Think you could have Hyperthyroidism? All you need to know
Do you suffer from unexplained weight loss, feel nervous often or have an irregular heartbeat? These symptoms may indicate hyperthyroidism, a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too many hormones. This leads to an acceleration of your metabolism, which can cause various symptoms.
In this blog post, we explain what hyperthyroidism is, what the symptoms are, and how you can get tested for it through Bloodtesting.nl.co.uk.
What are the causes of Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism can have several causes:
- Graves' disease: This is the most common cause and involves an autoimmune disease in which your immune system produces antibodies that stimulate your thyroid gland to produce too much hormone.(Graves' disease test)
- Toxic multinodular goiter: This involves the development of multiple nodules in your thyroid gland that produce hormones uncontrollably.
- Toxic adenoma: A single nodule in your thyroid produces too much hormone.
- Thyroiditis: An inflammation of the thyroid gland that sometimes leads to excessive hormone production.
Recognize the Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can vary, but often include:
- Unexplained weight loss despite increased appetite
- Palpitations or an irregular heartbeat
- A feeling of nervousness, anxiety and irritability
- Excessive sweating and an intolerance to heat
- Tremors, especially noticeable on the hands
- General fatigue and muscle weakness
- More frequent stools or diarrhea
- Changes in your menstrual cycle
- A prominent swelling at the base of your neck, known as a goiter
How is Hyperthyroidism diagnosed and treated?
If you think you have symptoms of hyperthyroidism, it is important to have it medically examined. Diagnosis is usually made based on your symptoms, blood tests that measure levels of TSH, T3, and T4, and sometimes imaging studies of the thyroid gland.
Treatment options depend on the cause of the hyperthyroidism and may include:
- Medication: Medications that help reduce thyroid hormone production or block the conversion of T4 to T3.
- Radioactive iodine: This treatment uses radioactive iodine to destroy cells in the thyroid gland, reducing the production of hormones.
- Surgery: Sometimes it is necessary to surgically remove part of your thyroid gland.
Why is it important to treat Hyperthyroidism?
Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to serious health problems, such as heart complications and osteoporosis. Early detection and treatment are essential.
If you think you are showing symptoms of hyperthyroidism, take action. Visit Bloodvaluestest.co.uk to learn more about how to get this checked out and take control of your health.