Hyperthyroidism is caused by an overproduction of thyroid hormones and can be caused by various diseases, including Grave’s disease and toxic nodular goiter. Symptoms include weight loss, increased appetite, mood fluctuations, hyperactivity, sweating, fatigue, arrhythmias, and hair loss. Treatment often involves radiation to destroy the thyroid gland, which can lead to hypothyroidism and the need for hormone supplements. Diagnosis involves blood tests to evaluate thyroid hormones and stimulating hormone.
Hyperthyroidism is the presence and production of too much of one or both of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T-4) and thyroxine (T-3) in the body. It is caused by various diseases. One of the leading causes of hyperthyroidism is Grave’s disease, a condition that is often diagnosed by evaluating thyroid hormones. Myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease that causes bouts of muscle weakness, can also cause hyperthyroidism. Another cause of hyperthyroidism is toxic nodular goiter, which enlarges the thyroid gland, resulting in increased production.
Some of the early symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include weight loss, a significant increase in appetite, and difficulty regulating mood with fluctuations between irritability and depression. Also, those with hyperthyroidism may feel hyperactive. They may also experience profuse sweating, feel fatigued or weak, and have arrhythmias.
Occasionally, hyperthyroidism reduces sex drive. It is also indicated in case of persistent vomiting or nausea. In addition, those affected may experience significant muscle pain.
People with hyperthyroidism may pass a high volume of urine, called polyuria, which means frequent trips to the bathroom. People might also feel a pounding heartbeat and/or shortness of breath, mimicking a panic attack. Hyperthyroidism is indicated in alopecia, otherwise known as hair loss on the scalp.
Serious complications of hyperthyroidism can include life-threatening arrhythmias and strokes. Chorea, which is involuntary movement of the extremities, may be present. Those who have been suffering from hyperthyroidism for a long time may experience intense tremors and tremors throughout the body. Occasionally, hyperthyroidism is diagnosed by unexplained paralysis in the patient.
Hyperthyroidism has several notable ocular effects. When people are awake, their eyelids may be opened wider than normal, causing a staring or frightened stare in the eyes. They may also suffer from eyelid lag, which does not allow a person to follow the downward movement of objects.
Not all symptoms appear in all people with hyperthyroidism. Symptoms can often seem to suggest other illnesses. However, diagnosis is usually simple and involves a blood test to count T-3 and T-4 and to evaluate thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
In many cases the treatment consists in the destruction of the thyroid gland by radiation. This treatment is extremely effective, although it may not end all symptoms of the causative autoimmune disease. Those with goiter and Grave’s disease may see a significant reduction in symptoms or their complete disappearance. Ironically, perhaps, the destruction of the thyroid gland often means that a person will become hypothyroid and may need to take T-3 and T-4 supplements after the procedure.
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