Hyperthyroidism is a change in the thyroid in which there is increased production of the hormones T3 and T4, causing symptoms such as anxiety, hand tremors, excessive sweating, swelling of the legs and feet and changes in the menstrual cycle, in the case of women.
This situation is more common in women between 20 and 40 years old, although it can also occur in men, and is normally associated with Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune disease in which the body itself produces antibodies against the thyroid.
Check out the following video for more details about hyperthyroidism:
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:
- Increased heart rate;
- Increased blood pressure;
- Changes in the menstrual cycle;
- Insomnia;
- Weight loss;
- Tremor in the hands;
- Excessive sweating;
- Swelling in the legs and feet.
Additionally, there is a greater risk of osteoporosis due to the faster loss of calcium from the bones. Check out other symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Subclinical hyperthyroidism
Subclinical hyperthyroidism is characterized by the absence of signs and symptoms indicative of changes in the thyroid, however a blood test can identify low TSH and T3 and T4 with normal values.
In this case, the person must undergo further tests within 2 to 6 months to confirm the need to take medication, because normally it is not necessary to carry out any treatment, which is only reserved for when there are symptoms. See more about subclinical hyperthyroidism.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is made by the endocrinologist based on the evaluation of the signs and symptoms presented by the person and the results of laboratory tests.
Make an appointment with your nearest endocrinologist to investigate the possibility of hyperthyroidism:
To confirm hyperthyroidism, a measurement of the levels of T3, T4 and TSH in the blood, which are hormones related to the thyroid, is requested. These exams should be carried out every 5 years from the age of 35, mainly in women, but people who are at higher risk of developing the disease should undergo this exam every 2 years.
In some cases, the doctor may also recommend carrying out other tests that evaluate thyroid function, such as antibody measurement, thyroid ultrasound, self-examination and, in some cases, thyroid biopsy. Find out about the tests that evaluate the thyroid.
Possible causes
The main causes of hyperthyroidism are:
- Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system’s own cells act against the thyroid, causing increased production of thyroid hormones;
- Presence of nodules or cysts in the thyroid;
- Thyroiditis, which corresponds to inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can occur postpartum or due to virus infection;
- Excessive dose of thyroid hormones;
- Excessive consumption of iodine, which is essential for the formation of thyroid hormones.
Hyperthyroidism occurs due to increased production of hormones by the thyroid, and it is important that the cause of the change is identified so that the most appropriate treatment can be initiated.
Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy
The increase in thyroid hormones during pregnancy can cause complications such as eclampsia, miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, as well as heart failure in women.
Women who had normal values before becoming pregnant and who were diagnosed with hyperthyroidism from the beginning until the end of the first trimester of pregnancy do not normally need to undergo any type of treatment, because a slight increase in T3 and T4 during pregnancy is normal. However, the doctor may prescribe medication to normalize T4 in the blood without harming the baby.
The dose of the medication varies from one person to another and the first dose recommended by the obstetrician is not always the one that is maintained during treatment, as it may be necessary to adjust the dose 6 to 8 weeks after starting to use the medication. Learn more about hyperthyroidism in pregnancy.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for hyperthyroidism must be carried out under the guidance of a general practitioner or endocrinologist, according to the levels of hormones in the blood, age, severity of the disease and symptoms, and may be indicated:
1. Medications
The use of medications corresponds to the first line of treatment for hyperthyroidism as they act directly on the regulation of hormonal levels, and can inhibit the synthesis of T4 and block its conversion to T3, thus reducing the amount of thyroid hormones circulating in the body. blood.
The main medications recommended by doctors to treat hyperthyroidism are Propylthiouracil and Methimazole, however the dose will depend on the levels of circulating hormones, response to treatment over time and side effects experienced. Therefore, during treatment it may be necessary to make dose adjustments over time, and the doctor may maintain, increase or decrease the dose of the medicine.
To assess whether the medication is in the right dose and whether it is having the desired effect, blood tests will be ordered to assess the levels of the hormones TSH, T3 and T4 in the body, and the right dose of medication can be achieved between 6 and 8 weeks of treatment. Learn more about medications for hyperthyroidism.
2. Radioactive iodine
Treatment with radioactive iodine, also known as iodine therapy, consists of ingesting a capsule containing this substance, and is indicated when treatment with medication has not been effective. This method promotes intense inflammation of thyroid cells, resulting in decreased hormone production.
Often, just 1 dose of radioactive iodine may be enough to treat hyperthyroidism, however there may be cases where it is necessary for the doctor to prolong the treatment for some time.
This type of treatment is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and it is recommended that pregnancy be postponed for 6 months after the end of treatment, in the case of women who are planning to become pregnant. Understand how iodine therapy for hyperthyroidism works.
3. Surgery to remove the thyroid
Surgery to remove the thyroid, also called thyroidectomy, is a definitive treatment that consists of reducing thyroid tissue in order to reduce hormone production. However, because part of the thyroid is removed, this type of surgery is also associated with a greater chance of developing hypothyroidism. Therefore, it is important that the person is regularly monitored by a doctor.
This surgery is indicated in cases where other treatments have not worked or when there is the presence of nodules, exaggerated enlargement of the thyroid or cancer, and, depending on the severity of the disease, it can be total or partial, that is, if the entire thyroid is removed or just a part.
Recovery from surgery is very simple, after which it is only recommended to avoid making efforts to avoid causing swelling or bleeding at the site of the cut. See how thyroid surgery is performed.
