What is the best way to prevent hyperthyroidism? How can you reduce your risk of developing an overactive thyroid? Get answers to these questions and more.

Preventing Hyperthyroidism: Key Strategies

While there is no guaranteed way to completely prevent hyperthyroidism, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing this thyroid disorder. By following these strategies, you can take a proactive approach to safeguarding your thyroid health.

Get Regular Thyroid Screenings

One of the most important steps in preventing hyperthyroidism is to get your thyroid hormone levels checked regularly, especially if you have a family history of thyroid problems or have previously experienced thyroid issues. Regular thyroid function tests can help detect any abnormalities early, allowing for timely intervention and management.

Maintain Healthy Diabetes Control

Individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of developing hyperthyroidism. By keeping your diabetes well-managed through proper medication, diet, and lifestyle adjustments, you can help lower your chances of experiencing thyroid dysfunction.

Monitor Your Vitamin B12 Levels

People with pernicious anemia, a condition characterized by a vitamin B12 deficiency, are at an increased risk of hyperthyroidism. Regularly checking your B12 levels and addressing any deficiencies can help reduce your susceptibility to this thyroid disorder.

Manage Stress and Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Chronic stress and unhealthy lifestyle habits can contribute to the development of thyroid problems, including hyperthyroidism. Incorporating stress-reducing activities, such as meditation, yoga, or exercise, and prioritizing a balanced diet and adequate sleep can help support overall thyroid health.

Monitor Thyroid Function During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Pregnancy and the postpartum period can be particularly challenging for the thyroid gland, as hormonal fluctuations can lead to the onset of hyperthyroidism. Regular thyroid monitoring throughout pregnancy and for at least 6 months after giving birth can help detect and manage any thyroid-related issues during this time.

Be Proactive About Your Thyroid Health

While there is no surefire way to prevent hyperthyroidism, taking a proactive approach to your thyroid health can significantly reduce your risk. By staying vigilant about your thyroid function, managing underlying health conditions, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can take steps to safeguard your thyroid well-being.

Can regular checkups help prevent hyperthyroidism?

Yes, regular thyroid function tests and checkups can play a crucial role in preventing hyperthyroidism. By monitoring your thyroid hormone levels, healthcare providers can detect any abnormalities early and implement appropriate management strategies to prevent the development of an overactive thyroid.

Does diabetes increase the risk of hyperthyroidism?

Yes, individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of developing hyperthyroidism. Maintaining healthy diabetes control through proper medication, diet, and lifestyle modifications can help lower the chances of experiencing thyroid dysfunction.

How can monitoring vitamin B12 levels help prevent hyperthyroidism?

People with pernicious anemia, a condition characterized by a vitamin B12 deficiency, are at an increased risk of hyperthyroidism. Regularly checking and addressing any B12 deficiencies can help reduce your susceptibility to this thyroid disorder.

Is there a link between stress and hyperthyroidism?

Yes, chronic stress can contribute to the development of thyroid problems, including hyperthyroidism. Incorporating stress-reducing activities, such as meditation, yoga, or exercise, can help support overall thyroid health and prevent the onset of an overactive thyroid.

Why is it important to monitor thyroid function during pregnancy and postpartum?

Pregnancy and the postpartum period can be particularly challenging for the thyroid gland, as hormonal fluctuations can lead to the onset of hyperthyroidism. Regular thyroid monitoring throughout pregnancy and for at least 6 months after giving birth can help detect and manage any thyroid-related issues during this time.

What are the key steps to prevent hyperthyroidism?

The key steps to prevent hyperthyroidism include:
1. Get regular thyroid screenings to detect any abnormalities early
2. Maintain healthy diabetes control
3. Monitor your vitamin B12 levels and address any deficiencies
4. Manage stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle
5. Closely monitor thyroid function during pregnancy and the postpartum period

Prevention of Hyperthyroidism| How To Prevent Hyperthyroidism| PatientsEngage

Submitted by
Dr S. Patel
on 16 July 2022

There is no clear way to prevent hyperthyroidism but you can reduce your risk by doing the following:

• Get your hormone levels checked all through pregnancy and 6 months after giving birth.
• Control your diabetes.
• Check your Vitamin B12 levels. People with pernicious anemia are at a higher risk.
• Check your thyroid levels regularly if you have a family history or if you have had a thyroid problem or surgery in the past.

