Hyperthyroidism appears when the thyroid gland is overactive, that is, it secretes too much thyroid hormone, causing the metabolism to speed up. It is a common benign disease, especially in women. Read: World Thyroid Day: Women should pay more attention to their symptoms
In Europe, hyperthyroidism is found in women, in terms of prevalence, about 0.8% in its clinical forms, that is, when it gives symptoms; And 3.2% have subclinical forms, when there are no symptoms. Its prevalence in men is 0.5% and 2% respectively.
symptoms
According to information received from the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, the main symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:
Greater sensitivity to heat.
Irritability.
Increased sweating.
Heartbeat.
Trembling of hands.
Worry
Increase in intestinal infections.
Difficulty sleeping.
Warm and thin skin.
Thin and delicate hair.
Weakness in the muscles of the arms and thighs.
Changes in menstrual rhythm.
Mild-moderate weight loss with loss of appetite.
In the long run, untreated hyperthyroidism increases cardiovascular diseases and loss of bone mass. Read: When Thyroid Fails
Due to hyperthyroidism
The reasons for the appearance of hyperthyroidism are:
Grave-based disease (GBD)
It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism (60–70%). It is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies are synthesized that stimulate the thyroid gland to grow and produce excess thyroid hormone.
Multinodular (multiple nodules) or nodular goiter
The thyroid contains many lumps that can slowly grow and begin to synthesize excessive thyroid hormone, causing hyperthyroidism. Read: Let’s talk about thyroid disorders
pituitary tumor
This is a rare cause that occurs when a tumor overproduces thyrotropin (TSH), a hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones in an irregular manner. By synthesizing so many hormones, the thyroid gland becomes less sensitive and resistant to them.
thyrotoxicosis
This is a group of symptoms resulting from high concentrations of circulating thyroid hormones. This can be caused by taking too much thyroxine in the form of pills, inflammation and destruction of the thyroid, which involves the temporary release of the hormone into the blood circulation, such as thyroiditis, or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Treatment
Hyperthyroidism, which is diagnosed through analytical and imaging tests, is treated depending on the cause of the disease, the severity of symptoms, and the age of the patient.
In general, it is addressed with drugs that reduce the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood (synthetic antithyroid drugs) and that also reduce the side effects of these hormones (beta blockers and anxiolytics), says the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona. Report of.