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Overview

The overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland results in hyperthyroidism. Another name for this illness is hyperactive thyroid. The body's metabolism is accelerated by hyperthyroidism. This may result in a variety of symptoms, including rapid or irregular pulse, hand tremors, and weight loss.

There are numerous ways to treat hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland's hormone production can be slowed down by anti-thyroid medications and radioiodine. Surgery to remove the thyroid gland entirely or in part is sometimes used as a therapy for hyperthyroidism. Occasionally, hyperthyroidism may go better on its own without the need for medication or other treatments, depending on what's causing it.

Symptoms

Sometimes hyperthyroidism mimics other medical conditions. That may make diagnosis challenging. Numerous symptoms may arise from it, such as: • Weight loss without effort.

• Tachycardia, or an abnormally rapid heartbeat.
• Arrhythmia, another name for an irregular heartbeat.
• Heart palpitations, often known as heart pounding.
• A rise in hunger.
• Anxiety, impatience, and nervousness.
• Tremor, which is typically a slight shaking of the hands and fingers.
• Tremor, which is typically a slight shaking of the hands and fingers.
• Perspiring.
• Modifications to menstrual periods.
• A greater susceptibility to heat.
• Modifications in bowel habits, including increased frequency of bowel motions.
• Goiter, a term used to describe an enlarged thyroid gland that can cause swelling at the base of the neck.
• Weariness.
• Weak muscles.
• Issues with sleep.
• Moist, warm skin.
• Skin thinning.
• Fine but fragile hair.

In older folks, difficult-to-notice symptoms are more common. An irregular heartbeat, weight loss, depression, and fatigue or weakness throughout daily tasks are some of these symptoms.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your healthcare practitioner if you experience weight loss without attempting, or if you see any other symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as a rapid heartbeat, unusual perspiration, swelling at the base of your neck, or other symptoms. Even the slightest symptoms should be reported to your healthcare physician.

Most patients with hyperthyroidism require routine follow-up appointments with their physician to ensure the illness is being managed.

Causes

Numerous illnesses that affect the thyroid gland might result in hyperthyroidism. The thyroid is a little gland at the base of the neck that resembles a butterfly. It significantly affects the body. The thyroid gland produces all of the hormones that regulate every aspect of metabolism.

Thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3) are the two primary hormones produced by the thyroid gland. All of the body's cells are impacted by these hormones. They facilitate the body's use of lipids and carbs at different rates. They aid in regulating body temperature. Heart rate is impacted by them. Also, they aid in regulating the body's production of protein.

When the thyroid gland releases too many thyroid hormones into the bloodstream, the condition known as hyperthyroidism results. Hyperthyroidism can result from the following conditions:

• Graves' illness. An autoimmune condition called Graves' disease makes the thyroid gland vulnerable to attack by the immune system. The thyroid produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone as a result. The most frequent cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease.

• Thyroxine overactive nodules. Plummer disease, toxic multinodular goiter, and toxic adenoma are other names for this illness. When a thyroid adenoma produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone, hyperthyroidism takes on this form. A section of the gland that is isolated from the rest of the gland is called an adenoma. It produces noncancerous tumors that can enlarge the thyroid.

• Hyperthyroidism. An inflammation of the thyroid gland results in this disorder. It can sometimes be attributed to an autoimmune disease. In others, it's not really evident why. The thyroid gland's excess thyroid hormone may seep into the bloodstream as a result of inflammation, resulting in hyperthyroidism symptoms.

Risk factors

Risk factors for hyperthyroidism include:

An ancestral history of thyroid disorders, specifically Graves' disease.

A past medical history of some chronic conditions, such as primary adrenal insufficiency and pernicious anemia.

*a recent pregnancy increases the chance of thyroiditis. The result could be hyperthyroidism.

Complications

Complications from hyperthyroidism include the ones listed below.

Heart issues

The following are a few of the most dangerous effects of hyperthyroidism on the heart:

• Atrial fibrillation, a cardiac rhythm abnormality that raises the risk of stroke.
• Congestive heart failure, which occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's requirements.

Brittle bones

Weak and brittle bones can result from untreated hyperthyroidism. Osteoporosis is the term for this disease. The amount of calcium and other minerals in bones affects their strength to some extent. The body has difficulty absorbing calcium into bones when thyroid hormone levels are too high.

Vision problems

Thyroid eye illness is a condition that some people with hyperthyroidism experience. It occurs more frequently in smokers. The muscles and other tissues surrounding the eyes are impacted by this condition.

Symptoms of thyroid eye disease include:

• Swollen eyes.
• A scratchy feeling in the eyes.
• Pain or pressure in the eyes.
• Swollen or drawn eyelids.
• Swollen or drawn eyelids.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Two visions.

Eye problems that go untreated may cause vision loss.

Discolored, swollen skin

In rare cases, people with Graves' disease develop Graves' dermopathy. This causes the skin to change colors and swell, often on the shins and feet.

Thyrotoxic crisis

This rare condition also is called thyroid storm. Hyperthyroidism raises the risk of thyrotoxic crisis. It causes severe, sometimes life-threatening symptoms. It requires emergency medical care. Symptoms may include:

• Fever.
• Fast heartbeat.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Dehydration.
• Confusion.
• Delirium.