The thyroid glands contribute to the body’s metabolism by producing thyroid hormones. In the case of hyperthyroidism, conditions such as heart failure, risk of stroke, and osteoporosis may occur. For this reason, hyperthyroidism needs to be treated.
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What Is Hyperthyroidism?
The thyroid glands located in the front part of the neck provide hormone production. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland control functions such as protein production and energy use. Hyperthyroidism is the condition in which the thyroid gland works excessively. When too much thyroid hormone is produced, metabolism may speed up. As a result of an accelerated metabolism, the person may lose a lot of weight and experience irregular heartbeats. Hyperthyroidism is also popularly known as toxic goiter.
The hormones produced by the thyroid gland are called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Since thyroid hormones are effective in brain development, growth, the digestive system, and muscle control, when hyperthyroidism occurs, the functioning of the entire body system begins to work differently than normal and the condition may cause various symptoms.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism vary from person to person. While almost all symptoms may be observed in some people, one or two symptoms may be observed in others. This varies depending on the person’s age, gender, and general health status. Hyperthyroidism may present with different findings and complaints such as:
- Weight loss
- Increased appetite
- Insomnia
- Decreased tolerance to heat
- Palpitations, trembling in the hands
- Anxiety and irritability
- Menstrual irregularity
- Warm and moist skin
- Thinning, breakage, and shedding of the hair
What Causes Hyperthyroidism?
Causes of hyperthyroidism vary from person to person, but most commonly occur due to Graves’ disease. In addition to Graves’ disease, causes of hyperthyroidism may include toxic multinodular goiter, solitary thyroid adenoma, inflammation of the thyroid gland, and pituitary adenomas that secrete thyroid hormone or TSH. In addition, dietary habits are also important for hyperthyroidism. Since excessive iodine intake can cause hyperthyroidism, it is necessary to be careful about iodine use. Finding what causes hyperthyroidism is guiding for its treatment. This process is generally carried out in a multidisciplinary manner with the participation of many branches.
Hyperthyroidism Treatment
Treatment of hyperthyroidism is possible. With this treatment, excessive hormone production by the thyroid can be prevented. The aim of treatment is to control the gland’s hormone secretion as well as to correct the effects caused by hyperthyroidism. Although treatments can often be challenging for both the patient and physicians, success rates are high in experienced hands. In general, three types of treatment principles are applied. Hyperthyroidism treatment methods are as follows:
Medication therapy; hyperthyroidism can be treated through the use of certain medications. In this method, generally used for hyperthyroidism caused by Graves’ disease, medication dosages and timely use are important factors. Since medication therapy is painless, this method is used first. However, medication therapy may not be sufficient. In this case, other treatment options should be evaluated.
Radioactive iodine therapy; in this method in which iodine labeled with a radioactive substance is administered, it is aimed to damage the thyroid gland. If damage is achieved, this route is followed because the thyroid gland will work less.
Surgical treatment; in this method, all or part of the thyroid is removed by surgery. However, medication therapy is applied before using the surgical method. Surgical intervention is resorted to when medication therapy is not sufficient. If the entire thyroid has been removed in hyperthyroidism surgery, medication use is required. As a result of removing the entire thyroid, thyroid hormone cannot be produced, therefore lifelong medication use may be necessary.
Which treatment will be applied to which patient is decided according to the patient. It is of great importance that the process is carried out by an experienced endocrinologist and a surgeon dealing with endocrine surgery, both in terms of the type of treatment to be selected, its duration and follow-up, and the management of additional problems that may arise.
Hyperthyroidism FAQ
1. Is hyperthyroidism dangerous?
If hyperthyroidism is not treated, it can be dangerous. If hyperthyroidism progresses, some diseases may occur.
2. What happens if hyperthyroidism progresses?
If hyperthyroidism progresses, it may cause conditions such as heart failure, heart rhythm disorders, muscle weakness, eye problems, hand tremors, and irritability.
3. What should hyperthyroidism patients pay attention to?
Hyperthyroidism patients should avoid stress and stay away from foods high in iodine.
4. Does hyperthyroidism harm the heart?
It is known that hyperthyroidism can lead to heart problems. Since hyperthyroidism increases heart rate, problems such as high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and heart failure may occur.
5. Is hyperthyroidism caused by stress?
It cannot be said that stress directly causes hyperthyroidism, but it is a triggering factor for thyroid diseases.
