Hyperthyroidism
Published on November 30, 2020
Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces an excess amount of T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 hormones (thyroxine), so it is an overactive gland. A patient may be asymptomatic in the early stages but will eventually become affected as the condition progresses. This is a common condition as around 200,000 cases are reported per year in the United States according to MayoClinic.
Causes
Graves' Disease: One of the most common causes of hyperthyroidism, it creates antibodies in the immune system to increase the function of the thyroid gland to secrete more T3 and T4 hormones.
Plummer's disease: This disease is also known as toxic multinodular goiter which makes the thyroid nodules firm overproduces T3 and T4 hormones.
Thyroiditis: This condition is known as the inflammation of the thyroid. This inflammation will cause the thyroid to leak T3 and T4 hormones resulting in an overproduction of hormones.
Excess iodine: Having excess iodine will feed a lot of the hormones resulting in hyperthyroidism
Medications: If you take medications that are associated with hypothyroidism, it is important to follow the doctor's recommendation dosage or else hyperthyroidism will develop.
Risk Factors
These are the same risk factors for hypothyroidism.
Ranking from greatest to least risk factors, there are risk factors such as...
Pregnant Women: Interaction of female hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones is significant to make an offspring.
Females: Higher risk than in men because females have hormones that can reproduce (an offspring). Females on menstrual cycles can imbalance the female hormones.
Family History: Hyperthyroidism is a genetic condition. Therefore, patients with hyperthyroidism possibly have it because someone else in the family has either the causes of the condition or hyperthyroidism itself.
Signs and Symptoms
Hair Loss
Bulging eyes
Goiter
Rapid Heartbeat
Weight Loss
Diarrhea
Heat intolerance
Trembling hands
Difficulty sleeping
Memory Loss
Anxiety
Infertility
The picture below shows the main signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism. This condition may be misdiagnosed because some of the symptoms are similar to hypothyroidism and other diseases such as Plummer's disease and Graves' disease which are the main causes for hyperthyroidism.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis contains a physical exam and blood tests. However, there are additional tests that patients must take to identify the cause of hyperthyroidism. Tests to be taken to diagnose hyperthyroidism are:
Medical History and Physical Exam: The physician may detect a tremor in your fingers when extended. The doctor could also identify overactive reflexes, eye changes, rapid heartbeat, and moist skin. Lastly, the physician may make you swallow to see if a goiter is present.
Blood Tests: Although all types of thyroid hormones can be used to diagnose hyperthyroidism, it is best if the physician tests for T4 and TSH hormone levels in the body. If there is a high level of T4 hormones and a very low level of TSH, then the patient has an overactive thyroid. Therefore, it is necessary to take both if the doctor is suspecting hyperthyroidism.
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If the patient is identified with hyperthyroidism, then supplemental tests must be taken to determine the underlying cause for hyperthyroidism.
Radioiodine uptake test: The patient usually takes a small dose of radioactive iodine to see how much hormones will be collected in the thyroid gland. If there is a significant increase of intaking hormones, the T4 hormones are overproduced leading to an overactive thyroid.
Thyroid ultrasound: As shown in this picture, we see a woman taking an ultrasound to identify nodules present on the thyroid. If there is, then Plummer's disease is the main cause of hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid scan: In this test, a radioactive isotope will be injected into a vein on your elbow or hand. Once the iodine is in the bloodstream, the healthcare provider will take a camera which will create an image to see if iodine accumulates in the thyroid. Therefore, excess iodine is the cause for hyperthyroidism.
Treatment
Although there is no cure for hyperthyroidism, the treatment will manage the symptoms and potentially cure the underlying cause. Medications and surgeries include:
Radioactive Iodine: This substance causes the gland to shrink which will subside symptoms. However, if this medication is taken for a long period of time, then other medications that increase your T4 hormone production should be taken to prevent hypothyroidism from occurring.
Anti-thyroid medications: Medications such as Tapazole are used to prevent the thyroid gland from producing excess amount of T3, T4, and TSH hormones. Unfortunately, some patients get life-threatening side effects such as liver failure, and a few patients are allergic to these medications. Therefore, talk to a healthcare provider beforehand to see which medications suit you.
Beta Blockers: These drugs lower the blood pressure and ease symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Beta-blockers aren't recommended to those who are allergic or have other symptoms such as fatigue and sexual dysfunction.
Thyroidectomy: If this condition is severe, or if the patient is pregnant, they have the option to take surgery which will remove the thyroid gland. However, if this is done, the patient must take medications to balance the T3 and T4 hormones in the body.
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If patients don't want to take medications or that isn't their option, the patient may have to be on a strict diet full of nutrients needed for hyperthyroidism. The nutrients, vitamins, and minerals listed below should be eaten on regular basis.
Low Iodine Foods: Since the patient can have an excess of iodine, it is important to limit iodine intake. Low iodine foods such as egg whites, fresh fruit, and honey are good for the body.
Cruciferous Foods: Unlike hypothyroidism, these foods can be eaten on a daily basis because foods such as broccoli, kale, Brussel sprouts, etc. can inhibit the thyroid from using iodine.
Iron: Sometimes, low levels of iron are linked to hyperthyroidism, so it is essential to eat foods such as dried beans and leafy vegetables.
Calcium and Vitamin D: Hyperthyroidism usually cause weak and brittle bones, so to prevent osteoporosis to develop, foods such as white beans, and beef liver should be eaten.
Selenium and Zinc: Although this is a nutrient for hypothyroidism, these are both essential nutrients to prevent the thyroid from developing other diseases.
Prevention
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent hyperthyroidism because it is linked to genetic disorders. However, if the potential underlying cause is excess iodine, the patients must limit their iodine intake. Other preventions include:
Avoid eating processed meat
Avoid eating foods contain gluten, soy, and caffeine.
Eating processed meats will increase the nitrates in the body which will absorb an extensive amount of iodine. Foods containing gluten, soy, and caffeine can interfere the thyroid production and worsen the symptoms.
Please check out these sources for further information. These resources were also used for hypothyroidism. Click here to check out hypothyroidism.
Resources:
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Grunewald, J. (2020, September 17). Why Do Thyroid Disorders Affect Women More Often Than Men? Experience Life. Retrieved November 26, 2020, from https://experiencelife.com/article/why-do-thyroid-disorders-affect-women-more-often-than-men/
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Thyroid. Hormone Health Network. https://www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/glands-and-hormones-a-to-z/glands/thyroid.
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