What Is Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is a disease that develops due to an overactive thyroid gland and results from too much thyroid hormone (T4 and T3) being released into the bloodstream; TSH, which comes from the pituitary gland, is usually low. It can occur in anyone, but it is about 10 times more common in women than in men and typically begins between the ages of 20 and 40. In blood tests, T3 and T4 levels are high, while the TSH level is low.

The thyroid glands, located at the front of the neck, secrete hormones that govern metabolism and the functioning of organs. They therefore have very important roles in the body. Because these glands enlarge or cannot perform their function adequately, hormones are secreted too little or too much. This causes problems in the functioning of the entire body.

In hyperthyroidism, the excessive secretion of thyroid hormones causes the body’s metabolism to work fast and become overactive. This leads to symptoms such as rapid weight loss, heavy sweating and palpitations.

If blood tests performed on people who consult a doctor with these symptoms show a low TSH hormone but high T3 and T4 hormones, the person is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.

In the treatment of hyperthyroidism, medications that suppress excessive hormone release, radioactive iodine therapy and, if necessary, surgery to remove the glands can be applied.

Causes

Graves’ Disease

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune disease called Graves’ disease; the second most common cause is toxic nodular goiter. In Graves’ disease, the body reacts against itself, so the thyroid gland overworks and secretes excessive hormone, metabolism speeds up greatly, the pulse rises and the patient becomes unable to gain weight. This condition gradually turns into a serious, life-threatening disorder.

Symptoms

These are nervousness, palpitations, weight loss, high blood pressure, a swollen thyroid gland and bulging eyes, sensitivity to light, double vision, red eyes and swollen eyelids. The cause of Graves’ disease is unknown, but it is mostly seen in young or middle-aged women and is hereditary. Smoking also increases the risk of the disease.

Toxic Nodular Goiter (multinodular goiter)

Hyperthyroidism caused by toxic nodular goiter is a condition in which one or more thyroid nodules become overactive. Unlike in Graves’ disease, the symptoms of toxic nodular goiter, also called toxic goiter, do not include bulging eyes or skin problems. The cause of toxic nodular goiter is unknown.

Some Medications

Medications such as interferons, which are cancer drugs, amiodarone, which contains iodine and is given for heart rhythm disorders, and lithium, used in bipolar disorder, cause thyroid hormone to be secreted too little or too much and lead to related complaints. The complaints are temporary and disappear when the medications are stopped, but you must never stop taking a medication without consulting your doctor. These types of thyroiditis can cause pain in the thyroid gland, and painkillers can sometimes be used.

Thyroiditis (Inflammation of the Thyroid)

Thyroiditis causes temporary hyperthyroidism, which is followed by hypothyroidism, as in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In addition, if a person takes too many thyroid hormone tablets, hyperthyroidism occurs. Rarely, a benign pituitary gland tumor can overproduce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), causing hyperthyroidism.

Other Causes;

A high amount of the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in the body also leads to an excess of thyroid hormone. This occurs in the first months of pregnancy, in multiple pregnancy, and in molar pregnancy (hydatidiform mole), in which tissue remains in the uterus.

Pituitary Adenoma

A noncancerous (benign) tumor of the pituitary gland (a gland located at the base of the brain that can affect the level of hormone produced by the thyroid)

Thyroiditis

Inflammation of the thyroid that can cause extra thyroid hormones to be produced

Thyroid Cancer

Rarely, a cancerous thyroid tumor can affect the production of thyroid hormones.

Symptoms

The common symptoms seen when the thyroid is overactive are as follows:

1. Palpitations
2. High blood pressure
3. Sweating
4. Nervousness
5. Restlessness
6. Warm and moist skin
7. Intolerance to heat
8. Weight loss (losing weight despite a good appetite)
9. Tremor in the hands
10. Thinning, breakage and loss of hair
11. Thinning of the skin
12. Persistent diarrhea
13. Eye findings (bulging of the eyes)
14. Sensitivity to bright light
15. Insomnia
16. Menstrual irregularity, absence of menstruation
17. Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland)

Diagnostic Methods

A diagnosis can be made according to the level of thyroid hormones in the blood. Imaging methods are also used to confirm the diagnosis.

The diagnosis can be made by checking hormone levels with a blood test called the thyroid function test.

A low level of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) secreted by the pituitary gland, together with high levels of T3 and T4 secreted by the thyroid gland, indicates hyperthyroidism. In short, if TSH is low and T3 and T4 values are high in the blood test, the person has hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid Ultrasound

The structure, size and changes of the thyroid can be seen in detail.

Thyroid Scintigraphy

It is performed to investigate the presence of nodules in the thyroid gland. A very small amount of radioactive substance is swallowed by the patient as a pill, and this substance is taken up by the thyroid gland. The patient lies under the imaging device, and a detailed image of the thyroid gland is obtained.

Treatment Methods

The aim of hyperthyroidism treatment is to bring thyroid hormone to normal levels. Treatment varies from person to person and is determined specifically for you by your doctor according to the following factors.

1. Your age, general health and past illnesses
2. Type of hyperthyroidism
3. Current state of the disease
4. Your tolerance of specific medications, procedures or treatments
5. Expectations for the course of the disease
6. Your preferences