Hyperthyroidism: what is the overactive thyroid, symptoms and causes
It is quite common to hear about both hypothyroidism like hyperthyroidism, two disorders that can be diagnosed from a blood test (in chaos of doubt, remember that it is simple understand blood tests).
However, as many medical specialists say, it is far more common to hear about hypothyroidism, more than your own hyperthyroidism specific.
What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism, a condition known as 'overactive thyroid', is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone.
The thyroid gland is an important organ within our endocrine system, which produces two hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Basically both hormones they control the way in which the cells of our organism use the energy, which is called metabolism. For this reason, problems in the thyroid gland can influence the person to gain or lose weight grossly and without any other medical cause.
Causes of overactive thyroid
Before talking about the main causes that influence the onset of hyperthyroidism, it is convenient to keep in mind that Hyperthyroidism appears when the thyroid gland releases too much of its hormones.
Depending on the amount of hormones that it releases, if it does in a short period of time it receives the name of acute hyperthyroidism, and if it's long chronic hyperthyroidism.
The main causes are the following:
- Excessive iodine consumption
- Graves disease (one of the most common, consisting of an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperactivity of the thyroid gland).
- Inflammation of the thyroid caused by viral infections or other causes (thyroiditis).
- Consumption of large amounts of thyroid hormone.
- Tumors of the non-cancerous thyroid gland or pituitary gland.
- Tumors of the ovaries or testicles.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism
It is necessary to bear in mind that, with the passage of time, symptoms of hyperthyroidism they tend to get worse, even affecting the quality of life of the person, although generally with treatment it is curable and tends to disappear:
- Fatigue and general fatigue
- Difficult to focus
- Goiter (enlarged thyroid that is visible or can be touched)
- Nodules in the thyroid
- Frequent depositions
- Heat intolerance
- Increased sweating
- Increase in appetite
- Restlessness and general nervousness
- In women irregularities in menstruation
- Weightloss
The above can be considered as symptoms that, as a whole, can help your diagnosis, although the following may also appear:
- Hair loss
- Diarrhea
- Tremor in hands and weakness
- Arterial hypertension
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bulging eyes
- Hot or flushed skin
- Difficulty to sleep
- Sticky skin
How is the treatment of hyperthyroidism?
The treatment will depend on the cause and the severity of the symptoms that the person has, although it is usually treated with:
- Antithyroid drugs
- Radioiodine
- Surgery to remove the thyroid: in case of extirpation the person must take lifelong thyroid hormone replacement pills.
More information | Medline Plus / Netdoctor This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor.
