Do you feel like you're running through your body? Maybe this is thyrotoxicosis!

Do you sometimes feel like you're running a marathon inside? You're so nervous, you're sweating profusely, your heart is racing... and you're losing weight no matter how much you eat? If these things are common to you, it's important for you to be aware of the condition we're talking about today. This is called Thyrotoxicosis. Although the name may sound a bit strange, there's nothing to be afraid of. Let's talk about it simply.

Simply put, what is thyrotoxicosis?

Simply put, Thyrotoxicosis is when your body has too much thyroid hormone.

Now you may be wondering what this thyroid hormone is. It is produced by a small butterfly-shaped gland in the front of our neck, the thyroid gland. The main function of this hormone is to control our body's metabolism. That is, it controls the rate at which the food we eat is converted into energy.

Think of our body as an engine in a car. Thyroid hormone is like the accelerator of that car. If it is in the right amount, the engine will run smoothly and at the right speed. But in Thyrotoxicosis, it is as if the accelerator is constantly being pressed. What happens then? The engine runs too fast, heats up, and burns too much fuel. Similarly, when thyroid hormone levels increase, all processes in our body start to run at a faster rate. Your heart beats faster, your body becomes thinner, and you feel anxious. You may just feel out of control.

Is this condition life-threatening?

Although the word "toxic" is in the name, thyrotoxicosis is not always a life-threatening condition. However, if it becomes very severe, it can be life-threatening. In medical terms, we call this a thyroid storm . However, this is a very rare condition.

The main cause of a thyroid storm is a sudden major stress event. For example, a major surgery, a severe infection, etc. Also, if you are already taking thyroid medication, this serious condition can occur if you suddenly stop taking it.

What are the symptoms of thyrotoxicosis?

The symptoms of this condition vary depending on the degree to which the thyroid hormone levels are elevated. If the hormone levels are very high, the symptoms are also very severe. Let's see what these symptoms are.

If you have any of these symptoms, please don't ignore them. Be sure to see your doctor.

Why does Thyrotoxicosis occur?

There could be several reasons for this. Let's look at the main ones.

• Hyperthyroidism: This is the most common cause of thyrotoxicosis. Hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid gland becomes overactive and produces too many hormones. There are several causes for this.
• Graves' disease: This is an autoimmune condition. This means that our body's own immune system attacks our own thyroid gland, stimulating it to produce more hormones.
• Thyroid nodules: Sometimes, some nodules that form in the thyroid gland start producing hormones on their own.

• Thyroiditis: This is when the thyroid gland becomes swollen. It can be caused by various infections, certain medications (e.g., lithium, interferons), or immune system problems. When the gland becomes swollen, hormones stored in it leak into the bloodstream. This temporarily increases hormone levels. This condition can also occur in mothers after giving birth (postpartum thyroiditis).

• Taking too much thyroid medication: If you are being treated for hypothyroidism (a deficiency of thyroid hormone), taking more levothyroxine pills than your doctor has prescribed can lead to thyrotoxicosis. This can happen either unknowingly or knowingly.

• Hormone ingestion from food: This is a very rare condition. This condition can occur if you eat beef, which contains thyroid tissue from the neck of a beef cattle. This is also called "hamburger thyrotoxicosis."

Who is most at risk for this condition?

There are several common risk factors for developing thyrotoxicosis:

• Having a family history of thyroid disease: Conditions, especially Graves' disease, can run in families.
• Being a woman: Women are more likely to develop thyroid disease than men.
• Being over 60 years of age.
• Having other autoimmune diseases: For example, diseases such as Type 1 diabetes or Addison's disease.
• It 's been a long time since I had a child.
• Having thyroid medication (levothyroxine) at home: Someone in the house may accidentally take this medication. Therefore, it is important to always keep the medication safe.

How does a doctor find this?

When you go to see a doctor, he will take several steps to confirm this condition.

1. Physical exam: First, they will ask you about your symptoms and examine you. They will check for things like a fast heartbeat and trembling hands.

2. Thyroid blood tests: This is the most important test. Your blood will be tested for thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) levels and TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) levels. In thyrotoxicosis, T3 and T4 levels are much higher than normal, and TSH levels are very low or undetectable.

3. Imaging tests: Sometimes imaging tests may be done to help determine the exact cause. This may include a thyroid ultrasound scan or a radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test. Your doctor will explain these to you.

How is it treated?

Treatment for thyrotoxicosis depends on the cause. Your doctor will determine the cause and recommend the treatment that is best for you.

What complications can occur if left untreated?

If left untreated, thyrotoxicosis, especially hyperthyroidism, can lead to serious complications.

• Atrial fibrillation (Afib): An irregular and rapid heartbeat.
• Heart failure (Congestive heart failure).
• Stroke (Ischemic stroke).
• Osteoporosis: A condition in which bones become thin and break easily.
• Muscle weakness.

If thyroid storm is not treated promptly, it can lead to seizures, heart failure, and even death. So don't ignore the symptoms.