What Is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a condition where your thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. This condition is also known as overactive thyroid. Put simply, Hyperthyroidism speeds up the body’s metabolism, causing many symptoms such as hand tremors, weight loss, and rapid or irregular heartbeats.
How Does A Thyroid Function?
The thyroid is located at the front of your neck and is a butterfly-shaped gland. Your body is filled with many glands, as they are organs. Some of these glands create and release hormones that help your body function and grow. Even among all the glands, the thyroid gland plays a huge part in many of your body's essential functions, such as:
● Regulation of your body temperature
● Controlling your heart rate
● Controlling your metabolism
When your thyroid gland works as expected, your body is in balance, and all your systems function correctly. However, if your thyroid stops working in the ways it should - such as creating too much or too little hormones, the impact can affect your entire body (weight loss or weight gain is quite common).
Are Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism The Same?
No. Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism aren’t the same, though both are medical conditions that are caused by the amount of hormones your thyroid makes and releases.
Hyperthyroidism
As mentioned earlier, Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition where your thyroid produces too many hormones, resulting in various unpleasant symptoms such as rapid heartbeats, weight loss, vision changes, feeling shaky/nervous, etc.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is also a medical condition which is the opposite of hyperthyroidism. In this medical condition, your thyroid glands do not produce or release enough thyroid hormones, resulting in weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, thinning hair, etc.
Who Is More Likely To Develop Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is quite common in women and people over the age of 60. However, you may also develop hyperthyroidism if you:
● Have a family history of thyroid disease.
● Have other health problems, including type 1 or type 2 diabetes, primary adrenal insufficiency, and pernicious anemia
● Eat large amounts of food that contains iodine
● Use nicotine products
● Were pregnant within the past six months
There’s no need to worry, though, as Hyperthyroidism is quite rare, and only 1% of the people in the United States have it - which is quite low, especially when you take into consideration the number of the population.
Symptoms Of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism has many symptoms that are visible to the naked eye. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism impact your entire body; hence, it is sometimes easy to identify the medical condition. The general symptoms of Hyperthyroidism include the following:
● Weight loss
● Rapid heartbeat
● Feeling shaky or nervous
● Vision changes
● Increased appetite
● Diarrhea
● Thin, warm, and moist skin
● Menstrual changes
● Sleep issues
● Intolerance to heat and excessive sweating
● Swelling or enlargement of the neck from an enlarged thyroid gland
● Hair loss and change in the texture of hair
● Muscle weakness
● Bulging of the eyes
These symptoms may vary from person to person, and you may sometimes experience multiple symptoms at once if you have hyperthyroidism. Before we go any deeper, let’s take a look at the complications of hyperthyroidism.
Complications of Hyperthyroidism
If you have hyperthyroidism and it is left untreated, it can cause severe health issues that include the following:
● Irregular heartbeats can lead to blood clots, heart failure, strokes, and other heart-related problems
● Thinning of bones (osteoporosis)
● Menstrual cycle and fertility issues
● An eye disease called Graves’ ophthalmopathy
Hyperthyroidism can get pretty severe and has the potential to affect the entire body in a negative way. Hence, if you do have hyperthyroidism, we recommend getting in touch with your healthcare provider immediately.
Causes Of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism can have several causes, ranging from diseases to your diet intake. Here’s a quick overview before we dive deeper.
● Graves disease
● Overactive Thyroid Nodules
● Inflammation of the thyroid gland, known as thyroiditis
● Too many thyroid hormone medications
● Noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland
Graves’ Disease
Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It is an autoimmune disorder via which your immune system attacks the thyroid, forcing it to produce too many thyroid hormones. Additionally, Graves’ disease is actually a hereditary condition that is passed down through a family.
If a member of your family has the disease, there’s a good chance others could have it, too. It is more common in people who are assigned female at birth than people who are assigned male at birth. Graves’ disease makes up over 85% of the Hyperthyroidism cases.
Overactive Thyroid Nodules
Overactive Thyroid Nodules (lumps in your thyroid) are quite common and generally not cancerous. However, one or more nodules may become overactive and produce too many thyroid hormones. Overactive Thyroid Nodules are most often found in older adults.
Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis is the inflammation of your thyroid gland. They come in different types and can affect your entire body. Some of the thyroiditis types can even leak some thyroid hormones into your bloodstream from your thyroid gland, resulting in symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Here are the different types of thyroiditis that can cause hyperthyroidism.
● Subacute thyroiditis involves a painfully inflamed and enlarged thyroid.
