Content
Hyperthyroidism is a condition characterized by the excessive production of hormones by the thyroid, leading to the development of some signs and symptoms, such as anxiety, hand tremors, excessive sweating, swelling of the legs and feet and changes in the menstrual cycle in the case of women.
This situation is more common in women between 20 and 40 years old, although it can also occur in men, and is usually associated with Graves' disease, which is an autoimmune disease in which the body itself produces antibodies against the thyroid. In addition to Graves' disease, hyperthyroidism may also be the result of excessive iodine consumption, overdose of thyroid hormones or be due to the presence of a nodule in the thyroid.
It is important that hyperthyroidism is identified and treated according to the recommendation of the endocrinologist so that it is possible to relieve the signs and symptoms related to the disease.
Causes of hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism happens due to the increased production of hormones by the thyroid, which happens mainly due to Graves' disease, which is an autoimmune disease in which the immune cells themselves act against the thyroid, which has the effect of increasing production excessive amounts of hormones. Learn more about Graves' disease.
In addition to Graves' disease, other conditions that can lead to hyperthyroidism are:
- Presence of nodules or cysts in the thyroid;
- Thyroiditis, which corresponds to inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can happen in the postpartum period or due to virus infection;
- Overdose of thyroid hormones;
- Excessive consumption of iodine, which is essential for the formation of thyroid hormones.
It is important that the cause of hyperthyroidism is identified, as this way the endocrinologist can indicate the most appropriate treatment.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is possible through the measurement of thyroid-related hormones in the blood, and the assessment of T3, T4 and TSH levels is indicated. These tests should be performed, every 5 years from the age of 35, mainly in women, but people who are at a higher risk of developing the disease should perform this test every 2 years.
In some cases, the doctor may also indicate the performance of other tests that assess thyroid function, such as antibody measurement, thyroid ultrasound, self-examination and, in some cases, thyroid biopsy. Know the tests that evaluate the thyroid.
Subclinical hyperthyroidism
Subclinical hyperthyroidism is characterized by the absence of signs and symptoms indicative of thyroid changes, however, in the blood test, low TSH can be identified and T3 and T4 are normal.
In this case, the person must perform new tests within 2 to 6 months to check the need for taking medications, because it is not usually necessary to carry out any treatment, which is only reserved for when there are symptoms.
Main symptoms
Due to the increased amount of thyroid hormones circulating in the blood, it is possible that some signs and symptoms such as:
- Increased heart rate;
- Increased blood pressure;
- Changes in the menstrual cycle;
- Insomnia;
- Weight loss;
- Hand tremor;
- Excessive sweat;
- Swelling in the legs and feet.
In addition, there is an increased risk of osteoporosis due to the faster loss of calcium by the bones. Check out other symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy
The increase in thyroid hormones in pregnancy can cause complications such as eclampsia, miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight in addition to heart failure in women.
Women who had normal values before becoming pregnant and who were diagnosed with hyperthyroidism from the very beginning until the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, usually do not need to undergo any type of treatment because a slight increase in T3 and T4 during pregnancy is normal. However, the doctor may recommend medicines to normalize T4 in the blood, without harming the baby.
The dose of the drug varies from one person to another and the first dose indicated by the obstetrician is not always the one that remains during treatment, because it may be necessary to adjust the dose after 6 to 8 weeks after starting the drug. Learn more about hyperthyroidism in pregnancy.
Treatment for hyperthyroidism
The treatment for hyperthyroidism should be done according to the guidance of the endocrinologist, who takes into account the signs and symptoms presented by the person, cause of the hyperthyroidism and levels of hormones in the blood. In this way, the doctor can indicate the use of drugs such as Propiltiouracil and Metimazole, use of radioactive iodine or removal of the thyroid through surgery.
Thyroid removal is only indicated as a last resort, when symptoms do not disappear and it is not possible to regulate the thyroid by changing the dose of the drugs. Understand how the treatment for hyperthyroidism is done.
Check out some tips in the following video that can help treat hyperthyroidism: