Hyperthyroidism: causes, symptoms and treatment

Hyperthyroidism refers to an overactive thyroid gland. This gland is responsible for secreting the thyroxine hormone, responsible, among other things, for regulating the body's metabolism.

When this production is disturbed, hypothyroidism occurs if the production of hormones becomes slow, and hyperthyroidism if on the contrary it accelerates too much. Either condition should be addressed immediately.

What is hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism has very clear symptoms. However, it is the specialist who must carry out studies, diagnose and prescribe the appropriate treatment. It is important that at the first symptoms we go to the doctor.

The greatest risk of hyperthyroidism is that if it is not treated in time, can cause serious damage to the heart. For this reason, in the presence of symptoms, it is necessary to visit the endocrinologist, who is the specialist on the subject.

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What is hyperthyroidism? What causes it?

Hyperthyroidism is an inordinate acceleration of thyroid function. It is also known as an overactive thyroid, because the activity of the gland is higher than normal. The thyroid is responsible for producing the hormones T3 and T4, which are related to the functioning of metabolism among other functions, such as body temperature and heart rate.

There are several reasons why the thyroid function could be altered and lead to hyperthyroidism. One of them is thyroiditis. Although the reasons are not known, it can happen that the thyroid suffers an inflammation, which at the same time causes an increased production of the hormones T3 and T4. This affectation becomes chronic giving way to hyperthyroidism.

Another cause is the appearance of toxic goiter. When an adenoma separates from the rest of the gland, it produces too much T4, in addition to forming bumps that manifest as an enlarged gland. This overproduction of T4 leads to hyperthyroidism. One of the most obvious manifestations of this problem is a widening of the neck.

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease. In this condition what happens is that the immune system is affected, the antibodies stimulate too much to the thyroid and causes a lack of control in the amounts of hormones, which leads to hyperactivity of the thyroid.

Symptoms

Hyperthyroidism has different symptoms than hypothyroidism. Because this gland is involved in metabolic function and heart rate, the symptoms that usually occur are related to these two functions.

The problem comes when these symptoms are confused with other diseases, as it could not be treated properly or on time. So before any suspicion and appearance of one or more of these symptoms, a visit to the endocrinologist will be the best option.

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1. Weightloss

The most obvious and common symptom of hyperthyroidism is weight loss. When there is a sudden and involuntary loss of weight, despite consuming the same foods and in the same amount, hyperthyroidism can be suspected.

Because this disease speeds up the metabolism, food and fats are over-processed and this results in accelerated and excessive weight loss. Especially in the second month, this becomes more evident.

2. Rapid and irregular heartbeats

The thyroid gland is involved with heart rate, so this function is also impaired. Are given palpitations greater than 100 per minute, even in a state of rest, and the heart rate is also altered, producing arrhythmia.

Along with this symptom, chest pains may appear, like small bumps. This is intensified a lot when doing any physical activity, no matter how minor. At the same time there is a lot of fatigue due to the effort of the body to maintain that rhythm in the palpitations.

3. Swelling at the base of the neck

Another obvious symptom of hyperthyroidism is the appearance of a goiter. Although this enlargement does not always occur, its development is directly related to the thyroid gland and its hyperactivity.

Any swelling or enlargement in the neck that does not cause pain should be checked immediately., before other symptoms appear. This is a clear sign that the thyroid gland has undergone drastic changes.

4. Fatigue, nervousness, and irritability

Thyroid disorders manifest with fatigue and irritability. Because the pulsations are irregular and too many, the heart rate and the blood pumping are also working in an accelerated way and there is chronic fatigue.

This is especially noticeable when you feel tired even when you have not been physically active. Paradoxically, Despite the fatigue, there is difficulty sleeping, because the palpitations do not go down and this causes irritability and nervousness.

5. Thin skin and fragile hair

If the skin begins to feel too thin and the hair too brittle, it may be a sign of hyperthyroidism. Once metabolism is disrupted, all functions related to it are disrupted as well.

When it comes to hormone secretion, the menstrual cycle can also be affected and along with this, the functions that keep the skin and scalp strong and toned.

Treatment

Hyperthyroidism can cause serious heart problems. That is why it must be attended on time. The good news is that proper and timely treatment has fast, permanent results with a good outlook.

Usually it is the endocrinologist who will make the diagnosis. Thyroid scintigraphy and imaging tests are needed, especially if goiter is suspected. After analyzing the results, the definitive diagnosis is made.

Part of the treatment is administration of radioactive iodine (an antithyroid medicine) and in some cases surgery is required to remove the gland. Unless otherwise indicated by your doctor, it is suggested not to exercise or carry excessive weight until hyperthyroidism is under control.

Bibliographic references

• De Leo, S., Lee, S. Y., & Braverman, L. AND. (2016). Hyperthyroidism. Lancet (London, England), 388 (10047), 906–918.
• LiVolsi, V. A., & Baloch, Z. W. (2018). The Pathology of Hyperthyroidism. Frontiers in endocrinology, 9, 737.