What is
hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a
condition in which the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland that is located in front
of the neck, is overactive and produces excessive amounts of
thyroxine/tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are thyroid
hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism.
What are the symptoms
of hyperthyroidism?
·
Elevated blood
pressure
·
Bulging eyes
·
Enlarged thyroid
gland (goiter)
What are the causes of
hyperthyroidism?
- Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) to stimulate the thyroid gland to over secrete thyroid hormones
- Toxic
multinodular goiter which are lumps in the thyroid gland that cause the thyroid
gland to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormones
- Thyroiditis
(inflammation of the thyroid gland) causes excess thyroid hormones stored in
the gland to leak into the bloodstream
- Excessive
consumption of iodine from foods, supplements or medications (e.g. amiodarone)
may cause the thyroid gland to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormones
Who is at a higher
risk?
·
Tends to run in
families
·
More common in
women than in men
What are the
complications of hyperthyroidism?
· Heart problems (atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure)
·
Osteoporosis
·
Thyrotoxic crisis, otherwise known as thyroid storm, is a life-threatening hypermetabolic state induced by overproduction of thyroid hormones
What is the diagnosis
of hyperthyroidism?
·
Medical history
and physical exam based on symptoms
·
Blood tests to
measure levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones T3 and
T4
·
Thyroid scan to
see if the thyroid is overactive
Is there any treatment
for hyperthyroidism?
·
Anti-thyroid
medications (e.g. methimazole and propylthiouracil) that stop production of
thyroid hormones
·
Radioactive
iodine that destroys the cells that produce thyroid hormones
·
Surgery (thyroidectomy) remove
all or part of the thyroid gland
·
Beta blockers
(e.g. propranolol) that help control the rapid heart rate
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