Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Hyperthyroidism Explained!


Hashimoto S Thyroiditis Diet Hyperthyroidism Explained!.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that affects the thyroid gland and is the overproduction of the thyroid hormone thyroxine or T4. Sometimes referred to as an "overactive thyroid", hyperthyroidism can lead to a number of complications when left untreated including heart and eye problems, brittle bones, thyrotoxic crisis, red and swollen skin.

Hyperthyroidism is normally treated with prescription medications taken orally and does not require a surgical procedure, however, in some cases such as when an individual is having trouble taking thyroid medications a thyroidectomy may be performed which is the partial or full removal of the thyroid gland.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism can cause numerous symptoms as it significantly speeds up the body's metabolism and may also be difficult to diagnose as many of these symptoms can also mimic other medical conditions.

Older individuals also tend to have very mild or no symptoms at all and certain medications including those used for the treatment of high blood pressure or beta blockers can mask the signs of hyperthyroidism. Symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism include:

• A significant loss of weight that is unexplainable and occurs with no changes in diet or even when eating more.

• Problems with the heart including an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia, pounding of the heart or palpitations, and a rapid heartbeat or tachycardia.

• A significant increase in appetite.

• Difficulty when sleeping, fatigue, or muscle weakness.

• Women may experience a change in their menstrual cycle.

• Excessive sweating.

• A trembling of the hands and fingers - tremors.

• An individual may also experience a great deal of nervousness, irritability, or anxiety and even anxiety attacks.

• A low tolerance for heat or heat sensitivity.

• Changes in bowel movements that typically cause an individual to have more frequent bowel movements.

• A swelling may appear within the area of the base of the neck due to the enlargement of the thyroid gland or "goiter".

Potential Causes of Hyperthyroidism

One of the most common causes of hyperthyroidism is the medical condition known as Grave's disease. Grave's disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the overproduction of the thyroid hormone thyroxine.

Another cause of hyperthyroidism is when one of the nodules within the thyroid gland begin producing too much of the thyroxine hormone, however, this condition is less commonly seen than Grave's disease.

which is the inflammation of the thyroid gland can also cause the condition of hyperthyroidism and can occur due to a viral infection and is also commonly seen in pregnant women within a few months after giving birth.

There are several other types of thyroiditis including Hashimoto's thyroiditis which is one of the most common causes of hyperthyroidism and is an autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid gland causing it to gradually be destroyed.

The condition of hyperthyroidism can be effectively treated with medications; however, when left untreated this disorder can cause serious medical complications to occur. Therefore, if you have any of the signs or symptoms associated with this condition it is essential that you schedule an appointment with your physician for a medical evaluation.

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