Understanding Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland is an important organ in the body which belongs to the endocrine system

. It is the gland that takes control of the use of energy in the body, production of proteins, and the rate of metabolism. The thyroid produces what is known as the thyroid hormone. Its functions affect the bodys growth and development.

The two leading problems faced by the thyroid are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. An auto immune disease known as Hashimotos thyroiditis or Hashimotos disease is a disease that can lead to bouts of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. This article will focus on hyperthyroidism and its effects on the body.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid produces too much of the thyroid hormone. As is well known, anything in excess is not good and this situation is no different. This is a condition where the thyroid gland is too active to be good for the body.

An auto immune disease that leads to cases of hyperthyroidism is Graves disease. An overactive thyroid can also be cause by excessive iodine intake. While iodine is needed for the thyroid gland to produce the thyroid hormone, too much iodine can lead to overproduction of the hormone which can lead to hormonal imbalance that is in no way good for the body.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

Palpitations

Fatigue

Weight changes, specifically weight loss

Hair falling out

Frequent bowel movements

Muscle weakness

Feelings of nervousness

Intolerance to heat

Lack of sleep or insomnia

An individual experiencing hyperthyroidism has weight loss due to a fast rate of metabolism. This is also why one has more frequent bowel movements. In contrast, people who have hypothyroidism have slow metabolism rates which make them have weight gain and in times, experience constipation.

Increased rate of metabolism makes a person feel more hot that usual. This is why individuals with hyperthyroidism have heat intolerance. Increased metabolism rate also speeds up the heartbeat leading to palpitations that attribute to feelings of nervousness.

Treatments of hyperthyroidism include surgery if the gland is not yet permanently damaged, radioactive iodine intake, and thyroid hormone replacement drugs to neutralize the thyroid hormone levels in the body.

As in all health situations, prevention is always better than cure. To avoid hyperthyroidism, make sure that the body has the proper iodine intake for the right amount of thyroid hormones produced. Avoiding environmental factors like exposure to second hand smoke and too much iodine in the diet can lessen the risks of hyperthyroidism as well.

by: Dr. Marc Ott

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