Hyperthyroidism,
also called overactive thyroid, is when the thyroid gland make
more thyroid hormones than
your body needs. The thyroid is a small, butterfly
shaped gland in the front of
your neck. Thyroid hormones control the way the body
uses energy, so they
affect nearly every organ in your body, even the way your heart
beats.
If left
untreated, hyperthyroidism can cause serious problems with the heart, bones,
muscles, menstrual cycle, and fertility. During pregnancy, untreated
hyperthyroidism can lead to health problems for the mother and baby.
- Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include
- restlessness,
- agitation,
- anxiety,
- tremors,
- weight loss despite
an increased appetite,
- sweating,
- rapid heart rate,
- intolerance to heat, and
- frequent bowel movements.
Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
·
increased
appetite
·
nervousness
·
restlessness
·
inability to
concentrate
·
weakness
·
irregular
heartbeat
·
difficulty
sleeping
·
fine,
brittle hair
·
itching
·
hair loss
·
nausea and
vomiting
·
breast
development in men
The following symptoms require immediate medical
attention:
·
dizziness
·
shortness of
breath
·
loss of consciousness
·
fast,
irregular heart rate
Hyperthyroidism can also cause atrial
fibrillation, a dangerous arrhythmia that can lead to strokes, as well as congestive
heart failure.
- Graves' disease is the most
common cause of hyperthyroidism, and can be associated with eye disease
(Graves' opthalmopathy).
- Many other health problems
can cause an overactive thyroid, for example, thyroiditis or taking too many
thyroid hormones.
- Treatments for
hyperthyroidism include antithyroid medications, radioactive ablation, and
surgery.
- There is no conclusive
evidence that a special diet will help hypothyroidism symptoms; however, your
doctor may recommend a diet low in iodine if you are going to have radioactive
iodine treatment.
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