Hyperthyroidism: What You Need to Know..
- 2. Outline • Introduction • Thyroid gland overview • Causes of hyperthyroidism • Symptoms & signs • Diagnosis • Main complications of hyperthyroidism • Treatment & options • Lifestyle & monitoring • Conclusion • Reference
- 3. Introduction • Ever feel like your body’s stuck on fast-forward? • You eat like a horse but lose weight like magic? 🐎 • Your heart’s racing, hands are shaky, and you're sweating like it’s summer all year? ☀💦 • It might not be stress or too much coffee… it could be hyperthyroidism! • A condition where your thyroid gland gets a little too energetic.
- 5. • Anatomy & Location • Small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. • Wrapped around the trachea (windpipe), with two lobes connected by a thin piece called the isthmus. • Hormones Produced • Thyroxine (T4) – contains 4 iodine atoms; most abundant thyroid hormone. • Triiodothyronine (T3) – contains 3 iodine atoms; more active form of thyroid hormone. • Calcitonin – helps regulate calcium levels in the blood by inhibiting bone breakdown.
- 6. • Regulation • Controlled by the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis: • Hypothalamus releases TRH (thyrotropin-releasing hormone). • TRH signals the pituitary gland to release TSH (thyroid- stimulating hormone). • TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce and release T3 and T4. • Negative feedback loop: High levels of T3 and T4 signal the brain to reduce TRH and TSH production.
- 7. Causes of hyperthyroidism • Graves' Disease • An autoimmune disorder where the immune system stimulates the thyroid to produce too much hormone. It's the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. • Overactive Thyroid Nodules • Also known as toxic adenoma or toxic multinodular goiter, these are noncancerous lumps in the thyroid that produce excess hormones. • Thyroiditis • Inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can cause stored hormones to leak into the bloodstream, leading to temporary hyperthyroidism.
- 9. • Rapid heartbeat or palpitations. • Sensitivity to heat / excessive sweating. • Unexplained weight loss. • Anxiety, irritability, or nervousness. • Difficulty sleeping (insomnia). • Muscle weakness or tremors. • Eye problems (like bulging eyes in Graves’ disease). • Irregular or light menstrual periods.
- 10. Diagnosis
- 11. • Physical Examination • Your doctor checks for signs like a rapid or irregular heartbeat, an enlarged thyroid (goiter), or bulging eyes (common in Graves’ disease). • Blood Tests • Measures levels of: • Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Typically low in hyperthyroidism. • T3 and T4: Usually elevated. • Thyroid-Stimulating Immunoglobulins (TSI): May be present in Graves’ disease.
- 12. • Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test • Involves swallowing a small amount of radioactive iodine. • Measures how much iodine the thyroid absorbs: • High uptake suggests Graves’ disease. • Low uptake may indicate thyroiditis. • Thyroid Ultrasound • Uses sound waves to create images of the thyroid. • Helps identify nodules or inflammation.
- 13. Main complications of hyperthyroidism • Heart Problems • Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) and heart failure. • Thyroid Eye Disease • Bulging eyes, double vision, irritation—common in Graves’ disease. • Thyroid Storm (Rare but serious) • Sudden, severe symptoms like high fever, rapid heartbeat, and confusion—life-threatening.
- 14. • Osteoporosis • Weakened bones due to long-term excess thyroid hormones. • Pregnancy Complications • Can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, or pre-eclampsia if untreated.
- 16. • Anti-thyroid drugs — reduce hormone production. • Radioactive iodine — destroys overactive thyroid cells. • Surgery — removes part or all of the thyroid gland.
- 18. • Eat a balanced diet – Avoid too much iodine (like seaweed). • Manage stress – Relaxation techniques can ease symptoms. • Get enough sleep – Helps with fatigue and mood swings. • Avoid caffeine – It can worsen heart palpitations and anxiety. • Regular blood tests – To monitor thyroid hormone levels. • Take meds as prescribed – Don’t skip doses and follow up with your doctor.
- 19. Conclusion • Hyperthyroidism is manageable with proper treatment. • Early diagnosis and regular monitoring are essential. • Treatment options are effective and vary based on each case. • Healthy lifestyle choices support better symptom control. • With care, patients can live full and healthy lives.
- 20. Reference • https:// my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14129-hyperth yroidism • https:// www.msdmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabol ic-disorders/thyroid-gland-disorders/overview-of-the-t hyroid-gland • https:// www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthyroid ism/symptoms-causes/syc-20373659 • https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/overactive-thyroid-hyp erthyroidism/symptoms /