References:

NIH: National institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney diseases. www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information.

The Pharmaceutical Journal, PJ, September 2021, Vol 307, No 7953;307(7953)::DOI:10.1211/PJ.2021.1.104497

Community

Endocrine System

Condition

Hyperthyroidism

Stories

• Hyperthyroidism Treatment

  Treatment of Hyperthyroidism
  Hyperthyroidism is usually treated with:
  Medicines commonly include Beta-blockers or Antithyroid pills.
  Radioiodine Therapy is an effective method  that uses radioactive iodine -131 to destroy the cells in the gland. Can be taken in the form of capsules or liquid.
  Thyroid surgery to remove part of the thyroid gland is less commonly done. Is done only when medications are ineffective or not optional such as people with large goiters or pregnant women.
  Note:…

• Management of Hyperthyroidism

  Steps to Managing Hyperthyroidism
  Take your daily medication on time. It will reduce your symptoms and keep the thyroid hormones in balance.
  There is no specific diet but reduce intake of iodine. Iodine is present in certain foods, supplements and medications like cough syrups.
  Keep a check on your blood pressure and blood glucose levels. Hypertension and Diabetes are commonly associated with Thyroid dysfunction.
   
  Download our e-books on hypertension and diabetes management.

• Prevention of Hyperthyroidism

  There is no clear way to prevent hyperthyroidism but you can reduce your risk by doing the following:
  Get your hormone levels checked all through pregnancy and 6 months after giving birth.
  Control your diabetes.
  Check your Vitamin B12 levels. People with pernicious anemia are at a higher risk.
  Check your thyroid levels regularly if you have a family history or if you have had a thyroid problem or surgery in the past.
  References:
  NIH: National institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney…

• Hyperthyroidism Test and Diagnosis

  Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism
  is based on a full clinical history, physical examination and blood tests.
  Blood test of serum TSH, T3, T4  and Thyroid antibody levels is done initially. Further testing includes thyroid scan, ultrasound and radioactive iodine uptake test.

• Types and Stages of Hyperthyroidism

  Hyperthyroidism is classified into two types:
  Primary Hyperthyroidism is essentially Graves’ disease which accounts for 60-80% of all cases of hyperthyroidism. It is an autoimmune disorder. 
  Secondary Hyperthyroidism can be due to a nodule, goitre or any rare cause.
  Read more about Graves’ Disease here
   

• Hyperthyroidism Signs and Symptoms

  The table below lists the symptoms of Hyperthyroidism or Thyrotoxicosis:
   

• Causes of Hyperthyroidism and Risk Factors

  There are many possible causes of Hyperthyroidism such as:
  Graves’ disease accounts for 60-80% of all cases. It is an autoimmune disorder, whereby the body’s immune system attacks the gland causing it to make more thyroid hormones.
  Thyroiditis or inflammation of the thyroid gland causes thyroid hormones to leak into the bloodstream. Thyroiditis can be painless or silent, subacute or postpartum (post- delivery) and can show symptoms of hypothyroidism as well.
  Thyroid nodules or lumps are common…

• Overview of Hyperthyroidism

  What is Hyperthyroidism
  The thyroid is an endocrine gland situated at the base of the neck. It is a vital gland that produces three major hormones : T3 (Triiodothyronine), T4 (Thyroxine) and Calcitonin. These hormones play a major role in the growth, metabolism and development of the human body.
  When there is an oversecretion of the T3 and T4 hormones, it leads to a condition termed Hyperthyroidism or Overactive Thyroid or  Thyrotoxicosis. The term thyrotoxicosis is used to refer to the…

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Hyperthyroidism Test and Diagnosis

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Overview of Hyperthyroidism

Causes of Hyperthyroidism and Risk Factors

Hyperthyroidism Signs and Symptoms

Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

What is hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is known as overactive thyroid. It occurs when your thyroid gland makes and releases too much thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly. It is in the front of your neck, below your Adam’s apple. The thyroid makes hormones that control your body’s metabolism. It affects your heart rate and the function of your other organs. It also affects your muscles, bones, and menstrual cycles (for women).

