When your thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormones than your body requires, the condition is known as hyperthyroidism

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By nclexnursing

When your thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormones than your body requires, the condition is known as hyperthyroidism, or hyperactive thyroid.

The thyroid is a little gland at the front of your neck that resembles a butterfly. It produces hormones that regulate the body’s energy consumption. These hormones have an impact on almost every organ in your body and regulate a number of the most vital processes. They impact your respiration, heart rate, weight, digestion, and moods, for instance. Hyperthyroidism can seriously affect your heart, bones, muscles, menstrual cycle, and fertility if it is not managed. However, there are remedies that can be helpful.

Why does hyperthyroidism occur?

The reasons for hyperthyroidism are many. They consist of:

Grave’s disease is an autoimmune condition where your thyroid produces too much hormone as a result of an immune system attack. The most frequent reason is this.

Your thyroid may develop growths called nodules. Typically, they are benign (not cancer). However, they could overwork and produce an excessive amount of thyroid hormone. Older persons are more likely to develop thyroid nodules.

Thyroid inflammation, or thyroiditis. Your thyroid gland starts to leak stored thyroid hormone as a result of it.

The excess iodine. Some medications, cough syrups, seaweed, and supplements derived from seaweed all include iodine. If you consume too many of these, your thyroid may produce too much thyroid hormone.

For whom is hyperthyroidism risky?

Hyperthyroidism is more likely to develop in you if you:

Being a woman

Are over 60 years old.

Have had a kid or been pregnant within the last six months.

Have thyroid issues like goiter or have undergone thyroid surgery.

Have thyroid problems running in your family.

Have pernicious anemia, a condition in which a lack of vitamin B12 prevents the body from producing enough healthy red blood cells.

Either primary adrenal insufficiency, a hormonal disease, or type 1 diabetes.

Ingest excessive amounts of iodine through iodine-rich meals, iodine-containing medications, or iodine-containing supplements.

Which signs and symptoms indicate hyperthyroidism?

Individual differences exist in the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, which can include:

Anxiety or irritation

  • Fatigue
  • Muscle tremor
  • Heat intolerance Issues with sleep
  • Typically in your hands, trembling
  • Diarrhea or frequent bowel motions
  • Loss of weight
  • Mood changes
  • Goiter, an enlarged thyroid that could give the appearance of a bloated neck. It can occasionally make it difficult to breathe or swallow.

How is hyperthyroidism determined to exist?

Your doctor may use a variety of instruments to make a diagnosis, including:

Taking a medical history and noting any symptoms

Medical checkup

Thyroid studies, including blood tests for TSH, T3, T4, and thyroid antibodies

Imaging tests, such as a radioactive iodine uptake test, ultrasound, or thyroid scan. The amount of radioactive iodine your thyroid absorbs from your blood after you ingest a small amount is determined by a radioactive iodine uptake test.

What medications are used to treat hyperthyroidism?

Thyroid surgery, radioiodine therapy, and medications are all available as therapies for hyperthyroidism:

Among the medications for hyperthyroidism are:

Antithyroid medications, which decrease the amount of thyroid hormone your thyroid produces. Most likely, you’ll need to take the medications for one to two years. You might need to take the medications for a number of years in some circumstances. Although it is the simplest course of action, it frequently has short-term results.

Beta blockers are medications that can lessen symptoms like tremors, a quick heartbeat, and anxiety. They can make you feel better while other therapies are taking effect since they work swiftly.

A frequent and efficient treatment for hyperthyroidism is radioiodine therapy. It entails ingesting radioactive iodine orally as a liquid or pill. The thyroid gland’s cells that make thyroid hormone are gradually destroyed as a result. Other tissues in the body are unaffected. The development of hypothyroidism is a side effect of radioactive iodine treatment in almost everyone. This happens as a result of the death of the cells that make thyroid hormone. However, compared to hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism is less dangerous to one’s long-term health and is simpler to cure.

Rarely, the thyroid gland is surgically removed in whole or in part. For those with large goiters or expectant mothers who are unable to take antithyroid medications, it may be an alternative. You will require thyroid medications for the rest of your life if you have your thyroid completely removed. Some patients who have had a portion of their thyroid removed must additionally take medication.

It’s crucial to avoid consuming too much iodine if you have hyperthyroidism. Discuss with your doctor the foods, supplements, and medications you should stay away from.