Hyperthyroidism Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

A Guide to Hyperthyroidism  

The thyroid gland may be small, but its impact on your body is enormous. When this gland becomes overactive, the condition of hyperthyroidism takes hold. As a result, it speeds up metabolism and develops hyperthyroidism symptoms, including rapid heartbeat, weight loss, diarrhoea and more. 

But what triggers this condition, and how can it be managed? From warning signs in females and men to diagnosis and cutting-edge treatments, everything is unlocked in this blog. Hence, scroll down to learn about this powerful gland and its influence.

What is Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism, also known as overactive thyroid, is a health condition when the thyroid gland develops and releases excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. It happens due to several potential reasons. Hyperthyroidism involves high levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), often accompanied by low levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is produced by the pituitary gland to regulate thyroid activity.

An overactive thyroid accelerates metabolism, which may lead to noticeable changes in one’s overall health. Suffering from hyperthyroidism can make someone feel unlike themselves or even out of sync with their body. 
Seeking medical attention is crucial if you experience hyperthyroidism symptoms, as proper treatment can restore your well-being and bring balance back.

What are the Common Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism?

Releasing high levels of thyroid hormone can significantly impact your entire body, so there are many symptoms to discover. 

Some of the common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are as follows:

• Rapid heart rate, which is called tachycardia
• Heart palpitations
• Shakiness, like hand tremors
• High blood pressure
• Feeling nervous, anxious, and developing an irritable nature
• Diarrhea or more frequent pooping
• Massive weight loss despite an increased appetite
• hyperthyroidism symptoms of eyes causing swelling or bulging of your eyes
• Difficulty in sleeping  , which is called insomnia
• Changes in menstrual periods, such as lighter or missed periods
• Increased sweating
• Hair loss or more brittle hair than ever
• Goiter or swelling and enlargement of your neck

Note that these symptoms can develop suddenly or slowly over time. Make an appointment with a healthcare provider if you notice any of the hyperthyroidism symptoms.

1. Hyperthyroidism Symptoms in Females

Women are more likely to develop hyperthyroidism than men. It occurs especially after pregnancy or during menopause. According to experts, approximately 1 in 8 females may experience this health disorder at some point in their lifetime. The symptoms include:

• Weakness in your bones
• Diarrhoea
• Menstrual changes 
• Hot flashes
• Sleeping issues
• Restlessness, anxiety
• Loss of libido
• Low energy levels
• Mood changes
• Enhanced hunger
• Urination frequently

2. Hyperthyroidism Symptoms in Men

Men and women typically exhibit many of the same common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. However, there are a few complications that affect only males. Male-specific symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
• Low sperm count
• Premature balding
• Reduced levels of testosterone
• Osteoporosis
• Gynecomastia (male breast enlargement)

3. Symptoms  of Hyperthyroidism During Pregnancy 

Here are the signs of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy mentioned in the following:

• Heartbeat irregularity
• Shaky hands
• Lethargy
• Anxiety
• Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)
• Unable to gain weight
• Weight loss

4. Hyperthyroidism in Infants

Hyperthyroidism in infants is a rare case but potentially severe condition. It is often a temporary condition linked with maternal Graves’ disease. When considering hyperthyroidism in infants symptoms, they generally develop in the weeks after birth. They are:

• Sleep disorders
• Flushing
• Bulging eyes
• Difficulty in breathing
• Swelling at the front of the beck
• Diarrhoea
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Sweating
• Feeding difficulties
   

Hyperthyroidism vs. Hypothyroidism

To most people, these two medical conditions sound alike. But, in reality, they are opposites. Hyperthyroidism denotes a health condition in which the thyroid produces excessive hormones. Hypothyroidism denotes the health condition when the thyroid isn't producing enough hormones.
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have different causes and symptoms, so they need separate approaches for diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism 

Remember, these are the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism. They can significantly vary between people. They include:

• Depression
• Feeling sensitive to cold
• Decreased heart rate
• Thinning hair
• Fatigue
• Heavy or irregular menstrual periods
• Muscle stiffness
• Stiffness and pain in your joints
• Constipation
• Reduced sweating ability
• Fertility issues
   

What is Subclinical Hyperthyroidism?

Subclinical hyperthyroidism is a health condition when an individual has a low or undetectable level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) with normal levels of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones. This condition is considered a mild form of hyperthyroidism.

