Hyperthyroidism
What is it?
Hyperthyroidism is overactivity of the thyroid
gland. It occurs when the thyroid gland produces
more thyroid hormones than is needed. The thyroid
is a butterfly shaped gland located on each side
of the windpipe and connected just below the
larynx by a thin strip of tissue. It produces
hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism and
organ function. Since thyroid hormones influence
essentially every organ, tissue and cell in the
body, excess hormones speed up most chemical
reactions in the body, causing medical and
physical changes. Other names for hyperthyroidism,
or specific diseases which are the result of an
overactive thyroid include Graves’ disease,
diffuse toxic goiter, Basedow’s disease, Parry’s
disease and thyrotoxicosis.
Who gets it?
Hyperthyroidism is more prevalent in women than
men. Although it can occur at any age, it is most
likely to occur after the age of 15, and more so
to those in their 30’s and 40’s. The annual
incidence of hyperthyroidism in the United States
is about one per 1,000 women.
What causes it?
Although the exact cause of hyperthyroidism is
unknown, it is often associated with
autoantibodies in the blood which cause the
thyroid to grow and excrete excess thyroid
hormone.
In other words, your immune system does not
work properly and the body produces a substance
that makes more hormone than it needs. Instead of
protecting the body’s tissue, antibodies produced
in the body’s immune system attack tissue and as a
result cause the thyroid gland to overproduce.
Some thyroid gland problems may be inherited.
Another cause may be a growth that makes the
thyroid gland bigger.
What are the Symptoms?
There is a wide range of signs and symptoms
including weight loss with increased appetite,
anxiety, tiredness, sleep disturbances, muscle
weakness, intolerance to heat, tremors, muscle
weakness, enlarged thyroid (Goiter), a bulging of
one or both of your eyes, vision problems,
diarrhea, faster heart rate and shortness of
breath. Women may experience decreased menstrual
flow and irregular cycles.
How is it diagnosed?
Hyperthyroidism is easily detected and
diagnosed. Your health care provider will ask you
about your symptoms, examine you, and order lab
tests. Noticeable clues such as a goiter or eye
bulging may be noted and a family history may also
be a clue to a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism.
An elevated body temperature may be an
indication also. A simple blood test can be
performed to measure the amount of thyroid hormone
in the patient’s blood. Other tests such as
thyroid scan may check thyroid gland function.
This is a nuclear medicine procedure involving
injection of a radioisotope dye, which will tag
the thyroid and help produce a clear image of
inflammation or involvement of the entire thyroid.
The physician may also order a an ultrasound,
computed tomography scan (CT scan) or magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) to provide a visual
confirmation of the diagnosis.
What is the treatment?
The options for treatment, which will lower the
amount of thyroid hormone in your body, are
medication, radiation and surgery. Antithyroid
drug therapy blocks thyroid hormone production and
usually has it under control in several weeks.
This method may work for young adults, pregnant
women, and others. A pill containing radioactive
iodine is currently the treatment of choice in the
United States. It is often prescribed to damage
cells that make thyroid hormone. The cells need
iodine to make the hormone, so they will absorb
any iodine found in the body.
Some patients may take the pill daily for
several weeks, which will lead to eventual
shrinkage of the thyroid’s size thereby reducing
hormone production. Others, who are not of
reproductive age, may take a single larger oral
dose of radioactive iodine to treat the disease
more quickly. Surgical removal of all or part of
the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy), is usually used
to treat very young patients with Graves’ disease
and older patients with diseased thyroids. It
cures the disease 90% of the time. The risks
associated with a thyroidectomy include nerve
damage and low thyroid levels. Alternative
treatment includes consumption of certain foods
that help naturally suppress thyroid hormone
production. Caffeinated drinks and dairy products
should be avoided. High dosages of certain
vitamin/mineral combinations, given under the
supervision of a trained physician, can help
alleviate hyperthyroidism.
Self Care Tips
There is actually no known way to prevent
hyperthyroidism, since its causes are either
inherited or not understood. Knowledge of your
family history, having regular checkups and close
attention to symptoms and signs of the disease,
are the best prevention methods. Following the
full treatment prescribed by your health care
provider can prevent complications of the disease.
Consumption of foods such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale,
rutabagas, spinach, turnips, peaches, and pears
can help naturally suppress thyroid hormone
production. Caffeinated drinks and dairy products
should be avoided. Under the supervision of a
trained physician, high dosages of certain
vitamin/mineral combinations can also help
alleviate hyperthyroidism.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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