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Millions of people worldwide live with some form of thyroid imbalance, and many don’t realize it. In India, studies estimate that over 42 million individuals are affected by thyroid-related disorders. Hyperthyroidism is one of the more commonly diagnosed thyroid disorders. It occurs when the thyroid is overactive and too many thyroid hormones are being produced. This blog explores how hyperthyroidism is different from other thyroid issues.
Synopsis
What are Thyroid Disorders?
Thyroid disorders arise when the thyroid gland secretes either too much or too little of the hormone. Some disorders are overactive (hyperthyroidism), and others are underactive (hypothyroidism). There are also other disorders that fall outside these definitions, such as goiter, nodules, and thyroiditis.
The Role of Thyroid Glands
The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck. It plays an important role in regulating body functions. It produces thyroxine hormone (T4) and triiodothyronine hormone (T3), which regulate metabolism, energy production, heart rate, temperature control, and other functions of the body. The thyroid gland is also an important part of the body's growth and development.
What happens in Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormones. This causes the body’s metabolism to speed up and produces thyroid symptoms like weight loss, increased heart rate, and nervousness. Although this condition can affect people of all ages, it is more common in women.
The most common form is primary hyperthyroidism, where the problem originates within the thyroid gland itself, causing it to overproduce hormones independently. Our body's pituitary gland, which normally releases Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) to initiate thyroid activity, reduces its TSH production to slow down the thyroid levels in the body. This translates to higher T3 and T4 levels with undetectable TSH levels in primary hyperthyroid patients.
Hyperthyroidism Types
Hyperthyroidism can be caused by certain underlying conditions, each with distinct characteristics:
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Graves' Disease |
The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease, which is an autoimmune disorder. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce too much hormone. It often runs in families and can also cause specific eye changes (Graves' ophthalmopathy) and, rarely, skin changes. |
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Toxic Nodular Goitre (Plummer's Disease) |
This condition is more common in older adults. One or more nodules (lumps) in the thyroid gland become overactive and produce more excessive thyroid hormone than the body actually needs. |
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Toxic Adenoma |
Similar to toxic nodular goitre, toxic adenoma is often associated with a single, usually benign, nodule that becomes overactive and produces excess hormones. |
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Thyroiditis |
It is the inflammation of the thyroid gland. Depending on the type (subacute thyroiditis, postpartum thyroiditis, or painless thyroiditis), the inflammation causes stored thyroid hormones to leak into the bloodstream, causing a temporary period of hyperthyroidism. It can also cause hypothyroidism as the gland recovers. |
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Excessive Iodine Intake |
The thyroid gland uses iodine to produce hormones. In some individuals, too much iodine intake (from diet, supplements, or medications like amiodarone) can trigger the thyroid to produce excess hormones. |
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Over-treatment of Hypothyroidism |
Taking higher doses of thyroid hormone medication (like levothyroxine) for an underactive thyroid can also sometimes lead to iatrogenic hyperthyroidism. |
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is another thyroid problem where the thyroid is under-functioning and produces insufficient hormones. Symptoms usually include fatigue, weight gain, and depression. The most common cause is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks and gradually damages the thyroid gland and reduces its ability to produce enough hormones. Other causes of hypothyroidism are iodine deficiency, post-thyroid removal surgery or radiation, and certain medications for psychiatric disorders or heart conditions.
Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
As discussed before, hyperthyroidism speeds up the body’s processes, which can lead to noticeable thyroid symptoms like:
Symptoms of Goitre
Some of the common symptoms of this disorder include:
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Swelling at the base of the neck
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A tight feeling in the throat
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Hoarseness
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Difficulty swallowing or breathing (in larger goitres)
Symptoms of Thyroid Nodules
Most thyroid nodules are small and symptomless. But when symptoms do occur, they may include:
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A noticeable lump in the neck
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Feeling of fullness in the neck
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Trouble swallowing
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Difficulty breathing (if the nodule is large)
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Hoarseness or voice changes
Rarely, if the nodule produces excess hormone, symptoms of hyperthyroidism, like rapid heartbeat, nervousness, etc., can be experienced.
Symptoms of Thyroiditis
The inflammation of the thyroid in this condition can cause a range of symptoms that overlap with other conditions, such as:
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Neck pain or tenderness
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Swelling in the thyroid area
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Later symptoms may shift to hypothyroidism. These include fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
Thyroid Disorders: Diagnosis
If you experience any of the thyroid symptoms listed above, it’s important to consult with an experienced doctor in Salem. They can perform tests to determine if a thyroid condition is the cause of your symptoms.
To diagnose hyperthyroidism, your doctor will perform a physical exam and blood tests to measure TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) and T3 and T4 hormone levels. Increased T3 and T4 levels combined with low TSH can indicate hyperthyroidism. Imaging tests such as scans may also check for thyroid nodules or inflammation.
Conclusion
Hyperthyroidism can significantly impact daily life. Understanding the symptoms and getting timely treatment can help you manage the condition effectively. If you notice any signs of thyroid imbalance, don't hesitate to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
FAQ's
Some mild thyroid symptoms may improve without treatment. However, proper medical care is needed in most conditions to prevent complications.
Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can lead to serious health problems if left unaddressed. Because the effects are different, early diagnosis is crucial to identify the problem and manage it.
Stress is not directly correlated with thyroid disorders. But chronic stress can affect thyroid function by affecting hormone production and conversion. It can also worsen already existing thyroid symptoms, like fatigue, in vulnerable populations.
Some hyperthyroidism types are temporary. Hypothyroidism often needs lifelong treatment that requires daily thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Regular medical follow-up is crucial for all thyroid types to manage the condition well.
A healthy diet is essential for thyroid health. But diet alone cannot treat thyroid disorders. Always visit your doctor if you notice any signs of thyroid imbalance.
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