel their heart is about to pop out of their chest. Heart failure may occur in elderly patients. In order to prevent the development of diseases, perform a set of laboratory tests to check the condition of the circulatory system.

Two more serious side effects that can occur in men from an overactive thyroid gland are muscle weakness coupled with bone weakness. Osteoporosis, usually caused by low calcium levels and causing brittle and weak bones, is a dangerous symptom of this thyroid disease. Diagnostic examination for osteoporosis is offered by the uPatient’s medical center.

Hyperthyroidism and pregnant women

Pregnant women diagnosed with hyperthyroidism should immediately inform their doctor about this fact. In pregnant women, hyperthyroidism is detrimental to both the mother and the fetus. The doctor’s task is to immediately modify the treatment – mainly limiting pharmacological substances and considering surgical treatment (practically possible until the fourth month of pregnancy). Any sudden changes in well-being require a medical check-up. Purchase a medical package for pregnant women and provide yourself with comprehensive medical care at every stage of pregnancy.

Hyperthyroidism – end of treatment and prophylaxis

After the end of the treatment of hyperthyroidism, patients must still be under constant medical care. The level of TSH should be monitored and an ultrasound of the thyroid gland should be performed. It happens that the disease may relapse or hypothyroidism may develop (even many months after the end of treatment). Patients who require oral thyroid hormones for hypothyroidism should be aware of regularity in their intake and monitoring of the effectiveness of treatment. The Arkmedic medical center offers thyroid ultrasound and consultation with an endocrinologist.

As an aid in the treatment of thyroid problems, order the Thyroid Kit with evening primrose oil, thyroid tea and a dietary supplement of licorice root.

How to avoid getting an overactive thyroid?

People who wish to stay healthy should consume large amounts of iodine. Currently, there is an obligatory iodization of table salt in Poland. In addition, you should eat foods that are rich in iodine, such as fish. Pregnant and lactating women should take iodine by mouth. Its adequate amount in the body reduces the risk of the appearance of thyroid nodules and the development of parenchymal goiter. The appropriate level of iodine in the body helps to maintain the Kelp 630 mg dietary supplement. The product contains a composition of natural ingredients and has a positive effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland.

For the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, it is worth using EutroHerbs Thyroid – a herbal infusion mixture on a regular basis.

How else to avoid hyperthyroidism? Quitting smoking is important and affects the development and course of the disease. If you have a family history of thyroid disease, please inform your doctor.