● Postpartum thyroiditis can develop after a woman gives birth
● Painless thyroiditis can be similar to postpartum thyroiditis, but it occurs in the absence of pregnancy. Experts assume painless thyroiditis is most likely an autoimmune condition.
Additionally, Thyroiditis can cause symptoms of hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid. In some cases, your overactive thyroid may become an underactive thyroid after some time.
Excessive Iodine
Iodine is used by your thyroid in order to make thyroid hormones. The amount of Iodine you consume can affect how much thyroid hormones are being made. In some people, consuming large amounts of Iodine can cause the thyroid to make too many thyroid hormones.
Be careful, as some cough syrups and medicines (heart medicines) may also contain a lot of Iodine. Additionally, seaweed and seaweed-based supplements contain a lot of iodine.
Excessive Thyroid Hormone Medications
People who consume thyroid hormone medications for hypothyroidism may end up taking too much. If you’re one of those people, it is recommended that you get your thyroid hormone levels checked by your healthcare provider at least once a year.
Also, some other medications may also interfere or interact with your thyroid hormone medications, so always consult your doctor about interactions with foods/drugs/diseases before being put on medications.
Noncancerous Tumor
Noncancerous Tumors, while rare, can cause hyperthyroidism. If it affects the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain, it may cause hyperthyroidism. Now that we’ve covered most possible causes of hyperthyroidism, let’s discuss diagnostics and tests.
Diagnostics and Tests
Hyperthyroidism can be diagnosed via various tests that will be administered to you by your healthcare provider. Such diagnostics can be made through the following:
● A physical exam of your neck to confirm if the thyroid is larger than normal
● Blood tests to determine the levels of thyroid hormones in your body
● Imaging tests to get a visual of your thyroid
Physical Test To Determine Hyperthyroidism
If you’re experiencing symptoms of hyperthyroidism, your healthcare provider may check the following during a physical exam:
● Your thyroid: Your healthcare provider may gently feel your thyroid via the outside of your neck to ensure it is the size it is meant to be. A larger thyroid may implicate hyperthyroidism.
● Your Eyes: Your healthcare provider may check your eyes for any swelling, bulging, redness, and other signs of Graves’ eye disease.
● Your Heart: Your healthcare provider may use a stethoscope to ensure your heartbeat is normal and not rapid/irregular.
● Your Hands: Your healthcare provider may have you stretch your hands to see if you have a tremor. They may search for changes in your fingernails as well.
● Your Skin: Your healthcare provider may check your skin to see if its warm and moist.
Blood Tests For Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism
Your healthcare provider may also take a blood sample to determine the levels of your thyroid hormones. It is also known as thyroid function testing. If you end up with a result of T3 and T4, it means that your thyroid hormones are higher (resulting in hyperthyroidism) and your thyroid-stimulating hormone level is lower than normal.
Imaging Tests For Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism
Various imaging tests can be used to diagnose hyperthyroidism. Here are some tests your healthcare provider may put you through to figure out whether or not you have hyperthyroidism.
Radioactive Iodine Uptake (RAIU) Test
In this test, you will take a small, safe dose of radioactive iodine (also known as a radiotracer) via your mouth to see how much of it your thyroid absorbs. After a certain amount of time, your healthcare provider will scan your neck with a device known as a gamma probe.
Through it, you can confirm the amount of Iodine your thyroid has absorbed. If your thyroid has absorbed a lot of the radioactive iodine, it means your thyroid gland is producing too much thyroxine (T4), then you may have Graves’ disease or thyroid nodules.
Thyroid Scan
The Thyroid Scan is an extension of the RAIU. In this test, after measuring the absorbed amount of radioactive Iodine in your thyroid, you will lie on a table with your head tilted back. After that, a special (gamma camera) camera will take several images of your thyroid.
The radioactive iodine will make your thyroid glow bright on the screen. Your healthcare provider may also look for lumps or nodules on your thyroid, along with inflammation, goiter, cancer, or swelling.
Thyroid Ultrasound
Hyperthyroidism can also be detected via an ultrasound. An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your thyroid. This non-invasive procedure allows your healthcare provider to examine your thyroid.
How Is Hyperthyroidism Treated?
There are various treatment options available for hyperthyroidism. However, it is important to find the cause of your hyperthyroidism, as it makes for easy treatment. Your healthcare provider will discuss each option with you and help you craft the best treatment plan. Here are some treatment options they may take you through.
● Antithyroid Drugs: You may be administered Methimazole or Propylthiouracil, as these drugs are capable of blocking your thyroid’s ability to make hormones. They work efficiently and offer rapid control over your thyroid.
