Hyperthyroidism is a chronic condition that is characterised by an overproduction of the hormone thyroxine. When too much of this hormone is produced by your thyroid, your body's metabolism speeds up, and this can cause a number of challenging symptoms. It's not always possible to determine why someone develops hyperthyroidism, but it's more prevalent in women and in those with a family history of the condition. You may also be at an increased risk of developing hyperthyroidism if you have certain chronic illnesses, such as lupus and type 1 diabetes. Here's an overview of the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment approach for hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms
Common early symptoms of hyperthyroidism include increased appetite, unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat and palpitations. You may also feel anxious and irritable, and some people begin to sweat more than usual and experience a slight trembling in their hands. Without treatment, you may begin to experience fatigue, muscle weakness and insomnia. Thinning of the skin and hair is also commonly observed in those with untreated hyperthyroidism, and uncontrolled hyperthyroidism can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis and heart disease.
Diagnosis And Treatment Approach
Your GP will diagnose hyperthyroidism by taking details of your symptoms and conducting a thorough physical exam, which will include checking your heart rate, reflexes and the palpable size of your thyroid gland, which is located at the bottom of your neck. Additionally, a blood sample will be taken to check for raised levels of thyroxine and low levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
Once your GP diagnoses you with hyperthyroidism, they will discuss treatment options with you. The most suitable treatment will depend on several factors. including whether you have any other health issues, and it may be necessary to try a few treatments until you find the right one for you. The aim of treatment is to slow down the production of thyroxine and bring relief from your symptoms. Your GP may recommend you take radioactive iodine or methimazole to regulate your thyroid, and beta blockers are sometimes recommended to regulate your heart rate. Some patients need to take medication for years, while others are able to stop after only a few months of treatment. Your GP will continue to follow-up with you regularly to check thyroxine and TSH levels and ensure your treatment is working.
If you have symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism, schedule an appointment with your GP as soon as possible, as prompt treatment can offer quicker relief from your symptoms.
