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Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, causing physical and emotional symptoms. It can be treated with medication, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery. Men can also experience hyperthyroidism, and it can be caused by factors such as Graves’ disease, iodine intake, or trauma.
An overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism, is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces an overabundance of thyroid hormone. This overproduction can lead to a variety of emotional and physical ailments that can masquerade as signs of other health problems. While many people think that an overactive thyroid only occurs in women, men can experience too much thyroid hormone production as well. In all cases, there are different forms of treatment that can bring relief.
When functioning properly, the thyroid gland produces two specific hormones: triiodothyronine or T3 and thyroxine, known as T4. Together, these hormones help regulate many body functions, including digestion, heart function, and the growth process. When the thyroid becomes overactive, these hormones are released throughout the body and essentially speed up a number of functions, including nervous system responses to different stimuli.
As a result, an individual with an overactive thyroid can experience a wide variety of physical and emotional problems. Often events and situations that would not normally cause discomfort are easily irritating to the individual. A sudden sensitivity to even the smallest sounds can trigger panic attacks. The individual may begin to have difficulty remembering things or suddenly have difficulty performing routine tasks. Heart palpitations, severe changes in appetite and extreme tiredness are not uncommon symptoms. A goiter or eye bulging are common signs of an overactive thyroid that are quite common. Often, an overactive thyroid also causes insomnia, which puts more stress on a body that’s already in overdrive.
There are many causes for an overactive thyroid. Developing Graves’ disease, or an enlarged thyroid gland, is a malfunction in the body’s immune system that causes antibodies to be produced that are used against the thyroid gland. As a result, the gland begins to enlarge and produce excess hormones. Too much iodine in the diet can lead to thyroid problems of this type. Damage to the thyroid gland from shock or trauma can lead to an overproduction of hormones and start creating health problems. There is also some evidence that an overactive thyroid may be an inherited condition.
Fortunately, there are several ways to treat an underactive thyroid. Drug therapy is usually the first defense. Antithyroid drugs help inhibit the production of T3 and T4 and restore normal levels within the body. As the level of thyroid hormones begins to return to normal, the symptoms fade and eventually disappear altogether.
When medications alone aren’t enough, radioactive iodine therapy is usually the next step. This involves swallowing a capsule that contains radioactive iodine. Iodine permeates through the thyroid gland and kills a portion of the cells. As a result, the thyroid gland shrinks in size and is unable to produce excessive amounts of hormones. However, this type of therapy does not prevent the thyroid from recovering from the effects of radioactive iodine and starting to produce high amounts of the hormone later.
In some cases, the only effective treatment for an overactive thyroid is surgery. Known as a thyroidectomy, this involves removing all or part of the thyroid gland. The entire gland is removed only if there is no way to leave a portion capable of producing the right amount of hormones. When the thyroid is completely removed, hormone replacement therapy is needed to provide appropriate levels of T3 and T4 in the body.
While an overactive thyroid can be physically and mentally debilitating, the wide variety of treatments available today can correct the situation and restore proper balance to the body. Doctors are usually able to identify the presence of an underactive thyroid with a combination of a physical exam and blood tests to determine the levels of thyroid hormone in the body. Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, a doctor can begin the proper treatment and provide relief to the patient.
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