5 min read
Hyperthyroidism is an endocrine disorder in which a thyroid gland is overactive, producing too much thyroid hormone and leading to metabolic acceleration. Early symptoms of hyperthyroidism often go unnoticed by patients, making it a commonly underdiagnosed illness. Although hyperthyroidism is curable, a neglected overactive thyroid can result in fatal complications. Here is your ultimate guide to stay away from hyperthyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism is the overaction of the thyroid, resulting in excessive thyroid hormone production and secretion. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located at the lower front neck. It produces 2 main hormones that regulate cellular metabolism called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These 2 kinds of hormones regulate normal metabolism. However, when an overactive thyroid produces excess T3 and T4 hormones, cellular metabolism would be accelerated, giving rise to a series of signs and symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, palpitation, nervousness, etc.
A healthy thyroid keeps normal levels of thyroid hormones to maintain regular body temperature, regular heart rate, respiration rate, usual breathing pattern, as well as many other cellular metabolisms to allow a normal body function.
However, in patients with hyperthyroidism, their thyroid gland can become overactive owing to the following causes:
Apart from the above-mentioned causes of hyperthyroidism, there are several other risk factors contributing to a higher risk of hyperthyroidism, namely:
Thyroid hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine, regulate most of our body’s metabolisms. By upsetting one’s metabolic status, hyperthyroidism may cause the following signs and symptoms:
If hyperthyroidism is unrecognized and untreated, severe and fatal complications may occur, for instance:
In addition to the clinical signs and symptoms, hyperthyroidism is diagnosed mainly by physical examination, blood test, imaging and iodine test.
Treatments of hyperthyroidism depend on various factors like the exact cause, severity, sex, age, medical history and other physical conditions, etc. In general, hyperthyroidism can be treated by the following approaches:
Patients with hyperthyroidism should avoid consuming iodine-rich foods, as iodine would further promote the growth of the thyroid gland. Some examples of iodine-rich foods include egg yolks, dairy products, iodized salt, fish, seaweed and other types of seafood.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are similar in both females and males. Typical signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism include goiter, palpitation, arrhythmia, tremor, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, increased appetite, heat intolerance, excessive sweating, increased bowel movement, diarrhea, skin thinning, brittle hair, insomnia, anxiety, etc.
Hyperthyroidism affects almost all systematic metabolism. Untreated hyperthyroidism may lead to serious systemic complications in the heart, brain, bones, muscles, nerves, etc. Common consequences of untreated hyperthyroidism include atrial fibrillation, heart failure, stroke, high fever, shock, delirium, thyroid storm, thyrotoxic eyes, vision loss and osteoporosis.
Clinical signs of hyperthyroidism may not show at the same time. However, early warning signs of hyperthyroidism usually include lumps or nodules appearing on the neck, unexplained weight loss, active bowel movements and diarrhea, moist skin, heat intolerance and hair loss, etc.
*This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Gordon Chak Man Cheung from the London Medical Clinic, Central, Hong Kong. Dr. Cheung is a General Practitioner in HK who received his medical degree from King’s College London, University of London. Before completing his General Practice specialist training in UK, Dr. Cheung had worked in various hospitals in London and South East England in Cardiology, Endocrinology, Oncology, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He holds numerous postgraduate medical qualifications including Memberships to the Royal Colleges of Physicians in UK and to the Royal College of General Practitioners, Diploma of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Child Health as well as Clinical Dermatology.
This article was independently written by Healthy Matters. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.
Healthy Matters is Hong Kong’s leading health resource. Our mission is to help you make better health decisions and take control of your health.
Our team of experts is committed to producing reliable health content that is accurate, engaging and relevant, to cover your health & wellness journey from prevention to treatment.
Whether you are looking for trusted information on health conditions, wellbeing or looking for the right doctor or service in Hong Kong, we’re here to help!
Your health matters. Begin your health journey with Healthy Matters today!