Hyperthyroidism|Hyperthyroid.

Hyperthyroidism is one of the thyroid problems due to an overactive thyroid.  It is a condition, wherein the thyroid becomes over active and as a result,  secretes excessive amounts of its hormones, T3 and T4 into the blood.  This overactive thyroid causes certain complications to develop which can be serious.  

Causes of Hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism is a thyroid disease which occurs as a result of an overactive thyroid and has several causes.

1) Graves’ Diseases.

Named after the man who discovered it. In Graves’ disease, there is an enlarged  thyroid and  the entire gland produces excessive T3 and T4. You can read about Graves’ disease “here”

2) Thyroiditis.

This is a painful inflammation of the thyroid accompanied by fever. It may cause hyperthyroidism and this subsides once the inflammation is brought under control.  5%  of women experience symptoms of thyroiditis after they have delivered a baby. However, this is painless and subsides after a few months.

3) Thyroid nodule/s:

A solitary or more nodules can occur in the thyroid and may cause hyperthyroidism. Here, only the thyroid cells in the nodule become hyperactive.

Picture of thyroid nodule.

4) Excessive intake of Thyroid medicines cause Hyperthyroidism.

This usually happens due improper medical follow ups.

5)  Pituitary induced Hyperthyroidism.

Here, due to a tumor in the pituitary gland, there is excessive secretion of TSH by the pituitary gland and this in turn triggers excessive secretion of thyroid hormones causing hyperthyroidism. If you have read “Thyroid diseases ( Basics –Part 1), you will know that the functions of the thyroid gland are controlled by the Pituitary gland.

Thyroid Symptoms|Hyperthyroid Symptoms.

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms are not typical and may not lead your doctor to immediately to come to a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroid symptoms very from individual to individual and in senior people it can be mistaken as signs of ageing.

  1. Excessive sweating leading to a moist skin.
  2. Loss of hair.
  3. Cannot tolerate heat.
  4. Increased bowel movements.
  5. Anxiety.
  6. Fine tremors in hands.
  7. Improper Sleep.
  8. Breathlessness.
  9. Scanty menstrual flow.
  10. Fatigue and inability to concentrate.
  11. Increased heart rate causing palpitations.
  12. Loss of weight.
  13. Typical Staring gaze. This is called exophthalmus.

Effects of Hyperthyroidism.

  1. Impaired tolerance to glucose causing a Prediabetes condition.
  2. Diabetes type 2 may develop.
  3. Tachycardia and atrial fibrillation which may lead to Congestive cardiac failure.
  4. Osteoporosis may develop because, increases levels of T3 and T4 interfere with utilization of calcium by the bones.
  5. Blurring and/or double vision. Eyes become red and swollen.
  6. Hoarseness of voice.
  7. Thyrotoxic crisis or storm may develop, wherein there is a sudden exacerbation of symptoms of  hyperthyroidism. Delirium develops.

Diagnosis of  Hyperthyroidism.

  1. Above normal levels of T3 and T4 in blood indicate hyperthyroidism
  2. Below normal levels of TSH indicate that thyroid is over active.
  3. Iodine thyroid scan will indicate how much iodine uptake is there by the thyroid and help in diagnosis, because iodine is used by the thyroid to make its hormones. In hyperthyroidism, iodine uptake is increased.

Treatments of hyperthyroidism.

1.   Methimazole(Tapezole) or Propylthiouracil(PTU): One of these two drugs may be prescribed. They block the action of the thyroid hormones in the blood and interfere with the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland, thereby blocking the formation of T3 and T4 by the thyroid gland.

2.   Beta blockers are also given to block the side effects of hyperthyroidism on the heart.

3.  Radioactive iodine therapy is taken up by giving the patient radioactive iodine-131 to drink. This radioactive iodine is different from the regular  iodine present in our blood. This radioactive  iodine is taken up by the cells of the overactive thyroid and it gradually destroys the thyroid cells.  As a result, the increased size of the thyroid is reduced and the thyroid hormone levels are brought to normal. This is brought  about by giving appropriate dosages. The radioactivity, however, goes away over a period of time. Chances of recurrence is there after a few months or years.

Surgery for Hyperthyroidism.

Surgery for hyperthyroidism is indicated when the above mentioned conservative treatment fails or cannot be given to a particular patient due to some reason.  Surgical removal of a nodule or the full thyroid gland is carried out as the case may be. If possible, a small portion of the thyroid may be left to maintain the thyroid hormones level in the blood. If  total removal is required, then the patient has to be kept on  thyroid replacement therapy throughout life.

Our Other Posts on Thyroid Disease.

1)  Thyroid 2)  Hyperthyroidism. 3)  Hypothyroidism. 4) Non Toxic Goiter 5) Graves’ Disease.