"Hyperthyroidism" The Potential to Escalate Into Major Issues

     When you look in the mirror and notice something abnormal, what should you do? If this happens to you, try to stay calm, but don't ignore it. This could be a sign that you need to see a doctor to check if you might have hyperthyroidism. If diagnosed, it's important to start treatment promptly before it worsens into a more serious issue.

Hyperthyroidism

     Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland becomes overactive. In the early stages, there may be no noticeable symptoms except for weight loss. After a while, swelling in the neck becomes noticeable, and the heart rate increases, potentially leading to heart disease from blood clots.

When you visit a doctor, they will investigate the cause to confirm if it’s related to hyperthyroidism, as the elevated hormone levels circulating in the blood are a key factor in diagnosing this condition.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

• The thyroid gland produces excess hormones.
• The pituitary gland stimulates the thyroid, leading to increased hormone production, which is common in people aged 20-40, particularly women.
• Genetic inheritance, especially if someone in the family has a history of thyroid disorders.
• Excessive intake of certain nutrients, such as iodine.
• It can also result from other underlying diseases.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

• Weight loss despite eating more and frequent feelings of hunger.
• Swelling in the neck.
• Mood swings, irritability, easy sweating, trembling hands, and palpitations.
• Some people may experience hair loss and muscle weakness, and women may experience irregular or absent periods.
• In some cases, there may be eye-related symptoms such as bulging eyes, swollen eyelids, or leg weakness.

Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism

The doctor will first take a patient's history and check vital signs, including pulse rate. They will compare current weight with previous records to check for any weight loss, using other diagnostic methods as well.

• Blood tests The doctor will take a blood sample to check for elevated thyroid hormone levels. If these levels are high, it confirms hyperthyroidism.
• Iodine swallowing test The patient swallows iodine water to check thyroid function. If the thyroid activity is abnormal, this suggests hyperthyroidism.

After diagnosing the condition, the doctor will plan the appropriate treatment. However, if diagnosed at a young age, there’s a possibility it could return later.

Treatment for Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism can generally be treated with three methods:

• Medications are often used as the first line of treatment, especially if the thyroid nodules are smaller than 3 centimeters. If medication successfully controls the disease, the doctor may continue treatment for 1.5 to 2 years. If the disease resolves, the medication may be stopped. However, if medications do not work, surgery may be considered.
• Surgery This is recommended if the patient cannot take medication due to side effects, is pregnant, or has a significantly enlarged thyroid.
• Radioactive iodine treatment The patient swallows iodine water with a suitable level of radiation to reduce thyroid activity. Sometimes, doctors may prescribe hormone replacement therapy to lower the risks.

Precautions for Hyperthyroidism Patients

     While dealing with hyperthyroidism, patients may face complications, particularly heart disease. If the thyroid condition is not well controlled, it could lead to heart issues such as ischemic heart disease or heart enlargement. Doctors will adjust medications and treatment plans according to the patient’s symptoms to achieve the best results.

Therefore, it's crucial to get annual health checkups and thyroid screenings, especially for those with an enlarged neck. Don't overlook the signs—get checked and treated before it escalates into a more serious problem later on.