It isn’t uncommon that woman have issues with their thyroid glands, especially as they get older. However, the most common has to do with a slowing thyroid. Although a slowing thyroid is just as serious and just as troublesome, a hyperthyroid is something that is less mentioned and fewer women know just what it is. So what exactly happens when your thyroid speeds up? How does it affect you and your life?
The thyroid is a gland in the throat that regulates a number of different body functions including your metabolism. As such, hyperthyroidism is a condition dealing with an over active thyroid gland. According to Endocrine Web and the Norman Endocrine Surgery Clinic, our “hormones also have direct effects on most organs, including the heart which beats faster and harder under the influence of thyroid hormones. Essentially all cells in the body will respond to increases in thyroid hormone with an increase in the rate at which they conduct their business.” (2005). Although the causes of hyperthyroidism is still a mystery there are factors that influence its onset. Most commonly it is contributed by an immune condition called Graves’ disease. Nearly 85 percent of those diagnosed with hyperthyroidism also suffer from Graves’ disease. (HealthCentersOnline, 2006). Other causes could be related to taking too much thyroid medication or a non-cancerous mass on the thyroid gland. Both of these causes are less common, however are causes nonetheless.
Despite the different causes, hyperthyroidism generally effects the body the same way thus producing similar symptoms in everyone with the illness.
•Fatigue
•Palpitations
•Nervousness
•Insomnia
•Breathlessness
•Heat intolerance
•Increased bowel movements
•Light or absent menstrual cycles
•Muscle weakness
•Hair loss
•Fast heart rate
•Trembling hands
•Warm moist skin
•Staring gaze
*(Endocrine Web and Norman Endocrine Surgery Clinic, 2005).
These symptoms as well as others, such as depression, can and usually set in slowly leaving a patient without knowledge of any problem until it gets bad enough to warrant a doctor’s appointment. Moreover, those with only a mild case of hyperthyroidism usually don’t experience any symptoms at all. However, if you experience the aforementioned symptoms it would be worth an enquiry to your doctor. There are a number of tests that can be done to determine the status of your thyroid gland. These tests range from blood work to determine the amount of thyroid hormones in the blood to needle biopsies.
The good news is that hyperthyroidism is treatable. There are a number of treatments available to patients. Depending on the type of hyperthyroidism the patient is diagnosed with a doctor can assign the appropriate treatment. For sustained or long term hyperthyroidism, such as those resulting from Graves’ disease, there are drugs available. These drugs prevent the thyroid from emitting too many hormones that end up setting off all the bad effects of an overactive thyroid. (Endocrine Web and Norman Endocrine Surgery Clinic, 2005). Of course the drug has its own side effects; however, it has been proven effective in controlling the root of the problem and for many sufferers that is key. Additionally, side effects are rare in users. The downside comes with the fact that, like any drug, if the regime is stopped the problem re-arises.
Other treatments include a radioactive iodine treatment which is considered a permanent treatment. Thyroid cells absorb iodine, so this deadly radiation is absorbed by the thyroid cells and killed. Advantages of this treatment are that iodine isn’t absorbed by other cells and thus targets only thyroid cells. (Endocrine Web and Norman Endocrine Surgery Clinic, 2005).
Another permanent but less used solution is surgery. However, this is only used for those patients whose hyperthyroidism is a result of a growth or specific spot on the gland that needs to be removed in order to make the thyroid behave normally again. There is a problem though, obviously in removing too much of the gland the thyroid will slow, however it can slow too much causing hypothyroidism (an under active thyroid). It’s a problem that must be discussed with a doctor, as any medical decisions should be. Further information on these treatments can be found at the resources listed below, as well as by consulting your doctor.
Hyperthyroidism may not seem like a big deal to some, in fact some think the weight loss aspect of it is positive. However, it is important to remember all the negative effects as well. Those suffering from hyperthyroidism are often plagued by illnesses off and on until the problem is addressed. It also calls for a strict lifestyle changes to prevent further problems. More information on this can be found at iVillage’s page on hyperthyroidism at:
http://health.ivillage.com/thyroid/thyhyper/0,,hco_96k3rk3l,00.html . This page is an excellent resource for changes in lifestyle that can affect the thyroid positively.
Hyperthyroidism, like any other hormonal imbalance is extremely hard to diagnose precisely. Yes, the tests to watch the thyroid are simple, as mentioned earlier it is as easy as a blood test. However, doctors are not quick to jump to the conclusion that the thyroid is the sole cause of the problem, nor are they swift in suggesting treatment for the problem. Messing with hormones is a very serious business, so in order for your doctor to feel secure and confident in diagnosing and treating any hormonal imbalance, hyperthyroidism included; you are going to have to have a well documented history of the problem. See your doctor so that bimonthly or monthly blood tests can be conducted. Be sure to continually and accurately mention any symptoms you are experiencing. It’s important for your doctor to know everything before making a prognosis. Don’t expect to walk in with a suspected thyroid problem and walk out completely healed or with a solution at hand. It will take time and a great deal or tests and monitoring to see exactly what is causing the problem and if one of the aforementioned therapies are right for you.
The bottom line is if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned speaking to your doctor is highly recommended. Furthermore, knowing the details of the disorder and what can be done can really help you feel more confidence and deal with the problem more effectively. There are treatments, and one can go on to live a perfectly healthy life after the disorder.
Further information of operations can be found here: http://www.endocrineweb.com/surthyroid.html
Citations:
HealthCentersOnline, (2006). Hyperthyroidism: Fast Facts. Retrieved August 4, 2006, from iVillage: Health and Well-Being Web site: http://health.ivillage.com/thyroid/thyhyper/0,,hco_96k3wwwm,00.html
Endocrine Web and Norman Endocrine Surgery Clinic, (2005). Hyperthyroidism: Overactivity of the thyroid gland. Retrieved August 4, 2006, from Endocrine Web Web site: http://www.endocrineweb.com/hyper1.html
Reference:
- HealthCentersOnline, (2006). Hyperthyroidism: Fast Facts. Retrieved August 4, 2006, from iVillage: Health and Well-Being Web site: health.ivillage.com/thyroid/thyhyper/0,,hco_96k3wwwm,00.html Endocrine Web and Norman Endocrine Surgery Clinic, (2005). Hyperthyroidism: Overactivity of the thyroid gland. Retrieved August 4, 2006, from Endocrine Web Web site: www.endocrineweb.com/hyper1.html
