Is your thyroid gland working too hard? Let's talk about hyperthyroidism!

Do you sometimes feel like something is wrong with your body and that you are not feeling well? Do you feel like your body is working a little too fast, you feel anxious, and you have trouble keeping your mind focused? If so, your thyroid gland may be working a little too hard. Today, let's talk about this condition called hyperthyroidism.

What is hyperthyroidism? Let's understand it simply!

Simply put, hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland in your neck becomes overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck. But even though it's small, it does a lot of work. Thyroid hormones are important for controlling many things in our bodies, especially the rate at which our body uses energy, or metabolism.

There are two main types of thyroid hormones, `triiodothyronine (T3)` and `thyroxine (T4)`. There is also `thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)`, which comes from the pituitary gland and tells the thyroid to make hormones. Now, in hyperthyroidism, what happens is that these `(T3)` and `(T4)` hormones accumulate in the blood more than they should. Then, a lot of things in the body speed up, like a speeding train. You may feel like your whole body is in “overdrive”. You may even feel like you are not yourself. So it is very important to be aware of this and see a doctor if you have symptoms.

How common is this condition?

Actually, hyperthyroidism is not a very common condition. For example, in a country like America, it is said that only 1.3% of the population has this condition. But, it affects everyone, so it is good to be aware of it.

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism? See if you have these too!

Because hyperthyroidism can affect our entire body, there may be more than one symptom. Some people may have just a few of these symptoms, while others may have many at once. See if you experience any of these:

• Rapid heartbeat (Tachycardia) and/or palpitations. It feels like a drum beating inside the chest.
• Increased blood pressure .
• Feeling like your hands are shaking (`(Hand tremors)`). It feels like you're shaking even when you're holding a cup of tea.
• Feeling constantly anxious, restless, and/or easily irritated .
• Weight loss despite a good appetite , perhaps even though you eat more.
• Frequent flatulence orA condition like diarrhea .
• Excessive sweating and extreme heat intolerance.
• An unstable hairline, like hair loss or split ends.
• Insomnia (inability to fall asleep at night).
• Changes in a woman's menstrual cycle, for example, a decrease in the amount of blood that flows during the month or a complete cessation of menstruation .
• Swelling of the front of the neck, which is called a goiter .
• Swollen or protruding eyes (`(Thyroid eye disease)`).

These symptoms can start suddenly, or they can develop gradually over time. The most important thing is to see a doctor if you feel like you have one or more of these symptoms.

Why does hyperthyroidism occur? What are the causes?

There can be various causes of hyperthyroidism. Let's look at the main causes:

• Graves' disease: This is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition. Simply put, our body's immune system attacks our own thyroid gland, causing it to produce too much hormone. If someone in your family has thyroid disease or other autoimmune conditions, you are more likely to develop it.

• Thyroid nodules: These are lumps or clusters of cells that form in the thyroid gland. Sometimes these lumps can produce too much thyroid hormone. Doctors also call this a toxic multinodular goiter (TMNG). But don't worry, these thyroid nodules are very rarely cancerous.

• Thyroiditis: This is an inflammation, or swelling, of the thyroid gland. This can cause temporary hyperthyroidism. After this period of overproduction, hypothyroidism (underproduction of thyroid hormones) may occur. Once the inflammation subsides, hormone levels may return to normal.

• Getting too much iodine into the body:If we take in too much iodine, whether from the foods we eat or from certain medications, it can stimulate the thyroid gland to produce too much hormone. This is because iodine is a mineral that is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. This can sometimes happen when you receive IV iodinated contrast (a dye used for certain x-rays) or when you take medications like Amiodarone (a heart medication).

• TSH-releasing pituitary adenoma / Thyrotropinoma: This is a very rare condition. A small tumor in the pituitary gland in our brain produces too much thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This then forces the thyroid gland to produce more hormones.

Who is at higher risk of developing hyperthyroidism?

Some people are more likely to develop this condition than others. Some of the main risk factors that affect it are:

• Someone in your family has thyroid disease and/or autoimmune conditions.
• Smoking.
• Pregnancy (especially postpartum thyroiditis, a condition that occurs after childbirth).

How does a doctor diagnose this?

A doctor will follow several steps to determine if you have hyperthyroidism:

1. Physical examination: First, the doctor will examine you to see if you have any symptoms of hyperthyroidism. For example, is your thyroid gland swollen, does your heart rate increase, and does your skin feel warm and clammy?

2. Thyroid blood tests: These check the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood. A person with hyperthyroidism has higher than normal levels of the hormones `(T3)` and `(T4)`. The level of ``Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)`` is often (but not always) lower than normal.

3. Thyroid antibody blood test: This helps determine if Graves' disease is the cause.

4. Imaging tests: Various imaging tests of your thyroid gland can be done to determine the cause of hyperthyroidism. These include a radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test and scan, and a thyroid ultrasound. Your doctor will explain these tests to you and recommend the one that is most appropriate for you.