Hyperthyroidism can be related to Graves’ disease. This is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism often begins slowly. Its symptoms can be mistaken for stress or other health problems. Common symptoms include:

• Unplanned weight loss
• Rapid heartbeat, abnormal heartbeat, or pounding of the heart
• Nervousness, anxiety, or touchiness
• Tremors (trembling of the hands and fingers)
• Changes in menstrual patterns, such as lighter flow or less frequent periods, in women
• Increased sensitivity to heat
• Increased sweating
• Bowel changes
• An enlarged thyroid gland (called a goiter), which can appear as swelling at the base of the neck
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Trouble sleeping
• Increased appetite

Symptoms in older adults may be subtle. Examples are increased heart rate, fatigue during normal activities, and withdrawal. Doctors may mistake hyperthyroidism for depression or dementia.

People who have Graves’ disease may have additional symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is swollen or bulging eyes. This can cause your eyes to be dry and red. You may also have:

• Tearing
• Blurry or double vision
• Sensitivity to light

What causes hyperthyroidism?

In more than 70% of cases, hyperthyroidism is caused by Graves’ disease. Normally, the immune system helps protect your body against viruses, bacteria, and other substances. An autoimmune disease causes it to attack your body’s tissues and/or organs. With Graves’ disease, the immune system stimulates your thyroid, making it produce too much hormone. Doctors think Graves’ disease may run in families. It is most common among young women.

Two other common causes for hyperthyroidism are:

• Hyperfunctioning (overactive) thyroid nodules. One or more nodules or lumps in the thyroid grow. This increases the production of the thyroid hormone.
• A problem with the immune system or a viral infection causes the thyroid gland to become inflamed. This causes extra thyroid hormone to leak into your bloodstream. Thyroiditis could lead to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) over time.

Consuming foods or medicines that contain high levels of iodine can also lead to hyperthyroidism. In rare cases, the cause could be a benign (noncancerous) tumor on the pituitary gland.

How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed?

Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of an overactive thyroid. He or she will check for an enlarged thyroid gland, rapid pulse, moist skin, eye changes, and a slight tremor in your fingers or hand. Your doctor also will do a blood test to measure the amount of thyroid hormone in your blood. This confirms the diagnosis.

Your doctor may do a thyroid scan to find the cause. If your entire thyroid is affected, you have Graves’ disease. Or the doctor will look for thyroid nodules or an inflammation.

Your doctor also may do a radioactive iodine uptake test. This test measures your thyroid’s ability to take up iodine. A high uptake of iodine means your thyroid gland may be producing too much hormone. This indicates Graves’ disease or a hyperfunctioning thyroid nodule. A low uptake of iodine indicates thyroiditis as the cause.

Can hyperthyroidism be prevented or avoided?

You cannot prevent hyperthyroidism. However, some people are more at risk for the condition. This includes people who:

• Were born female
• Have a family history of thyroid disease
• Are younger than 40 or older than 60
• Have certain problems, such as type 1 diabetes, pernicious anemia, or an immune system disorder
• Consume large amounts of iodine, either through food or medicine

Hyperthyroidism treatment

There are several treatments for hyperthyroidism. The best one for you depends on your age, health, cause, and the severity of your condition. The goal is to control your thyroid levels and make them normal. Doing this relieves symptoms and prevents future health problems. Treatments include:

