WHAT IS HYPERTHYROIDISM?

The thyroid gland, one of the hormone-producing organs, is situated at the front of the neck, directly in front of the windpipe. Thyroid regulates all body functions. Hyperthyroidism is not a disease, but the over activity or hyper functioning of thyroid and since Thyroid regulates all body functions, manifestations are seen all over.

AFFECTS

Mostly adult women between 20 and 50.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Since thyroid regulates the rate of body's metabolism, every system works overtime.

• Hyperactivity.
• Feeling warm or hot all the time.
• Tremors.
• Sweating.
• Pounding, rapid, irregular heartbeat.
• Weight loss, despite overeating. Older persons may gain weight.
• Marked anxiety, restlessness and sleeplessness.
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Protruding eyes (exophthalmos) and double vision (sometimes).
• Diarrhea (sometimes).
• Hair loss (sometimes).
• Goiter – enlargement of the gland seen as a swelling in the neck (sometimes)

CAUSES

• Thyroid nodules or tumors
• Thyroid infection or inflammation
• Pituitary disorders.
• Ovarian disorders.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Family history of hyperthyroidism.
• Stress.

HOW TO PREVENT

No specific preventive measures.

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES

• Suggestive symptoms.
• Detailed history and examination by a doctor.
• Radioactive Immune Assay to determine blood levels of thyroid hormones. Commonly done are T3, T4 & TSH. In select cases Free T4 Index may be asked for.
• Electrocardiogram.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Misdiagnosis as a psychiatric anxiety reaction.
• Congestive heart failure.
• "Thyroid storm"--a sudden worsening of all symptoms. This is a life-threatening emergency.

PROBABLE OUTCOME

Usually curable with medication or surgery. Allow 6 months of treatment for the condition to stabilize. In cases resistant to treatment, Radioactive Iodine may be given. Some forms may return to normal without treatment.

TREATMENT

GENERAL

Since this condition develops gradually, symptoms may be difficult to recognize. If family and friends mention changes in your behavior or appearance, consult your doctor.

Surgery may sometimes be necessary to remove part of the thyroid, if medication does not control the disorder.

SPECIFIC

Your doctor may prescribe:

• Antithyroid drugs to depress thyroid activity.
• Drugs to decrease rapid heartbeat.
• Radioactive iodine, which selectively destroys thyroid cells.

ACTIVITY

Rest in bed as much as possible until the disorder is cured.

DIET

Eat a diet high in protein to replace tissue lost from thyroid overactivity.

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR, IF

• You notice symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
• Symptoms worsen suddenly, especially after surgery.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.