Are you losing weight? Feeling anxious? Maybe it's hyperthyroidism!

Sometimes you may think, "Why am I so anxious, I just feel like I'm going crazy, and I'm losing weight even when I eat." Perhaps the reason behind all this is a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. We call it the thyroid gland . It produces a hormone that is essential for our body. But if this hormone is produced in excess, it can disrupt the functioning of our entire body. That's what we call Hyperthyroidism .

What is hyperthyroidism?

Simply put, hyperthyroidism is when the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland, located in the front of your neck, just above your collarbone, produces too much thyroid hormone . Think of it like a car engine running too fast. Every process in our body needs a certain amount of this hormone to function properly. So when it increases, the whole system goes haywire. This can cause changes in many things, including your hair, eyesight , heart rate , mood, and weight.

This condition usually does not get better on its own, so seeking medical treatment is essential.

What is the difference between Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism?

Although these two words sound similar, they are two completely opposite situations. It is very important to understand this difference.

The symptoms and treatments for both conditions are different, so it is important to get an accurate diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

When thyroid hormones increase, our body's metabolism , the rate at which food is converted into energy, becomes incredibly fast. This can cause many uncomfortable symptoms.

• Feeling constantly anxious , restless, or just plain angry.
• Sudden weight loss (weight loss despite having a good appetite and eating).
• Feeling like your heart is beating fast or having a fluttering sensation in your chest (palpitations).
• Excessive sweating and decreased ability to tolerate heat.
• A subtle tremor in the hands .
• Insomnia or restlessness in sleep.
• A swelling in the front of the neck (goiter). In some people, this may be visible.
• Muscle weakness , especially in the shoulders and thighs.
• Hair loss and thinning skin.
• Increased frequency of going to the bathroom.
• Changes in women's monthly menstrual cycle (e.g., decreased number of days, decreased bleeding).
• Some people may experience eye pain or changes.

Older people may not experience these symptoms as severely. They may only experience a slight increase in heart rate or sensitivity to heat. Also, if you are taking medications such as beta-blockers for conditions such as high blood pressure, some of these symptoms may be masked. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.

Why do thyroid hormones increase like this?

There are several main causes of hyperthyroidism.

Graves' disease

This is the most common cause. It is a problem with the immune system. Simply put, our body's defense system mistakenly attacks our own thyroid gland, instead of a virus or bacteria. This causes the gland to become overstimulated and produce too many hormones. This is more common in women, especially those under the age of 40. And if someone in the family has it, the risk is higher.

Thyroid nodules/Plummer's disease

Some small nodules that form inside the thyroid gland start producing their own hormones, causing high levels of hormones in the body. This condition is more common in older people.

Thyroiditis

A viral infection, other immune system problems, or pregnancy can cause the thyroid gland to swell and become inflamed. When this happens, hormones stored in the gland suddenly leak into the bloodstream, causing temporary increases in hormone levels.

Increased Iodine

If the foods or vitamins we eat contain too much iodine, it can also cause increased thyroid hormone production.

Does this also affect the eyes? (Thyroid Eye Disease)

About 30% of people with Graves' disease may develop a condition called Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), which affects the tissues and muscles around the eyes.

Main features:

• Bulging eyes
• Feeling like sand in the eyes
• Eye pain and pressure
• Redness and swelling of the eyes
• Eyelid swelling or twitching
• Sensitivity to the outside
• Double vision

Even if you have not been diagnosed with Graves' disease, if you notice these changes in your eyes, seek medical advice immediately.

What are the treatments for this?

The main goal of treating hyperthyroidism is to control the level of thyroid hormones in the body. Your doctor will choose the most appropriate treatment based on your age, health, cause, and symptoms.

Dangerous conditions that can occur if left untreated

Left untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to serious complications.

• Heart disease (e.g., heart failure)
• Blood clots and stroke
• Thinning of bones and easy breakage (Osteoporosis)
• Pregnancy difficulties

How to take care of your diet while living with hyperthyroidism?

While undergoing treatment, it is important to pay attention to your diet. In particular, controlling your diet high in iodine can help prevent symptoms from worsening.

Things to reduce or avoid:

• Iodized salt
• Milk and dairy products (cheese, yogurt)
• Egg yolk
• Seafood (shrimp, crab, lobster, seaweed, sushi)

Good things to add to food:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Nuts and legume vegetables (such as lentils, chickpeas)
• Healthy oils (such as olive oil)

It is best to consult a nutritionist for more information on this.