• Radioactive iodine. You take a pill or liquid by mouth. It gets into your blood stream and destroys the overactive thyroid cells. This causes the level of thyroid hormone in your body to decrease. Symptoms often lessen in 3 to 6 months. The result is permanent low thyroid activity (hypothyroidism). This condition can be treated with thyroid supplements. Despite concerns about radioactive material, the treatment has been used for more than 60 years without any problems. Most adults in the United States who have hyperthyroidism are treated with radioactive iodine. This option is not suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Anti-thyroid medicine. These drugs tell your thyroid to produce fewer hormones. Symptoms begin to improve in 6 to 12 weeks as your hormone levels adjust. Treatment can last for at least a year. This is a better option for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about possible side effects.
• Surgery. A thyroidectomy is when the doctor removes most of your thyroid gland. After surgery, you likely will develop hypothyroidism. You can take thyroid supplements to restore your hormone levels to normal.
• Beta blockers. These drugs slow your heart rate and reduce tremors and anxiety. They can be used with other forms of treatment. You should be able to stop taking them once your thyroid levels return to normal.

Living with hyperthyroidism

If it is not treated, hyperthyroidism can lead to other health problems. These include:

• Heart problems. A rapid heart rate, a heart rhythm disorder (called atrial fibrillation), or congestive heart failure can result.
• Brittle bones (osteoporosis). Too much thyroid hormone can prevent your body from absorbing calcium into your bones. You can get calcium in your food, or your doctor may recommend a calcium supplement.
• Thyrotoxic crisis. A sudden worsening of hyperthyroidism symptoms that leads to a fever, rapid pulse, and delirium. Signs of delirium include decreased awareness, confusion, and restlessness. See a doctor right away if this occurs.
• Infertility. Too much thyroid hormone can make it hard for some women to get pregnant. An overactive thyroid also can be harmful to the mother and baby during pregnancy. Most doctors test women’s thyroid hormone levels at this stage.

People who have Graves’ disease may develop red, swollen skin on their shins and feet. Try using over-the-counter creams with hydrocortisone for relief. You also may have eye problems due to Graves’ ophthalmopathy. To relieve these symptoms:

• Apply a cool compress to your eyes.
• Wear sunglasses.
• Use lubricating eye drops.
• Elevate the head of your bed to reduce blood flow to your head.

Questions to ask your doctor

• What is the cause of my hyperthyroidism?
• Do I have Graves’ disease?
• What types of food and medicine contain high levels of iodine?
• What is the best treatment?
• Will I need to take medicine? If so, for how long and what are the side effects?
• Will I need surgery? If so, what are the benefits and risks?
• Are there any lifestyle changes I can make to relieve my symptoms?
• Am I at risk for related health problems?

Resources

American Thyroid Association: Hyperthyroidism

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism – causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention

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Endocrinologists of the Hadassah Medical Moscow clinic treat hyperthyroidism with advanced conservative methods. Expert-class equipment allows you to accurately diagnose hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, determine the exact causes of its occurrence, and differentiate it from other pathologies.

Hyperthyroidism is a disease of the thyroid gland in which the organ produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). Due to a glut of them, all the internal processes of the body are accelerated, a person is faced with tachycardia, sudden weight loss, tremor, and increased excitability. If you notice these symptoms in yourself, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism includes a hormonal blood test and a number of instrumental studies. It is important to quickly determine the cause of such a deviation in order to restore normal body functions. Statistics show that the disease most often occurs in people 20-45 years old.

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Benefits of Hadassah

Advanced diagnostic methods

The most effective diagnostic methods are used in the hospital to identify thyroid pathology and its causes. Hormonal blood test for TSH, T3, T4, ultrasound of the gland and internal organs, fine needle biopsy followed by histology, CT, MRI, ECG allow you to identify the disease and track the dynamics of treatment.

Own laboratory

The hospital has its own laboratory with modern equipment and qualified laboratory assistants. We do all kinds of research, which significantly increases the success in the treatment of any pathology.

Internationally qualified doctors

The clinic employs specialists with international experience, doctors improve their qualifications in the largest European and Israeli clinics. Doctors-experts from Israel and European countries participate in the treatment. Endocrinologists have extensive practical experience, knowledge of modern methods of treating hyperthyroidism.

Individual plan

Diagnosis and treatment programs are always personalized. We do not use universal programs for all patients, each patient receives a program with carefully selected diagnostic and therapeutic methods. The treatment takes into account the features of the course of the disease, individual indicators of the state.

