Hyperthyroidism: causes, consequences and treatments
Less common than hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism is a disease that is usually seen in adults in the 20-50 age group. However, it can occur at any age, in both children and seniors. What are the different symptoms? How is hyperthyroidism treated?
The thyroid: what is its role?
The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in our neck, just under the Adam’s apple and in front of the trachea. It has a dimension of about 6 cm and its shape evokes that of a butterfly. Its main role is to regulate themetabolismof the cells of our body. It therefore ensures the harmonious functioning of our organs and cells, as well as the frequency of use of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates (sugars) reserves contained in the body.
For its functioning, the thyroid secretes hormones, including triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones act on the nervous system, digestive system, body temperature, genital tract, skin and hair health. The activity of the thyroid is itself supervised by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland.
What is hyperthyroidism?
When the thyroid produces anexcessive amount of thyroid hormone, this excess leads to hyperthyroidism (1). The gland is therefore in a situation of hyperactivity. Its mechanism works in accelerated mode.
The risk rate of hyperthyroidism is 5 to 10 times higher in women, especially after childbirth, due to hormonal disorders. This risk is also important in people who have previously had thyroid dysfunction.
Predisposing factors for hyperthyroidism include a history of goiter, severe anemia, type 1 diabetes, smoking, family history, etc. Appropriate examinations exist to identify the causeof overactivity of the thyroid: blood test, electrocardiogram, ultrasound, scintigraphy …
What causes hyperthyroidism?
When the thyroid becomes overactive, the primary cause in most cases is attributed to Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid itself. Abnormal antibodies produced by the immune system act like the pituitary hormone TSH and continually stimulate the thyroid. The latter goes into hyperactivity and produces high levels of thyroid hormones.
There is also another cause for hyperthyroidism: thyroid nodules. These are tiny tissue masses that form in the thyroid gland, and which grow either solitary or in groups. One or more of these abnormal tissues, also called adenomas, become autonomous and no longer function under the control of TSH. As a result, they constantly producethyroid hormones .
When the thyroid is inflamed, a condition called thyroiditisoccurs . This also causes the release of an excess of thyroid hormones in the blood, for a short period (a few weeks). This inflammation is usually infectious in nature and can induce hyperthyroidism. After a few months, the thyroid will return to normal functioning, following a light medication.
Finally, and more rarely, a pituitary tumor can make it insensitive to the production of thyroid hormones. She will no longer be able to shut down her TSH production when thyroid hormone levels are high. This leads to the installation of hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms and Complications
Hyperthyroidism results in an increase in T4 and T3 hormones in the blood. These hormones will speed up the metabolism and cause the following symptoms:
- Sleeping disorders
- Pulse acceleration
- Swollen thyroid (goiter)
- Heart palpitations
- Weight loss despite increased appetite
- low libido
- Rise in body temperature and permanent feeling of heat
- Cessation of menstruation in women
- Nervousness
- hand tremor
- Watery eyes and sensitivity to light
- Frequent bowel movements, diarrhea…
If adequate treatment is not given to the problem of hyperthyroidism, a dangerous and even irreversible complication can occur. A thyroid crisis for example: clinical emergency caused by extreme overactivity of the thyroid. Symptoms range from rapid heartbeat to fever, restlessness and loss of consciousness.
What is the difference between hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism?
As detailed in the previous paragraphs, when the secretion of thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3) occurs in excessive amounts, it is called hyperthyroidism. Conversely, when they are secreted in small quantities, we speak of hypothyroidism.
In a situation of hyperthyroidism, the entire metabolism of the body is accelerated. The heartbeat is permanently very fast and tends to cause atrial fibrillation. The functioning of the intestines is also accelerated. The sweat glands produce too much sweat, the nervous system is very stimulated. The patient becomes irritable, nervous and hyperactive.
On the other hand, we speak of hypothyroidismwhen the thyroid fails to secrete enough thyroid hormones. This creates a slowdown in the body’s metabolism: drop in body temperature, drowsiness, general fatigue (physical and mental), constipation, slowing of the heart rate, weight gain contrasting with a loss of appetite, etc.
In both cases (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism) it disturbs the functions of the body.
Hyperthyroidism and weight loss: what relationship?
One of the most important signs of hyperthyroidism is weight loss. Indeed, the thyroid disorder leads to an increase in basal metabolism. The body burns as many calories as possible to ensure the functioning of vital organs. In doing so, and feels great fatigue. In other words, the excess of hormones secreted by the thyroid gives a boost to the metabolism, thus causing fat burning. An action that results in rapid weight loss.
How to treat hyperthyroidism?
The treatment of hyperthyroidism largely depends on treating its underlying cause: the thyroid. Therefore, the gland must return to normal functioning to avoid complications.
To do this, a radioactive iodine treatment allows a return to a normal state. It is a low-dose injection of radioactive iodine which, by emitting radiation at the level of the gland, destroys part of the diseased thyroid cells (2).
Certain medications, such as beta-blockers, may help relieve certain signs of hyperthyroidism, such as hand tremors and heart palpitations. Seek the advice of a doctor.
In the most serious cases, total or partial removal of the thyroid is considered through surgery.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.