SAEDNEWS: You might think that weight loss and a racing heart are just signs of stress or lack of sleep—but a small gland in your neck could silently wreak havoc on your life. Hyperthyroidism is the body’s silent killer.
According to Saed News Medical Service, quoting Alo Doctor, hyperthyroidism (pronounced: hyperthyroidism) is a disease of the thyroid gland in which the gland produces more hormones than normal. The main thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). In this condition, symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, sweating, heat intolerance, tremors, and restlessness may appear. Graves’ disease is one of the conditions that can lead to hyperthyroidism.
Diagnosis is made by measuring the blood levels of thyroid hormones and, in special cases, through a radioactive iodine test. Often, due to the negative feedback of thyroid hormones on the pituitary gland, blood levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) decrease.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to normalize thyroid hormone levels. In patients whose hyperthyroidism is caused by excessive hormone intake, the medication dosage should be adjusted. If the cause is thyroid inflammation, no additional treatment is usually required, as the condition is self-limiting. In cases where hyperthyroidism is caused by Graves’ disease, multinodular goiter, or a toxic solitary nodule, treatment options include:
Oral anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole and propylthiouracil. These are used long-term for Graves’ disease and short-term for other causes of hyperthyroidism. With the appropriate dosage, thyroid function can be controlled within a few weeks.
Radioactive iodine therapy works by disabling the goiter or reducing the size of toxic nodules that produce thyroid hormones. This treatment is safe and widely used in adults with hyperthyroidism. The effect may take one to three months. Patients who respond to medication usually require treatment for about two years. If the disease is uncontrolled, radioactive iodine is prescribed, and surgery may be needed if the gland is excessively enlarged.
Thyroid surgery is another permanent treatment for hyperthyroidism. Today, it is less commonly recommended because it requires hospitalization and carries potential post-surgical complications, including neck deformities.
Symptom-relief medications such as propranolol may be used to alleviate symptoms of hyperthyroidism while other treatments take effect.
Psychological assessment may be necessary in specific cases, as patients may develop mental health issues. Physicians can assess the depth of the condition through a 60-question evaluation and refer the patient to a psychiatrist for specialized treatment if needed.