Multidisciplinary approach

We are not focused on treating only one disease. The doctors of the clinic use a multidisciplinary approach of several highly specialized doctors to each patient, so our treatment shows good results.

Medical consultations

Treatment of a patient is not based on the opinion of one doctor. We gather consultations of several specialized specialists in order to make important decisions on treatment correction, evaluate the results of diagnostics and the dynamics of the treatment process. Foreign doctors from Israel and European countries also participate in the consultations.

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What is hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland is butterfly-shaped and located in the lower part of the neck on the front side, above the fossa between the collarbones. The body produces specific hormones: thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and calcitonin. The hormones produced by the gland are necessary for the normal formation, development, and functioning of the human body. They regulate metabolic processes, hormonal balance, the work of all organs and systems, monitor the heartbeat, respiration, the activity of the genital organs, and the gastrointestinal tract.

The regulators of the thyroid gland are the hypothalamus and pituitary gland located in the brain.

When the gland, for some reason, begins to produce hormones excessively, all processes controlled by it receive an additional acceleration.

Accordingly, there is a general dysfunction of all organs and systems of the body – this is thyrotoxicosis, leading to serious consequences. Complications can be severe pathologies of the cardiovascular system, kidneys, nervous and endocrine systems.

With hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, there is a danger of developing a life-threatening condition – a thyrotoxic crisis. A person loses consciousness, tachycardia occurs, he sweats profusely.

Attention! Only urgent medical care in such situations will help overcome the dangerous consequences, therefore, with these symptoms, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible!

The reverse state of the reduced hormonal activity of the gland is hypothyroidism.

Causes of hyperthyroidism

In most cases, hyperthyroidism occurs against the background of pathological processes in the thyroid gland. Women face this problem 10 times more often than men. This is due to constant hormonal fluctuations in their body: menstruation, pregnancy, menopause.

Common causes of hyperthyroidism include:

• Diffuse toxic or nodular goiter (Graves’, Perry’s, Flayani’s, Plummer’s, Basedow’s disease).
• Autoimmune diseases.
• Genetic predisposition.
• Pathology of the pituitary gland.
• Consequences of infectious processes.
• Prolonged exposure to stress.
• Toxic thyroid adenoma.
• Adenoma of ovarian struma in men.
• Overdose of thyroid drugs.
• Prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Thyroiditis.

Triggers:

• Long-term treatment with iodine-based drugs (iatrogenic causes).
• Exposure to radioactive iodine.
• Ovarian teratoma.
• Pregnancy with abnormal hCG levels.
• Thyroid cancer, gland metastases, pituitary cancer.

Risk groups for the development of thyrotoxicosis:

• Pregnant women.
• Persons with a burdened family history.
• People who have had or are having long-term exposure to radiation.
• Population of endemic areas for iodine deficiency in water.
• Despite the large list of factors that can form hyperfunction of the gland, doctors in the vast majority of cases are faced with the consequences of Plummer’s goiter and Graves’ disease.

Types, severity

Precise determination of the type, stage of the disease is very helpful in treatment, as it allows you to choose an adequate program, eliminating the typical risks of a pathological condition.

According to the generally accepted medical classification, there are three forms of hyperthyroidism:

• Subclinical. The patient is asymptomatic. The production of hormones T3, T4 in subclinical thyrotoxicosis is still unchanged, but the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone of the pituitary gland, which controls the functioning of the gland, is lowered.
• Manifest. With a strong decrease in the level of TSH, the concentration of T4 increases. With this form, obvious symptoms of pathology begin.
• Complicated. Complications are actively developing. Tachycardia, instability of the psycho-emotional background, neurological status, heart or multiple organ failure appear.

Depending on endogenous or exogenous causes of development, the disease can be:

• Primary, caused by pathologies of the gland itself.
• Secondary. The reasons are in the pathological work of the pituitary gland, which controls the gland.
• Tertiary. Provokes pathology improperly working hypothalamus.

