It is a condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland, which produces too many hormones T4 and Analysis Analysis of T3. Hormones are substances that affect and control many important functions in the body.
Alternative Names
Thyrotoxicosis, Thyrotoxicosis
Causes, incidence and risk factors
The thyroid gland is located in the neck, produces several hormones that control how each cell in the body uses energy (metabolism) and is part of the endocrine system.
Hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis occurs when the thyroid releases excessive amounts of thyroid hormone in a short time (acute) or long (chronic). This problem can be caused by many diseases and conditions, among which are:
* Graves Disease
* Non-cancerous thyroid or pituitary
* Tumors of the testes or ovaries
* Inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the thyroid due to viral infection or other causes
* Ingestion (taking in through the mouth, such as in eating) of large amounts of thyroid hormone
* Ingestion of excessive iodine
Graves disease accounts for 85% of all cases of hyperthyroidism.
Related topics:
* Thyroiditis Painless (silent)
* Factitious hyperthyroidism
* Hypothyroidism
* Graves Disease
Symptoms
* Weight loss
* Increased appetite
* Nervousness
* Restlessness
* Heat intolerance
* Increased sweating
* Fatigue
* Frequent bowel movements
* Irregular menstrual periods in women
* It may have goiter (visibly enlarged thyroid)
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
* Weakness
* Difficulty sleeping
* Clammy skin
* Skin blushing or flushing
* Bounding pulse
* Nausea and vomiting
* Absence of menstruation
* Generalized itching
* Heartbeat sensations
* Hand tremor
* Hair Loss
* Diarrhea
* Development of breasts in men
* High blood pressure
* Protruding eyes (exophthalmos)
Exams and Tests
Physical examination may reveal thyroid enlargement or goiter. Vital signs (temperature, pulse, breathing rate, blood pressure) show increased heart rate. Systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) may be high.
Laboratory tests that evaluate thyroid function are:
* Serum TSH is usually low
* T3 and free T4 are usually high
This disease may also alter the results of these tests:
* Vitamin B-12
* Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI)
* Triglycerides
* RT3U
* RAUI
* Glucose test
* Cholesterol screening
* Thyroglobulin Antibodies
Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the cause of the condition and severity of symptoms. Hyperthyroidism is usually treated with antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine (which destroys the thyroid and stops the excess production of hormones) or surgery to remove the thyroid.
If the thyroid must be removed with radiation or surgery, it is necessary to have a replacement therapy of thyroid hormone for the rest of life.
Beta-blockers like propranolol are used to treat some of the symptoms including rapid heart rate, sweating, and anxiety until the hyperthyroidism can be controlled.
Expectations (prognosis)
Hyperthyroidism caused by Graves disease is usually progressive and has many associated complications, some of which are severe and affect quality of life.
Among the complications include those caused by treatment such as use of radioactive iodine, surgery and medications to replace thyroid hormones. However, hyperthyroidism is generally treatable and rarely fatal.
Complications
* Among the cardiac complications can include: rapid heart rate, congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
* Thyroid crisis or storm is an acute worsening of hyperthyroidism symptoms that may occur with infection or stress. There may be fever, decreased alertness, and abdominal pain, requiring immediate hospitalization.
* Hyperthyroidism increases the risk of osteoporosis.
* There may be complications related to surgery, including visible scarring of the neck, hoarseness due to nerve damage to the larynx and a low calcium level because of damage to the parathyroid glands.
* Complications may be related to replacement of thyroid hormones. If too little hormone, you may have symptoms of underactive thyroid include fatigue, increased cholesterol levels, mild weight gain, depression and decreased physical and mental activity. If too much hormone, symptoms of hyperthyroidism will come back.
Calling your health care
Call your health care provider if symptoms that could be caused by excessive production of thyroid hormone. If symptoms are associated with rapid, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or change in consciousness, readers are referred to the nearest emergency room or call the local emergency number (112 in Spain).
Also, seek medical assistance if treatment for hyperthyroidism induces symptoms of underactive thyroid, including mental and physical sluggishness, weight gain and depression.
Prevention
There are no general prevention measures for hyperthyroidism.
References
AACE Thyroid Task Force. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for the Evaluation and Treatment Of Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism. Endocr Pract. 2002, 8 (6).
Diet and Nutrition Consultation
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