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Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidismis a condition that occurs when there is too much thyroid hormone in the body. The hormones thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine are produced by the thyroid gland and play a major role in determining the body's metabolic rate. When there is excess amount of thyroid hormones, it will lead to a faster metabolism resulting in hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism occurs when thyroid cells trap excess iodine and produce excessive thyroid hormone. Sometimes the cause is damaged or inflamed thyroid cells. A person suffering from hyperthyroidism experiences excessive sweating and rapid heart rate(palpitations) and tremors. Such persons may notice loss of weight and extreme fatigue. These symptoms appear gradually and may sometimes go unnoticed. A person suffering from hyperthyroidism may feel nervous and notice muscle weakness. Women who are suffering from hyperthyroidism tend to have light menstrual periods or may even miss few cycles. Hair becomes brittle and skin becomes warm and moist. A person may appear agitated and confused. Patients suffering from hyperthyroidism often notice swelling at the base of the neck.

Thyroid Scan is used to measure the activity of the thyroid gland with radioactive substance. The blood TSH levels are measured to check for increased production of thyroid hormone. Graves Disease is an autoimmune disease that results in an overactive thyroid gland. This in turn leads to hyperthyroidism. Thyroiditis or inflammation of the thyroid gland is yet another cause for hyperthyroidism. Goiter or toxic nodule on the thyroid gland can be another cause for hyperthyroidism.

Antithyroid drugs are used to control the production of thyroid hormone. These drugs include methimazole (Tapazole) and propylthiouracil (PTU). Radioactive Iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism involves a pill or liquid that is administered to the patient so as to ablate a hyperactive gland. Radioactive iodine therapy destroys only local cells and is generally given as a one-dose treatment. It is essential to monitor this treatment since it may lead to destroy too many thyroid cells and even lead to hypothyroidism. This treatment for hyperthyroidismbut is not used on pregnant or lactacting women. Surgery is used to remove thyroid gland but this procedure is not without possible complications. Removal of too much tissue leads to hypothyroidism and often nerves connected with the vocal chords might be affected.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone in the body. Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis can attack the thyroid gland and trigger hypothyroidism. Congenital disease or pituitary disorders are often the cause of hypothyroidism. Hormonal changes as during pregnancy or postpartum can lead to development of hypothyroidism. Iodine deficiency can lead to insufficient production of thyroid hormone. Since the thyroid hormone plays a crucial role in the overall functioning of your body and even your heart beat, hypothyroidism can trigger a slower metabolic rate.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue and weakness as well as frequent body ache. The patient suffering from hypothyroidism suffers hair loss and weight gain. There is depression and irritability. Women suffering hypothyroidism notice abnormal menstrual cycles and decreased libido. A person suffering hypothyroidism has increased sensitivity to cold and stiffness in the joints. Left untreated hypothyroidism leads to obesity, infertility and heart disease. Myxedema or advanced hypothyroidism is life-threatening. Hypothyroidism in children can lead to poor growth, delayed puberty and poor mental growth.

A blood test can detect hypothyroidism. However in early stages of hypothyroidism, the thyroid hormones might show normal levels. The TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) must be measured to check for any elevation. This in turn tends to reduce the production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). An endocrinologist can help in diagnosing and treating hypothyroidism. Treatment for hypothyroidism involves daily routine of synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine.

Grave's Disease

The thyroid gland produces an important hormone which regulates body metabolism. Grave's disease is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It manifests in the form of an enlarged thyroid, with increased production of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism). Grave's disease is noticed predominantly among persons in the 30 - 50 age group. This condition is seen to be more common in females affecting nearly 1.9% of the female population. Grave' Disease is also seen in many cases as a heriditary condition.

Grave's disease surfaces with symptoms of hyperthyroidism in females. The typical symptoms are nervousness, anxiety and rapid speech. Heat intolerance, fatigue, weight loss and palpitations are other common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Some women suffering from this disorder complain of reduced flow of menstrual cycle or absent cycle. There appears a swelling on the neck The patient is often nervous, anxious, fidgeting, and speaks rapidly. Other symptoms include fatigue, heat intolerance, weight loss, and palpitations. Females may also complain of absent menstrual cycles (or reduced flow) and neck swelling secondary to thyroid enlargement (goiter). Advanced cases will demonstrate exophthalmos, a protruding of the eyes from their orbits.

The diagnosis of Grave's disease can be made with labouratory studies such as the thyroid profile.A Nuclear imaging of the thyroid gland is also helpful in diagnosing this condition and will also help exclude the diagnosis of a thyroid tumour.thyroid biopsy is generally not necessary for diagnosis.

Treatment is with anti-thyroid medications (e.g. propylthiouracil, methimazole) in most cases. In up to 50% of cases drug therapy will lead to remission of Grave's disease. Surgery (thyroid removal) is recommended in select cases (younger patients and those with extreme thyroid enlargement). Lifetime thyroid hormone supplementation (e.g. Thyroxine sodium) is necessary after removal of the thyroid gland.