Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that results from an overactive thyroid gland that causes your body to produce too much thyroxin and can result in an acceleration of the body’s natural metabolism causing weight loss, high energy levels and a rapid or an irregular heartbeat. It occurs more commonly in women than men.
The thyroid gland is located in the neck and is responsible for providing energy to most organs and cells of our body including how it uses fats and carbohydrates, the control of body temperature, our heart rate, the amount of calcium in the blood and the regulation of protein production.
Some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as weight loss and ongoing high energy levels can be viewed as “positive”, so often times hyperthyroidism can be undiagnosed, but if left unchecked it can lead to serious health problems. Hyperthryoidism is generally a lifelong condition, however, most people respond well to treatment.
What are the causes of hyperthyroidism?
The leading causes of hyperthyroidism include:
- Graves’ disease. This is an autoimmune disease the causes the body to create an excessive amount of thyroid hormone.
- Plummer disease.
- Overactive thyroid nodules. These are lumps that grow on the thyroid gland causing an increase in thyroid hormone production.
- Thyroiditis. This is when the thyroid becomes inflamed and can be caused by a virus or bacteria, a result of pregnancy, or from an autoimmune condition.
- An increase of iodine consumption through food or medication that overstimulates the thyroid.
- Medication that is treating hypothyroidism.
Who is most at risk of hyperthyroidism?
- Women in their 20’s – 30’s and older women.
- Pregnant women.
- If you have family members with autoimmune or thyroid conditions – particularly Graves’ disease.
- If you have a history of chronic illness such as type 1 diabetes or pernicious anaemia or primary adrenal insufficiency.
What are the symptoms?
Hyperthyroidism can be difficult to diagnose as it can cause a wide variety of signs and symptoms. These can include:
- Unintended weight loss even though food intake remains the same or increases
- Tachycardia (rapid heartbeart)
- Arrhythimia (irregular heartbeat)
- Palpitations (pounding of the heart)
- An increase of appetite
- Anxiety, nervousness and irritability
- Tremors in the hands and fingers
- Over sweating
- An increase in sensitivity to heat
- Bowel movement changes
- Menstrual pattern changes
- A goiter (enlarged thyroid) appearing at the base of the neck
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
- Insomnia
- Thinning of the skin
- Fine, brittle hair
What are the complications of hyperthyroidism if left untreated?
- Heart complications including a rapid heart rate or rhythm disorder that increases the risk of stroke or heart failure.
- Brittle bones.
- Eye problems. Those patients with Graves’ ophthalmology which is related to hyperthyroidism can develop bulging, red or swollen eyes, light sensitivity and blurred or double vision. In severe cases if left untreated, these conditions can lead to vision loss.
- Thyrotoxic crisis which leads to fever, a rapid pulse or delirium. If these symptoms occur, you should seek immediate medical care.
How do we diagnose hyperthyroidism?
Dr Nandi will first take a medical history and perform a physical examination. During the exam he will be looking for certain indicators such as a slight tremor in the fingers when they are extended, overactive reflexes, eye changes, moist, warm skin and your pulse rate. He will also examine the thyroid gland as you are swallowing.
He will also arrange for blood tests to measure your thyroxine levels to confirm if you have hyperthyroidism and from the results of these may then arrange for additional tests that might include radioiodine uptake test, thyroid scan, thyroid ultrasound.
How can hyperthyroidism be prevented?
In most instances, hyperthyroidism is not able to be prevented as it is either genetic or from an increased production of thyroid hormone (a result of pregnancy).
Treatment and management of hyperthyroidism
There are a number of different treatment options available for hyperthyroidism depending upon different factors including age, physical condition, the cause of the hyperthyroidism and the severity. These include:
- Radioactiveiodine taken orally
- Anti-thyroid medications including methimazole and propylithiouracil
- Beta blockers
- Surgery to remove the thyroid gland
Dr Nandi will discuss with you the best and most suitable treatment option that takes into account your individual needs and preferences. To arrange for a consultation, ask your GP for a referral and contact us on T: (07) 4051 9711.
