Hyperthyroidism: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Methods

The thyroid gland is the body's scale. It secretes its hormones, accelerating metabolism and increasing heart rate. Once the levels of its hormones in the blood drop below the normal limit, the opposite occurs.

Therefore, maintaining the balance of these hormones ensures maintaining the rhythm of every organ, indeed nearly every cell in the body. In some cases, such as hyperthyroidism, these hormones increase beyond the normal rate, leading to various symptoms, such as weight loss despite increased appetite, nervousness, or increased heart rate.

So, how can you restore the natural balance of these hormones and treat hyperthyroidism?

What is Hyperthyroidism?

A disorder caused by the thyroid gland producing high levels of thyroid hormones, leading to an acceleration of the metabolic process. This can affect your health in several aspects, such as weight loss, increased heart rate, or other symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism?

The symptoms of hyperthyroidism may vary from person to person, but they are often among the following:

• Weight loss despite increased appetite.
• Increased or irregular heart rate.
• Nervousness or irritability.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Hand tremors and muscle weakness.
• Sweating or difficulty tolerating heat.
• Frequent bowel movements.
• Enlargement in the neck (goiter).

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland may become overactive, secreting a large amount of hormones for many reasons, including for example:

1. Graves' Disease

Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It is an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce too much thyroid hormone.

2. Overactive Thyroid Nodules

A common issue is the presence of nodules or lumps in the thyroid gland, which are usually non-cancerous. However, one or more nodules may become overactive and produce an excess amount of thyroid hormone. These nodules are often found in older adults.

3. Thyroiditis

Some types of thyroiditis can cause thyroid hormone to leak into the bloodstream, leading to symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Types of thyroiditis that can cause hyperthyroidism include:

• Subacute thyroiditis, which involves an enlarged and painful thyroid gland.
• Postpartum thyroiditis in women.
• Painless thyroiditis, which is similar to postpartum thyroiditis but occurs in the absence of pregnancy. The thyroid gland may be enlarged, and researchers believe its cause is an autoimmune disease.

4. Excessive Iodine Intake

The thyroid gland uses iodine to make thyroid hormone. Therefore, the amount of iodine you consume affects the amount of hormone the thyroid produces. Consuming large amounts of iodine can cause the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone. Some medications and cough syrups, and even some heart medications, contain a significant amount of iodine. Similarly, seaweed and supplements based on it contain a lot of iodine.

5. Overconsumption of Thyroid Medications

Some people take thyroid hormone medication to treat hypothyroidism. By mistake, they may take too much or an overdose, leading to symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor regularly to adjust the dose when needed, especially if thyroid hormone levels are very high.

6. Non-Cancerous Tumors

In some rare cases, a non-cancerous tumor in the pituitary gland can cause hyperthyroidism. The pituitary gland secretes Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce its hormones.

Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism

Diagnosing hyperthyroidism usually goes through several steps, including:

1. Physical Examination

The doctor examines the patient's body to check for signs of hyperthyroidism, such as an enlarged thyroid gland, rapid heart rate, and warm, moist skin.

2. Blood Tests

Blood tests can detect your thyroid hormone levels. When you have hyperthyroidism, the levels of thyroid hormones (T3) and (T4) are higher than normal, and often—but not always—the Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is lower than normal.

3. Thyroid Antibody Test

Detects whether Graves' disease is the cause of hyperthyroidism or not.

4. Imaging Tests

Imaging tests help in diagnosing hyperthyroidism, including a radioactive iodine uptake test and a thyroid ultrasound.

Complications of Hyperthyroidism

Neglecting the treatment of hyperthyroidism may lead to some risks and complications, such as:

• Atrial fibrillation.
• Congestive heart failure.
• Osteoporosis.
• Ischemic stroke.
• Infertility.

Thyroid storm (a rare and life-threatening complication where the thyroid gland releases massive amounts of thyroid hormone in a short period).

Hyperthyroidism Treatment Methods

The optimal treatment method determined by your doctor varies based on the cause of hyperthyroidism and the severity of symptoms. Among the available treatment options are:

1. Anti-Thyroid Medications

This is the simplest way to treat hyperthyroidism. A doctor may prescribe:

• Methimazole.
• Propylthiouracil, usually for women during the first three months of pregnancy because methimazole can rarely harm the fetus.

These medications help the thyroid gland produce less thyroid hormone. Symptoms of Graves' disease may temporarily disappear in some patients after taking these medications.

These drugs can control hyperthyroidism symptoms within two to three months, and symptoms may improve within days or weeks.

2. Radioactive Iodine Therapy

Involves taking radioactive iodine orally in a single capsule or liquid dose. The radioactive iodine targets and destroys the thyroid cells. This treatment method usually leads to permanent destruction of the thyroid gland, thus treating hyperthyroidism.

However, patients who receive this treatment may need to take thyroid hormone medication (levothyroxine) for the rest of their lives to maintain normal thyroid hormone levels.

3. Surgery

Sometimes, surgery is the solution to overcome hyperthyroidism. The surgeon may remove all or part of the thyroid gland, leading to the correction of hyperthyroidism. However, this usually causes hypothyroidism, which requires taking thyroid hormone medications for life.

4. Beta-Blockers

These are medications prescribed by a doctor to help reduce symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as rapid heartbeat, nervousness, and tremors. These medications do not affect hormone levels in the blood, and the doctor may prescribe them alongside another treatment.

Can Hyperthyroidism Be Cured Permanently?

Yes, hyperthyroidism can be cured permanently. However, the doctor chooses the appropriate treatment method according to the patient's condition. In the case of surgical intervention or radioactive iodine therapy, there may be a need to take thyroid hormone medications for life after treating hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism Treatment from the Pharmacy

1. NeoMercazole

NeoMercazole 5 mg is an effective medication for treating hyperthyroidism. It contains the active ingredient "Carbimazole," which helps reduce the production of thyroid hormone, thus reducing the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

The drug is also used to restore the normal function of the thyroid gland before partial removal or before radioactive iodine therapy.

2. Inderal

Inderal 40 mg is one of the beta-blocker medications that reduce symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as rapid heart rate, without directly affecting thyroid activity. It is used alongside other medications prescribed by the doctor to treat hyperthyroidism.

What Foods Should Be Avoided If You Have Hyperthyroidism?

Finally, it is recommended not to overconsume iodine-rich foods, as they may worsen the condition. Therefore, your doctor may recommend following a low-iodine diet, and thus it is advised to avoid the following foods:

• Fish.
• Seaweed.
• Crab and lobster.
• Sushi.
• Shrimp.
• Algae.
• Milk and dairy products, like cheese.
• Egg yolk.
• Iodized salt.

Instead, you can eat:

• Fruits.
• Vegetables.
• Whole grains.
• Seeds and nuts.
• Legumes.
• Lean protein, such as chicken breast.