INTRODUCTION
Hyperthyroidism is one of the two types of thyroid— HYPOTHYROIDISM and HYPERTHYROIDISM.
Hypothyroidism is caused due to lack of thyroid hormones, whereas, Hyperthyroidism is caused due to excess production of thyroid hormones. Like this, both conditions contradict each other.
But however, Hyperthyroidism is found to be LESS COMMON than hypothyroidism.
CAUSES OF HYPERTHYROIDISM:-
Just like how the loss of thyroid cells causes less production of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), likewise gain of thyroid cells will cause excess accumulation of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism).
The following are a few causes of hyperthyroidism:-
1. Benign thyroid nodules
There is an overproduction of thyroid cells. These cells get accumulate in the form of lumps or nodules on the surface of the thyroid gland. And these nodules are nothing but excess thyroid cells, which in turn produce extra thyroid hormone that adds to the optimum levels of a hormone produced by the thyroid gland initially.
And hence, this increases the overall thyroid hormone levels in the body, which leads to hyperthyroidism.
2. Excess iodine
Generally, a thyroid cell uses iodine as a major source to produce thyroid hormone. Meaning each cell needs an optimum amount of iodine to produce an optimum amount of thyroid hormone. Similarly, when excess iodine is provided to the cells, they tend to produce excess thyroid hormones, and this causes hyperthyroidism.
3. Grave’s disease
When this disease attacks an individual, the person’s immune system automatically produces antibodies as resistance to it. But here, the antibodies produced are thyroid hormones. These thyroid hormones fight the disease, neutralize the pathogens, and their defensive work is done. After which they get accumulate in the blood, causing hyperthyroidism.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTHYROIDISM:
1. WEIGHT LOSS
The major function of a thyroid hormone is to help in the digestion of food (metabolism) and produce energy that can be used by the body to move, exercise, burn body fat, transport, function, and so on.
Apparently, a person with hyperthyroidism will have excess thyroid hormones which in turn causes excess metabolism, because of which a large amount of calories and fat gets burnt in our body which leads to weight loss. And because most of the food eaten by the person is digested and used up abruptly, they tend to consume more and more food. This is called the increase in appetite.
Thus, loss of weight despite an increase in appetite serves as one of the most prominent symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
2. RAPID OR IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT
An increase in thyroid hormone levels will fuel rapid metabolic reactions in the blood. This will further increase the blood pressure that will reach the heart to form an irregular and faster heartbeat. Apart from this, the simultaneous decrease in body fat will also fluctuate the pulse rate.
3. OVERHEATED BODY and PROFOUND SWEATING
Every metabolic reaction that takes place in the body releases some amount of heat along with the resultant products. This heat is what gives warmth to the body and regulates its temperature in cold conditions.
But in the case of hyperthyroidism, rapid metabolism gives rise to a large amount of heat being released that causes overheating and profound sweating of the body.
4. HAND TREMORS AND MUSCLE WEAKNESS
When the thyroid gland releases excess thyroid hormones, this will also call for active stimuli from the central nervous system. This will apparently affect the nervous stimulus of other parts of the body, like hands and muscles. Thus, it leads to hand tremors and muscle weakness.
5. FREQUENT BOWEL MOVEMENTS
Rapid and continuous digestion will obviously result in frequent bowel movements.
6. MOOD SWINGS:-
Apart from metabolic function, thyroid hormones also regulate our mood swings. Thus, an increased quantity of hormones can give major anxiety attacks, nervousness, uneasiness, irritable attitude, and so on. This could be due to the hormone fluctuation that takes a toll on our physical and mental health.
7. OTHER SYMPTOMS:-
There are a few other symptoms of hyperthyroidism that assists the major symptoms. They are—
a) Fatigue and Tiredness
b) Nausea
c) Lack of sleep
d) Difficulty in breathing
These symptoms are also very common in normal human beings, and thus, they are not prominent enough to declare the disease. Hence, when anyone sight such symptoms, it is recommended to go for a further detailed diagnosis and then get to a conclusion on a doctor’s consultation.
But in the worst case, if we happen to neglect the above-mentioned symptoms, an individual would automatically fall prey to further complications, like—
1. Exophthalmic goiter
The symptoms are:
i) Increase in metabolism
ii) Rapid heartbeat
iii) Difficulty in breathing
iv) Protruding or bulging eyes
v) Huge swelling or a lump in the neck
2. Thyroid storm
The symptoms are:
i) Rapid heartbeat
ii) High blood pressure
iii) Fever
3. Pregnancy complications
This happens when a pregnant woman encounters hyperthyroidism.
It harms both mothers as well as the fetus and might lead to
- Miscarriage
- Premature baby after birth
Therefore, doctors regularly monitor the mother’s TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone) levels during pregnancy in order to avoid such a complication.
4. Osteoporosis
Porous, thin, and weak bones are a few symptoms of this condition. On excess burning of energy, the food in the body is completely utilized, after which the body starts drawing energy from the nearby muscles and bones. This will rapidly reduce calcium levels in the bones and makes them porous and weak.
5. Cancer
Thyroid cancer caused due to carcinogens is also one of the complications of neglected hyperthyroidism. It forms extracellular lumps of thyroid cells on the surface of this gland and leads to cancer.
These are a few signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Diagnosis and treatment at the earliest are always preferred.
THANK YOU
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