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Overactive Thyroid
When the thyroid gland is overactive, it manufactures too much thyroxine and therefore speeds up the metabolic rate of the body. An overactive thyroid is medically referred to as hyperthyroidism and its symptoms generally include some of the following: a loss of weight despite an apparent increase of appetite; an increased heart rate, with possibly palpitations; diarrhoea or irritable bowel syndrome; infrequent and unusually light periods; unusual and rapid hair loss; lack of sleep and general feeling of fatigue; excessive sweating and a constant thirst; swollen or red eyes; a noticeable shortness of breath, especially when taking exercise; and unexpected mood swings.
Most people with hyperthyroidism will not experience all of these symptoms but it is quite common for them to experience upwards of two, which will develop over a few weeks. Because each of these symptoms could be associated with other medical problems, an overactive thyroid isn't always initially diagnosed but, as the metabolism quickens up even more, the symptoms will progressively worsen.
Untreated hyperthyroidism greatly increases the possibilities of heart problems, osteoporosis and, in pregnant women, the risk of miscarriage, premature labour, stillbirth, low birth weight and even congenital abnormality. However, with treatment, the general outlook is very positive and most of the symptoms can be dealt with. It is estimated that about 2 in 100 women will develop an overactive thyroid at some time in their lives – considerably fewer than will develop an underactive thyroid – whereas 2 in every 1000 men are likely to – twice as many as will develop hypothyroidism.
The main cause of overactive thyroids is Graves' Disease, an autoimmune disease in which the body's own antibodies attack the thyroid, causing it to produce an excess of thyroid hormone. 5% of those sufferers of Graves' Disease develop problems with their eyes becoming red and swollen, perhaps even experiencing double vision. Graves' Disease can be passed on genetically.
In addition, an overactive thyroid can be provoked by nodules within the thyroid itself, an inflamed thyroid gland or by taking an excess of iodine, perhaps unwittingly in a medicine.
Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism by a doctor is a comparatively straightforward task by using blood tests to measure a patient's level of TSH (Thyroid-stimulating hormone) produced by the pituitary gland and also the level of Thyroxine. In some cases, the patient may additionally be given an Iodine uptake test and/or ultrasound scanning. The proportions of the various hormones will enable your doctor to decide the best cause of action with regard to the overactive thyroid.
There are a number of possibilities with regard to the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Medicines such as carbimozale can help reduce the amount of thyroxine produced by an overactive thyroid. For some patients, a course of radio-iodine is prescribed which involves the intake of radioactive iodine to destroy some of the thyroid tissue, thereby reducing the amount of thyroxine it can produce. The amount of radioactive ingredients in the dosage is very low but this is still not considered suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women or for men or women attempting to become parents.
A popular modern treatment is commonly known as the 'Block and Replace' method in which, either by high doses of carbimazole or radio-iodine, the thyroid is deliberately prevented from manufacturing its own thyroxine. Then, a daily dose of thyroxine tablets is taken to maintain normal levels.
In cases where a large goitre has developed, surgery to remove part of the thyroid gland is sometimes necessary.
Once the treatment has been successfully completed, it is essential that you have regular blood tests – probably yearly but discuss this with your doctor. These tests are needed to ensure that you continue to have the correct amount of thyroxine in the blood and that your overactive thyroid problem has not returned.