The severity of the disease is determined by the symptomatic manifestation and the presence of complications:

• Mild. Satisfactory condition, weight loss not more than 15%, heart rate up to 80-100 beats/min.
• Medium. Weight is reduced by 15-35%, heart rate is fixed up to 120 beats / min. There are negative symptoms of pathology.
• Heavy. Loss of body weight more than 35%. Adrenal insufficiency, multiple organ failure, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, and the cardiovascular system are manifested. The risk of thyrotoxic crisis, coma increases.

Timely correction of the condition helps to prevent all the risks associated with hyperthyroidism.

Attention! Seeing a doctor is a logical, life-saving solution for overactive thyroid symptoms.
Do not self-medicate!

Symptoms of thyrotoxicosis

It is difficult to identify hyperthyroidism in the initial stages, since the symptoms of thyrotoxicosis are confused with other somatic abnormalities.

As metabolic processes are disturbed, the following signs increase in a person:

• Excessive sweating, increased sensitivity to heat.
• Irritability, aggressiveness, nervousness.
• Hand tremor.
• Palpitations and shortness of breath.
• Rapid weight loss.
• Lachrymation.
• Eye retraction, swelling, soreness.
• Menstrual disorders.
• Digestive disorders.
• Deterioration of hair and nails.
• Exacerbation of skin diseases – urticaria, hyperpigmentation.
• Subfebrile body temperature over a long period of time.
• A marked enlargement of the gland, which can be seen as a rounded mass on the neck above the collarbones.
• Without treatment, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism in women can be expressed in difficulty conceiving, dangerous dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Against the background of the disease, menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, polycystic ovaries, endometriosis can be observed.
• Chronic fatigue, muscle weakness.
• Insomnia, night sweats, fever.
• The skin on the ankles is thickened and pigmented, itching, small rashes occur.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in men – problems with potency, male infertility, erectile dysfunction.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are often disguised as diseases of the digestive, nervous, cardiovascular systems, therefore, in each clinical case, careful diagnosis is necessary to make the correct diagnosis.

Symptoms of thyrotoxicosis in menopausal women may be absent or may be blurred.

Symptoms of thyrotoxicosis in men are more often expressed in cardiac arrhythmias, irritability, attacks of aggressive behavior.

Methods for diagnosing thyrotoxicosis

Diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis begins with a consultation with an endocrinologist. The specialist will collect a detailed history, determine the dynamics of the disease and hereditary predisposition. Further diagnostics includes the following measures:

Palpation of the thyroid gland

determination of its size, mobility, pain

Hormonal blood test

TSH, T3, T4

Ultrasound of the thyroid gland

shows the size, shape, structure of the thyroid gland, the presence of pathological changes

Fine-needle biopsy

allows you to assess the nature of neoplasms (benign or malignant)

CT or MRI

to identify tumors

ECG

for assessing the state of the cardiovascular systems

Additional diagnostic methods:

General clinical blood test

if a high ESR level is registered, there may be an inflammatory focus in the tissues of the gland

Biochemical blood test

High calcium concentration and low levels of protein, cholesterol, and glucose can lead to suspicion of thyroid pathology.

Examination with radioisotope iodine

pictures with the level of iodine concentration in the gland will show the nature of hormone production, the presence of pathological foci.

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Other tests may be ordered to help differentiate overactive thyroid from other conditions.

The final conclusion of the doctor is formed after the analysis of all the results of laboratory and hardware diagnostics.

Treatment methods for hyperthyroidism

The treatment regimen for hyperthyroidism depends on the degree of damage, the cause of the disease, and the patient’s condition.

Treatment usually includes:

• Radioiodine intake. Due to this, the thyroid gland decreases in size, the production of hormones is suppressed. Gradually, the signs of hyperthyroidism subside.
• Take radioactive iodine for several months and under constant medical supervision;
• Taking antithyroid drugs. They suppress the production of hormones, due to which the manifestations of hyperthyroidism quickly decrease.
• Symptomatic treatment of thyrotoxicosis. If there are problems with the cardiovascular system against the background of hyperthyroidism, drugs are prescribed to maintain it. Other tricks are also applied:

1. B-blockers are prescribed to equalize the heart rhythm.
2. In case of complications in the eyes, eye drops are used to eliminate dryness and burning of the mucous membranes.
3. In advanced conditions and the “angry look” syndrome, due to an increase in the extraorbital tissue, injections of prednisolone are sometimes performed in this area.

