Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is characterized by the excessive production of the hormone thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) by the thyroid gland. These hormones play a crucial role in regulating the body’s energy usage. Individuals diagnosed with this condition may experience a variety of symptoms, including but not limited to:
- Weight loss.
- Disturbances in sleep patterns.
- Excessive sweating.
- Irregular menstrual cycles.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Anxiety.
- Fatigue and exhaustion.
- Increased sensitivity to heat.
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland.
- Tremors in the hands.
- Irregular heartbeats.
Causes of Hyperthyroidism
There are several underlying causes that can lead to hyperthyroidism, including:
- The presence of Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder, which is the most common cause.
- Thyroiditis, which is inflammation of the thyroid gland.
- The presence of benign tumors in the thyroid or pituitary gland.
- Ovarian or testicular tumors.
- Increased levels of iodine.
Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism
Several diagnostic procedures are utilized to confirm hyperthyroidism, including:
- A clinical examination, which assesses the thyroid gland for pain or enlargement, along with checks on heart rate, eye changes, skin temperature, and hand tremors.
- Blood tests to measure the levels of thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). If these tests indicate hyperthyroidism, the physician may recommend further tests to identify the underlying cause. These tests may include:
- A radioactive iodine uptake test, which involves administering a small dose of radioactive iodine and measuring how much iodine is absorbed by the thyroid gland; elevated absorption indicates increased hormone production.
- A thyroid scan, which entails injecting a radioactive tracer into a vein and taking images of the thyroid.