Hyperthyroidism, also known as an overactive thyroid gland, is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland excretes an excessive amount of thyroid hormones. This overproduction creates more hormones than the body needs and causes many important bodily functions to speed up. The thyroid is the gland in the front of the neck that controls energy use, metabolism, heart and nervous system functions and other metabolic functions. An overproduction of thyroid hormones can lead to weight loss, irregular heartbeat and irritability. Hyperthyroidism is more common in people over the age of 60 and women are more likely than men to develop hyperthyroidism.
Grave's disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to overstimulate the thyroid, is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. An overactive thyroid gland may also be caused by several different factors which may include:
Hyperthyroidism may also be caused by excessive amounts of synthetic thyroid medication which may be taken to treat hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid.
Hyperthyroidism causes a wide range of symptoms that may be different for each patient. Many symptoms of hyperthyroidism are similar to those of other diseases. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include:
If patients are experiencing signs of hyperthyroidism, a doctor will perform a physical examination and may perform a series of diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the condition. These diagnostic tests may include:
Hyperthyroidism can be treated through a variety of different methods, depending on the cause and severity of the condition. The goal of most treatment options is to bring thyroid hormone levels to a normal state. Treating the symptoms through medication may be all that is necessary in some cases, while others may require more invasive treatment. Hyperthyroidism treatments may include
Medications known as beta blockers may also be prescribed to reduce symptoms until other treatments take effect. While beta blockers help to alleviate most symptoms, they do not stop the hormone production of the thyroid gland.
Hypothyroidism is a common condition that occurs when an underactive thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones to properly manage many important functions of the body. The thyroid is the gland in the front of the neck that controls energy use and metabolic functions. If the thyroid gland is not active enough, it does not make enough thyroid hormone to meet the body's needs and causes certain functions of the body to slow down. As a result, functions such as heart rate, brain function and the rate that the body converts food into energy, all slow down. Women over the age of age of 60 are at the highest risk for developing hypothyroidism. If left untreated, this condition may cause a variety of health complications including obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease
An autoimmune condition known as Hashimoto's disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism and involves the immune system attacking the thyroid gland, which can affect its ability to produce hormones. Hypothyroidism can also be caused by several different factors that affect the two main hormones of the thyroid gland; thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Improper functioning of the thyroid gland may also be caused by:
The symptoms of hypothyroidism may develop slowly overtime. Symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the condition, and may include:
Hypothyroidism can also cause high cholesterol, so people with high cholesterol should be tested for hypothyroidism.
If hypothyroidism is suspected, the doctor will perform a thorough physical examination as well as several blood tests to measure the levels of thyroid hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormones in the blood. These tests may include:
Medication that contains synthetic thyroid hormones is the preferred method of treatment for controlling hypothyroidism. The dosage of medication will vary based on the severity of the thyroid problem, the patient's age, weight, and any other existing health problems. Symptoms usually improve within a few weeks after beginning treatment. A normal,healthy thyroid and metabolic state can be restored with thyroid medication, however, most patients will have to take medication for the rest of their lives.
An increase in hormone production can negatively affect the body's reaction to other medication, so it is important to see a doctor regularly while undergoing treatment for hypothyroidism. Most people experience effective results with no side effects or complications from hormone medication.