Hyperthyroidism: A Complete Overview

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces more hormones than one’s body requires. As a result, most bodily functions accelerate and lead to symptoms like anxiety, weight loss, increased heart rate, etc.

To adopt the necessary treatment and management methods at the right time, one must learn about the causes and symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Keep reading for a detailed insight into the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of hyperthyroidism.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

Some of the medical conditions that lead to hyperthyroidism are as follows:

• Thyroiditis

Thyroid gland inflammation is called thyroiditis. Though the reason for this condition is not clear yet, it may occur due to an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The phase in this condition is called the thyrotoxic phase, where the extra hormone in the thyroid gland gets released into the blood due to inflammation.

• Grave’s Disease

In this autoimmune disease, one’s immune system prompts the thyroid gland to overproduce hormones. It is one of the most common causes of overactive thyroid. Individuals with a genetic history of developing thyroid disorder or any autoimmune disease are at risk of this disease.

• Thyroid Nodules

Nodules or lumps of cells that grow inside the thyroid gland can cause overproduction of hormones. This condition is called TMNG (toxic multinodular goitre) and is common in elderly people. The nodules are mostly benign (non-cancerous) with rare chances of being cancerous.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

In most cases, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism may match with other medical conditions. Thus, its diagnosis becomes difficult at times. Here are some of the symptoms that can help identify an overactive thyroid:

• Tachycardia (fast heartbeat)
• Increased appetite
• Weight loss
• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• Anxiety
• Nervousness
• Palpitations
• Heat intolerance
• Sweating
• Tiredness
• Sleeping disorders
• Goitre (swollen thyroid)
• Frequent bowel movements
• Tremors in hands and fingers
• Skin texture getting thin
• Brittle hair
• Moist and warm skin, etc.

Some symptoms in elderly people make hyperthyroidism hard to diagnose. They are as follows:

• Depression
• Weakness
• Irregular heartbeat, etc.

Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism

There are several methods to diagnose hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid. It usually starts with asking about the patient’s medical history and symptoms, followed by a physical test and the following methods:

• Blood Tests

Healthcare providers suggest blood tests for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid antibody. These tests detect the hormone levels in a person’s blood and determine hyperthyroidism.

• Imaging Test

It includes ultrasound, thyroid scan, and radioactive iodine uptake test. Doctors use the digital images to diagnose the hyperthyroidism condition. In radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU), the patient is allowed to swallow radioactive iodine in small portions to check the amount of iodine the thyroid gland can absorb from the blood.

Treatment Options for Hyperthyroidism 

Hyperthyroidism has no permanent cure, but here are some treatment options to control it:

• Antithyroid Medications

Medicines like methimazole and propylthiouracil slow down the hormone production ability of the thyroid gland. Antithyroid medicines cannot cure overactive thyroid permanently, but it is the most common treatment. The duration of treatment through medication may vary depending on the patient’s hyperthyroidism conditions.

• Radioactive Iodine Therapy

In this treatment, the person diagnosed with hyperthyroidism needs to intake radioactive iodine in liquid or capsule form to destroy the hormone-producing cells in the thyroid gland. Though it does not destroy other tissues in one’s body, it mostly leads to hypothyroidism in the future as the cells producing thyroid hormones get permanently damaged. 

• Surgery

Hyperthyroidism surgery involves complete or partial removal of the thyroid gland. Some cases of hyperthyroidism such as in pregnancy or enlargement of goitres may need surgical treatment. This is because taking antithyroid drugs during pregnancy can complicate the situation.

However, after removing the thyroid gland, one needs to take hormone supplements in the form of medicines for a lifetime to regulate bodily functions.

Complications of Untreated Hyperthyroidism

If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can cause the following complications:

• Cardiovascular Issues

Hyperthyroidism has worse effects on one’s heart. It may lead to severe complications like atrial fibrillation. It is a disorder of heart rhythm that may cause stroke in a person. Another complication that may develop due to overactive thyroid is congestive heart failure. In this issue, the heart fails to circulate blood according to one’s body’s requirements.

• Brittle Bones

Hyperthyroidism, if left untreated, can lead to osteoporosis. It is a condition in which one’s bones become weak and brittle. Bone strength depends on the calcium and minerals present in it. In hyperthyroidism, the body cannot produce enough calcium for the bones due to excessive hormone secretions.

Hyperthyroidism and Pregnancy

Pregnant women produce more hormones than the usual levels to develop the foetus. Though a little hormonal elevation is normal, one may take professional advice if the level drastically increases. In such cases, the foetus may also get affected, leading to miscarriages in the worst circumstances.

However, pregnant women cannot take antithyroid drugs as it may affect the baby. In such a situation, partial or complete thyroid surgery is the only solution.

Lifestyle Changes and Management of Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland needs iodine in the right proportions to produce hormones. However, excessive iodine intake in conditions like Grave’s disease may cause harmful effects. Consuming iodine-rich food like dulse, kelp, or other seaweeds in such a situation can cause severe hyperthyroidism issues. 

Having a proper diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables may preserve the health of the thyroid gland. Here are some of the foods one can include in their diet to control hyperthyroidism:

• Minimum 5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruits per day
• High-fibre foods like potatoes, whole grains, rice, etc.
• Low-fat proteins like fish, beans, legumes, chicken, etc.
• Unsaturated fats

Regulating stress and tension can also help control the situation and offer a healthy lifestyle. One can start regular exercise to improve health as well as outlook. A good sleep and stress management technique as suggested by one’s physician can also help maintain hyperthyroidism.

Long-term Management and Monitoring of Hyperthyroidism

Individuals undergoing hyperthyroidism treatment should consult with their doctors at regular intervals. It helps keep monitoring their condition and doctors can raise or lower the medicine dosage as required.

Besides, if a patient experiences symptoms like high fever, thyroid storm, or fast heart rate while taking hyperthyroidism treatment, he/she needs to visit the nearest healthcare centre immediately.

Conclusion

Excessive production of thyroid hormone may have several adverse effects on one’s health, but the condition can be controlled by proper treatment. Individuals developing symptoms of overactive thyroid must consult a physician immediately and continue with suitable treatment options.

It is also necessary to adopt healthy eating habits and physical activities to further manage the condition beyond medication.