H
yperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, is when the gland produces and releases too much thyroid hormone into the bloodstream, speeding up the body’s metabolism. Hyperthyroidism tends to run in families, therefore it is usually hereditary, occurring most commonly in young women.
If not corrected with an accurate test like the Thyroflex, Hyperthyroid disease can go into overdrive, that is the overproduction of the thyroid hormones by the entire thyroid gland. This condition is known as Graves disease. Graves disease is caused by antibodies in the blood that turn on the thyroid and cause it to grow and secrete too much thyroid hormone.
This type of hyperthyroidism is characterised by one or more nodules or lumps on the thyroid that may gradually grow and increase their activity so that the total output of thyroid hormone into the blood is greater than normal. This condition is known as toxic nodular or multinodular goiter. Also, people may temporarily have symptoms of hyperthyroidism if they have a condition called thyroiditis. This condition is caused by a problem with the immune system or a viral infection that causes the gland to leak stored thyroid hormone. The same symptoms can also be caused by taking too much thyroid hormone in tablet form.
However, the Thyroflex indicates when to stop the titrating of thyroid hormones, resolving the dilemma for the doctor, of how much to give the patient. These last two forms of excess thyroid hormone are called thyrotoxicosis, since the thyroid is not overactive, but with the Thyroflex it can now be resolved.
Consequences of Hyperthyroidism
The key symptoms for hyperthyroidism are:
- Fast heart rate (often more than 100 beats per minute)
- Nervousness and/or irritability
- Weight loss without dietary changes
- Prominent, staring eyes (typical for Graves’ disease)
- Muscle weakness, especially of the upper arms and thighs
- Increased sweating
- Frequent bowel movements
- Lighter or less frequent menstrual periods
- Trembling hands
- Fine brittle hair
- Smooth and thin skin
It is important that symptoms of hyperthyroidism are not left untreated as serious complications can occur. Untreated disease may lead to cardiac arrhythmia (an irregular rate of muscle contractions in the heart), increased blood pressure, stroke or heart failure. In addition, in women who have gone through the menopause, hyperthyroidism increases the risk for osteoporosis (loss of bone mass) and bone fractures.
Note: Nitek has developed more effective treatment protocols for Graves , that increases (doubles) the chance of medications working, rather than resorting to surgery (Partial Ablation).