Subclinical Hyperthyroidism Symptoms

The symptoms of subclinical hyperthyroidism are

• Palpitations
• Feeling shaky and nervous
• Weight loss
• Enhanced hunger
• Anxiety 
• Irritability
• Frequent bowel movements
• Heat intolerance

Understanding the symptoms of hyperthyroidism under different conditions is essential, but identifying what causes it can help in timely diagnosis and treatment. So, let's explore them in detail.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

Health conditions and situations that can be a reason for hyperthyroidism include:

Graves' Disease

This is an autoimmune disorder. While having this disorder, your immune system attacks your thyroid and causes it to produce too much hormone. As per research, Graves' disease is the most common cause.

Thyroid Nodules

These are growths of cells on your thyroid. These lumps are usually benign (not promoting cancer). But they sometimes can produce too much thyroid hormone. These are mostly visible in older adults.

Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid gland. It can lead to a temporary phase of hyperthyroidism, known as the thyrotoxic phase. This may be followed by hypothyroidism, where the thyroid becomes underactive. In many cases, hormone levels return to normal once the inflammation subsides.

Excess Iodine Consumption

Certain medications, cough syrups, seaweed, and seaweed-based supplements come with iodine. Now, if you start consuming excessive amounts of these, it can lead to an overproduction of thyroid hormones.

Consuming Excessive Thyroid Hormone Medicine

Taking too much thyroid hormone medicine for hypothyroidism can lead to high hormone levels. It is important to get your levels checked yearly. Some other medications can also interact and increase hormone levels, so consult your doctor before starting new ones.

Risk Factors for Hyperthyroidism

Several factors that increase the potential of developing hyperthyroidism are:

• Biological family history of thyroid disease
• Current autoimmune conditions
• Pregnancy (for postpartum thyroiditis)
• Smoking
   

Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism

The majority of healthcare providers consider multiple steps as the diagnostic process of hyperthyroidism. They are:

1.Physical Exam

Once you notice some hyperthyroidism symptoms and make an appointment with your doctor,  they will perform a physical exam. They first look for the common signs of hyperthyroidism, including an enlarged thyroid, fast heartbeat and remarkable skin changes.

2.Thyroid Blood Tests

Following physical examination, they will ask you to do blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels. As the levels of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4 remain above normal and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) often remains lower than normal, the exact level needs to be known for proper diagnosis. 

3.Thyroid Antibody Blood Test

Healthcare providers ask to do this test to check if Graves’ disease is the cause.

4.Imaging Tests

There are multiple imaging tests of the thyroid that help diagnose hyperthyroidism(overactive thyroid) and its cause. They are a radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test and a thyroid ultrasound. 

Your doctor will discuss the available options and procedures with you and suggest the most suitable one.

Management and Treatment for Hyperthyroidism

The treatments for hyperthyroidism include medicines, radioiodine therapy, and thyroid surgery:

1. Antithyroid Medicines

These medications work by decreasing the production of thyroid hormones. In general, these medications are taken for one to two years after being prescribed by doctors. However, in some cases, they ask for long-term use. While it is considered the least complex treatment option, it may not provide a permanent solution to persons suffering from hyperthyroidism.

2. Beta Blocker Medicines

These medications help manage symptoms such as tremors, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety, offering quick relief while other treatments address the underlying hormone imbalance.

3. Radioiodine Therapy

As per doctors, it is a common and effective treatment when it comes to hyperthyroidism. During this therapy, you need to take radioactive iodine orally as a capsule or liquid. It gradually destroys thyroid cells that develop excessive levels of hormones while leaving other tissues unaffected. 
Through this treatment, most patients eventually develop hypothyroidism. However, this condition is easier to manage and poses fewer long-term health risks than hyperthyroidism.

4. Surgery

In rare cases, doctors opt for surgery to treat hyperthyroidism. It involves removing part or most of the thyroid gland. It may be considered for individuals with large goitres or for pregnant women who can not consume specific medications. 

If doctors need to remove the entire thyroid, lifelong thyroid medication is necessary. In some cases, patients who undergo partial removal may also require proper medication.

Final Words

If you are experiencing hyperthyroidism symptoms, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor. This health condition can significantly impact your health. But with timely diagnosis and proper treatment, one can stop suffering. From common symptoms to life-altering changes, recognising the signs early is necessary. 

Some may develop hypothyroidism after treatment. However, it is easier to control. Taking charge of your thyroid health ensures a better quality of life—don’t ignore the visible symptoms, and seek medical help when needed.