What are the treatments for hyperthyroidism?

The good news is that hyperthyroidism is a treatable condition. Depending on the cause of your condition, some treatments may be more suitable for you than others. Your doctor will discuss each of these treatment options with you and help you choose the best treatment plan for you.

• Antithyroid medications: Methimazole (Tapazole®) and Propylthiouracil (PTU) reduce the ability of your thyroid gland to make hormones. These medications are the most common treatment for hyperthyroidism. Thyroid function can usually be controlled within two to three months. Your symptoms may begin to improve within a few days or weeks.

• Radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment: This involves taking a capsule or liquid containing radioactive iodine by mouth. The radioactive iodine goes directly to your thyroid cells and destroys them. RAI treatment usually permanently destroys the thyroid gland, thus curing hyperthyroidism. However, many people who receive this treatment will need to take thyroid hormone medication (Levothyroxine) for the rest of their lives to maintain normal hormone levels.

• Surgery (`(Thyroidectomy)`): A surgeon can remove all or part of your thyroid gland. This can correct hyperthyroidism, but it often results in ``Hypothyroidism`` (low thyroid hormone levels). You will then need to take thyroid hormone medication for the rest of your life.

• Beta-blockers: These medications can help control the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as a fast heartbeat, restlessness, and tremors. But they don't change the levels of hormones in the blood. Your doctor may give you these beta-blockers along with other treatments.

Each of these treatments has its own side effects and risks. Your doctor will explain these to you. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

What is the prognosis for someone with hyperthyroidism? (Prognosis)

Hyperthyroidism is a treatable condition. Most people do well with treatment. Some treatments require lifelong medication, but it can help keep your thyroid hormone levels at a healthy level.

However, if hyperthyroidism caused by Graves' disease is left untreated, it can become worse over time and lead to complications such as Graves' ophthalmopathy. If you have Graves' disease, ask your doctor how to best manage it.

What happens if left untreated? Is it dangerous?

If left untreated or not treated properly, hyperthyroidism can lead to various complications. Some of them are:

• Atrial fibrillation (Afib) (irregular heartbeat)
• Congestive heart failure (heart disease)
• Infertility
• `Ischemic stroke` (paralysis)
• Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones)

A rare but potentially life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism is thyroid storm (also called thyroid crisis or thyrotoxic crisis). This is when your thyroid gland produces a large amount of thyroid hormone into your bloodstream in a very short period of time. This is a medical emergency. Untreated or poorly treated hyperthyroidism can cause thyroid storm. It can be exacerbated by stressful situations such as infections, injuries, and surgeries.

When should I see a doctor?

If you feel you have symptoms of hyperthyroidism, it is important to see a doctor to have your condition evaluated and receive the necessary treatment.

If you already know you have this condition, you will need to see your doctor regularly to make sure your treatment is working properly.

If you experience symptoms of a ``thyroid storm'', such as a high fever and a very fast heartbeat, go to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.

Will this condition cause weight gain?

Hyperthyroidism usually does not cause weight gain. In fact, some people lose weight even though they have a good appetite. This is because hyperthyroidism increases your body's metabolic rate, causing it to use more calories than normal for energy.

Hypothyroidism (low production of thyroid hormones) can cause a decrease in metabolic rate and weight gain.

Can hyperthyroidism develop during pregnancy?

Yes, this condition can occur during pregnancy. In the early stages of pregnancy, your body needs to produce more thyroid hormones than usual to help your baby grow. A slightly higher than normal thyroid hormone level is not a problem, but if the level is very high, your doctor will need to develop a treatment plan. Because high thyroid hormone levels can affect not only you, but also your baby.

Hyperthyroidism can be difficult to diagnose during pregnancy, as the condition can be masked by the naturally increased thyroid hormone levels and other symptoms of pregnancy.

What foods should you avoid if you have hyperthyroidism?

In some cases, eating too many foods high in iodine or with added iodine can cause hyperthyroidism or worsen an existing condition.

If you have hyperthyroidism, your doctor may recommend making some changes to your diet. Always consult a doctor or a registered dietitian before making any major changes to your diet. Remember, hyperthyroidism cannot be cured with diet alone. You will likely need medical treatment.

If your doctor recommends a low-iodine diet, try to avoid these foods:

• Fish
• Seaweed (`(Seaweed)` and `(Kelp)`)
• Crabs and lobsters
• Sushi
• Shrimp
• Algae and alginate
• Dairy products like milk and cheese
• Egg yolk
• Iodized salt

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

It's normal to feel a little overwhelmed when you receive a new diagnosis. But the good news is that hyperthyroidism is a treatable condition. If you're experiencing symptoms like your body is overactive, you're feeling jittery, or you're having trouble concentrating, it's important to see a doctor. Your doctor can run a few simple tests and recommend the right treatment to help your body get back in balance. Don't worry, you can stay healthy!