● Radioactive Iodine: Radioactive Iodine may be administered to you so that your overactive thyroid cells can absorb it. The radioactive Iodine will then damage the cells ad cause your thyroid to shrink, resulting in lower hormone levels. The amount of radiation delivered by such medications differs from the amount used for RAIU. An important part is that most people who go through with this method have to take thyroid hormone drugs for the rest of their lives to maintain normal hormone levels.
● Surgery: Your healthcare provider may remove your thyroid gland via surgery, which is known as a thyroidectomy. This will fix your hyperthyroidism, but it may cause hypothyroidism, which can require lifelong thyroid supplements to ensure normal hormone levels.
● Beta Blockers: Beta Blockers are drugs that can block the action of thyroid hormones in the body. They do not change the level of hormones in your blood, though they can help manage the symptoms of rapid heartbeat, nervousness, and shakiness. This treatment plan generally isn’t done alone. Instead, it is paired with another option to treat hyperthyroidism over the long term.
When To See A Doctor?
If you are experiencing symptoms but are unsure about getting in touch with your healthcare provider, immediately consult with your doctor if you are going through the following:
● If you lose weight without trying, unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of hyperthyroidism
● If you have started to sweat a lot more than usual
● If you have difficulty sleeping
● If there's a swelling at the base of your neck
● If you feel depressed
● If you have muscle weakness
● If you get small tremors in your fingers and hands
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
1. How Long Does It Take To Treat Hyperthyroidism?
It takes around six to 12 weeks to treat hyperthyroidism via antithyroid medications. The time it takes to treat hyperthyroidism can vary based on the treatment plan you have selected. Surgery would be the quickest way, though it has its own risks.
2. Is Hyperthyroidism Treatment Risky?
The treatment for Hyperthyroidism can be risky. Some of the medications used such as methimazole or propylthiouracil, can cause several side effects. Rare side effects include liver damage and a severe drop in white blood cell count. However, these risks are only 1%.
3. Can I Leave Hyperthyroidism Untreated?
Hyperthyroidism can impact many different parts of your body. It is not recommended to leave it unchecked, as many complications can arise. Some of the complications include the following:
● Atrial Fibrillation
● Stroke
● Congestive Heart Failure
● Osteoporosis
If you suffer from hyperthyroidism, it is most recommended that you get in touch with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
4. Can Hyperthyroidism Be Cured?
Yes. There is indeed a permanent treatment for hyperthyroidism. Such treatments include removing your thyroid through surgery or destroying your thyroid via medications. However, if you pick any of the two options above, you will have to take the thyroid hormone medications for the rest of your life.
5. Are There Any Complications Of Hyperthyroidism?
Yes. Thyroid Storm is a rare but severe complication of hyperthyroidism. It occurs when your thyroid makes and releases a large amount of thyroid hormone in a shorter time. It is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of the thyroid storm include the following.
● Rapid Heart Rate
● High Fever
● Feeling Agitated, Irritable, Anxious
● Congestive Heart Failure
● Loss of Consciousness
● Delirium
Aside from the Thyroid Storm, there is a complication of Graves’ disease which can cause the following complications:
● Bulging Eyes
● Vision Loss
● Double Vision
● Light Sensitivity
6. Can Hyperthyroidism Cause Female Infertility?
Hyperthyroidism may cause irregular menstrual cycles, which can make it difficult to get pregnant. Some people also start reaching out to their healthcare providers as they are unable to become pregnant just to find out that they have a thyroid condition.
7. Can I Develop Hyperthyroidism During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, your body needs to produce more thyroid hormones than usual to help the fetus develop. Such hormones are essential for the brain and nervous system. Having thyroid hormonal levels slightly higher than usual is okay, but it shouldn’t increase dramatically. If it does, you must get in touch with your healthcare provider.
8. Can Hyperthyroidism Affect A Fetus?
Yes. The thyroid hormones are essential for a fetus’s brain and nervous system. Hyperthyroidism can affect both you and your fetus, especially if the level of the hormones are dramatically higher than normal.
9. What Foods Should Be Avoided With Hyperthyroidism?
Foods that contain Iodine should be avoided as they could make it worse. It is also recommended to stay away from the following:
● Fish
● Seaweed
● Lobster
● Sushi
● Prawns
● Algae
● Alginate
● Nori
● Kelp
● Cheese
● Egg yolks
● Iodized Salt
● Milk and Dairy products
Remember that seafood generally has a lot of Iodine, and your thyroid can absorb that and worsen over time.
10. Is Hyperthyroidism The Same As Hypothyroidism?
No. Hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid glands produce more thyroid hormones than usual, whereas Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid glands produce lesser thyroid hormones than usual.