1. Understanding Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid releases excessive hormones over a short (acute) or long (chronic) time. Various diseases and conditions can cause this illness, including Grave's disease, non-cancerous growths on the thyroid or pituitary glands, tumors on the testes or ovaries, inflammation, irritation and swelling of the thyroid caused by viral infections or ingesting too much thyroid hormone and/or iodine.
2. Symptoms May Be Invisible
Hyperthyroid symptoms are the same for everyone, regardless of the cause of their condition. Those symptoms however, are not always visible. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism appear so slowly that often times it will be weeks, even months, before an individual knows they are sick. Some sufferers, particularly those who are older than 70, may experience no symptoms. Instead, they simply lose weight and/or become depressed. In cases where an elder exhibits symptoms, they usually will be fewer than those present in someone younger.
3. Laundry List of Symptoms
Common hyperthyroid symptoms include excessive sweating, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, weight loss, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, intolerance to heat, diarrhea or increased bowel movements, light or no menstrual periods for women, muscle weakness, hair loss and nervousness. Heat generated inside the body because of an increase in metabolic activity causes excessive sweating and intolerance to heat. Weight loss occurs when the intake of a body's stored fats, proteins and carbohydrates cannot keep pace with the demand.
4. Treating What Ails You
Anti-thyroid drugs, radioactive iodine (RAI) and surgery can treat hyperthyroid symptoms. Beta-blockers increase metabolism by counteracting the effects of the thyroid hormone without changing the hormone levels in the blood. Drugs, such as Tapazole and PTU, stop thyroid hormones from producing by gathering in the thyroid tissue. You can dissolve radioactive iodine in water or take it in capsule form. It's goes through the bloodstream to the thyroid. Once there, the RAI disrupts the function of thyroid cells the more radioactive iodine administered, the more cells stop functioning. Once functioning ceases, the thyroid no longer produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, and the hyperthyroid symptoms disappear. Side effects include sore throat, nausea and swelling of the salivary glands.
5. Evaluate Your Options
Consult your physician if you are experiencing symptoms of hyperthyroidism. A blood test will confirm a diagnosis. Discuss available treatment options and make your physician aware of any questions or concerns you may have. Surgery is not as common a treatment thanks to Anti-thyroid medications and RAI. Most medical professionals recommend surgery for those who may experience adverse reactions to medications, such as pregnant women and children.
