An overactive thyroid, otherwise known as Hyperthyroidism, is a condition in which the thyroid gland overproduces the thyroid hormone. An abundance of these hormones can lead to numerous health complications, and eventually will need medical attention if left too long.
What causes an Overactive Thyroid?
People can develop hyperthyroidism for several reasons, but, suffering from an autoimmune disorder called Grave’s disease is the most common cause of an overactive thyroid. Other potential causes include nodules on the thyroid gland, which is abnormal tissue that grows on the glands, and inflammation of the thyroid gland. It is also possible to develop an overactive thyroid by taking too much medication in the treatment of an underactive thyroid.Symptoms of an Overactive Thyroid
When attempting to spot an overactive thyroid, it can be difficult as symptoms may vary from person to person, some common symptoms that are experienced include:
- Weight loss
- Increased appetite
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sensitivity to heat
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
However, it is important to note that most of these symptoms can also be present within other health conditions, therefore it is important to speak to your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Health Risks of an Overactive Thyroid
If an overactive thyroid is left untreated, it can cause the following symptoms or conditions:
- Cardiovascular: An overactive thyroid can cause cardiovascular problems, one of the most serious health risks associated with it, as the excess thyroid hormone can increase heart rate, causing palpitations, and leading to high blood pressure.
- Osteoporosis: A condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, this occurs due to the excessive production of the thyroid hormone, which cause the body to break down bone tissue at a faster rate than it can rebuild it.
- Eye Problems: The most common cause of thyroid problems, Grave’s disease, can cause eye problems, these include bulging eyes, dryness, redness, and irritation, in severe cases it can also lead to loss of vision, or double vision.
- Thyroid Storm: In very rare cases, an overactive thyroid can lead to a life-threatening condition called a thyroid storm, occurring when hormone levels become dangerously high, leading to symptoms such as fever, a rapid heartbeat, an
- Mood Disorders: Another symptom of an overactive thyroid, mood disorder such as anxiety, irritability, and nervousness can be experienced, and in severe case it can lead to depression or psychosis.
- Menstrual Irregularities: Disruption of the menstrual cycle can be caused by an overactive thyroid, causing irregular periods or heavy bleeding, in some cases even leading to fertility problems in women.
- Weight Loss: Rapid and unintended weight loss is often a problem with overactive thyroids, resulting in muscle wasting, weakness, and fatigue.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for an Overactive Thyroid can vary depending on its underlying cause, along with the severity of the condition, and the overall health of the patient. In most cases the goal of treatment is to reduce the production and release of thyroid hormones to a normal level, allowing alleviation of the symptoms.
- Antithyroid Medication: Medication such as Methimazole or Propylthiouracil can help to block the production of thyroid hormones, antithyroid medications are often prescribed for several months to a year, depending on how the individual is responding to treatment.
- Radioactive Iodine: This treatment involves taking radioactive iodine pills or liquid, that the thyroid gland then absorbs, the radiation levels in the iodine destroys the thyroid cells that produce thyroid hormones, which then reduces the production of these hormones.
- Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to remove all or part of the thyroid gland, although, this is usually reserved for cases where medication or iodine treatment are not effective, or if there is a large enough goiter that is causing breathing of swallowing difficulties.
- Beta-Blockers: Beta-blockers are medications that help to alleviate symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, tremors, and anxiety, by blocking the effects of thyroid hormones on the body. Beta-blockers do not reduce the production of the thyroid hormones, however, they provide symptomatic relief while other treatments take effect.
As with all treatment of health conditions, treatment of an overactive thyroid can be effective in reducing symptoms and returning hormone levels to normal, but it can also have potential side effects and other risks, therefore treatment should be tailored to each individual.
Diagnosis of an Overactive Thyroid
To diagnose hyperthyroidism, healthcare professionals will typically perform both a physical examination and blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels, the blood tests work by measuring levels of the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3).
We offer blood tests covering these areas, alongside a full profile thyroid hormone test, and thyroid function tests.
Our Thyroid Blood Tests:
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Thyroid function test
This test measures thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The pituitary gland produces TSH to tell the thyroid to work harder. If the TSH levels are too low, it means the pituitary gland may not be functioning properly.
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Thyroid hormone blood test (full profile)
Thyroid blood test screens for TSH, FT3, FT4 to detect proper thyroid function, identify hypo/hyperthyroidism, evaluate enlarged thyroid gland.
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Thyroid hormone- Free thyroxine (FT4)
FT4 detects proper thyroid function, helps identify hypo/hyperthyroidism, evaluate enlarged thyroid gland, diagnose female infertility.
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