Your Thyroid gland is situated in the frontal region of your neck, just below your Adam’s apple (the slight projection at the front of the throat). The Thyroid gland releases hormones that control your body’s metabolism, the process which involves the rate at which your body burns up calories.
When your Thyroid gland releases an excess of Thyroid hormones, the disorder is called hyperthyroidism or overactive Thyroid disease.
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Symptoms of hyperthyroidism
Since the disorder progresses gradually, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are often misjudged for stress or other health abnormalities.
Hyperthyroidism can cause various problems that are externally exhibited as: |
- Abnormalities in metabolism
- Nervousness, anxiety or irritability
- Excessive sweating
- Weight loss
- Palpitations (rapid heart rate)
- Trembling of the hands and fingers (tremors)
- Sleep abnormalities
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Menstrual abnormalities
- An enlarged Thyroid gland—swelling at the base of the neck
- Bowel disorders
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Causes
The three major causes of hyperthyroidism are:
Graves’ disease: This is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder (a condition in which your Immune System attacks your body's own cells). Graves’ disease is thought to be a genetic disorder more prevalent in women than in men. In Graves’ disease, antibodies produced by your Immune System stimulate your thyroid, making it secrete excessive hormone, leading to hyperthyroidism.
In some patients with Graves’ disease. the eyes can also be affected, resulting in a disorder called Graves’ ophthalmopathy. The symptoms of Graves’ ophthalmopathy may become noticeable before, after, or at the same time as your symptoms of hyperthyroidism. |
| The symptoms of Graves’ ophthalmopathy are: |
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- The muscles behind your eyes swell and push your eyeballs forward.
- Your eyeballs bulge out of their normal position.
- The front surfaces of the eyeballs become dry, red and swollen.
- Excessive tearing or discomfort in your eyes.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Blurred vision.
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Hyperactive thyroid: There may be certain nodules or lumps in your Thyroid gland that may grow and produce excessive Hormone resulting in hyperthyroidism.
Thyroiditis: Thyroiditis is the inflammation or swelling of your Thyroid gland. This condition occurs when there is a problem with your Immune System or when you have a viral infection that causes your Thyroid gland to swell and release extra hormones into your bloodstream.
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Seeking medical help
If you experience one or more of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, see your doctor immediately. Some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are common with other health problems too. However, to rule out the possibility, it is better to get a check up and relevant tests done. The diagnosis can be confirmed by laboratory tests that measure the amount of Thyroid hormones in your blood. Your doctor will also conduct tests to determine the cause of your Thyroid abnormality—whether it is caused by Graves’ disease, hyperactive Thyroid nodules or thyroiditis. |
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Complications
Left untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to various health complications which include:
- Rapid heart rate and heart failure.
- Osteoporosis (brittle bones), leading to increased and frequent fractures.
- Eye problems, if the cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease.
- Red, swollen skin can develop on the shins and feet due to Graves’ disease.
- Thyrotoxic crisis, a condition in which the symptoms of hyperthyroidism worsen causing fever, rapid pulse and even delirium. See your doctor immediately if this happens.
Treatment
There are several treatments for hyperthyroidism. Your doctor will choose an appropriate treatment based on your age, physical condition, and the type and severity of your hyperthyroidism. |