Surgical treatment

With a significant increase in the thyroid gland or the presence of multiple neoplasms, organ resection is indicated. Removal is also performed for cancer.

After the intervention, the patient must take hormones for the rest of his life.

Prevention of hyperthyroidism

People who have a predisposition to thyroid pathologies should regularly undergo an examination by an endocrinologist and take a blood test for hormones.
The following recommendations can help minimize the chances of developing hyperthyroidism:

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet;
• drink vitamin complexes regularly;
• give up bad habits;
• minimize the amount of stress in life;
• watch your body weight;
• refuse self-medication with medicines;
• support gastrointestinal health.

In order to prevent illness, more often foods and dishes rich in vitamins (especially groups A, B, C), copper, and selenium should be included in the diet.

Foods that the thyroid gland “likes” the most:

• Apples.
• Persimmon.
• Seaweed.
• Onion.
• Fish and seafood.
• Blueberry.
• Germinated seeds of cereals and legumes, microgreens.
• Nuts.
• Vegetable and butter.

Those with chronic diseases and a predisposition to the development of hyperthyroidism, other pathologies of the thyroid gland should be examined by a doctor 1-2 times a year.

Complications of hyperfunction of the thyroid gland

With timely relief of the pathological condition, complications can be avoided.

However, without treatment or with incorrect actions, conditions dangerous to health and life develop:

• Arrhythmia, heart or multiple organ failure.
• Osteoporosis, brittleness of bone tissue leading to pathological fractures.
• Ophthalmopathy, or “angry look” (Graves’ syndrome).
• Dermopathy on the ankles, shins, feet (Graves’ syndrome).
• A life-threatening condition in which the lack of medical care leads to death – thyrotoxic crisis.

Thyrotoxicosis complicates the patient’s situation, gives unpleasant symptoms, worsens the quality of life. All this can be solved by a timely appeal to an experienced endocrinologist.

Treatment of hyperthyroidism in the Hadassah Medical Moscow clinic

Knowing what hyperthyroidism is and how it manifests itself, you can notice dangerous signs of the disease in yourself or loved ones in time and seek help in our clinic in time.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that requires mandatory and immediate treatment.

If you notice signs of illness or just want to check your thyroid gland, contact the Hadassah clinic in Moscow. Specialists will conduct a comprehensive diagnosis and, if necessary, prescribe adequate treatment.

Examination in the clinic is carried out using high-precision expert-class hardware diagnostic equipment, and analyzes are performed in a modern advanced laboratory.

The doctors of the clinic have extensive practical experience in the application of modern therapeutic techniques. Our hospital develops and uses unique developments to help with thyroid diseases, including hyperthyroidism.

In treatment programs we use the best therapeutic regimens with proven effectiveness in foreign clinics.

Text checked by an expert doctor

Pyanykh
Olga Pavlovna

Endocrinologist, dietitian, Ph.D.

Work experience: 11 years

Published: 06/23/2022

Updated: 06/23/2022

The information presented on the site is for reference only and cannot serve as a basis for making a diagnosis or prescribing treatment. Internal consultation of the expert is necessary.

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6. Chaulin AM, Grigor’eva Yu. V. Modern ideas about the cardiovascular effects of hypo- and hyperthyroidism.
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8. Zevarshoeva PB Prevention of hypothyroidism in pregnant women // Bulletin of the Reaviz Medical Institute: rehabilitation, doctor and health. – 2022. – No. 2 (56) Special Issue. – S. 94-94.
9. Idelbaev Yu. Yu., Yuldashbaeva GF Principles of diagnostic methods for studying diseases of the endocrine system (hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus) // State Autonomous Professional Educational Institution of the Republic of Bashkortostan “Belebeevsky Medical College”. – T. 9. – S. 66.
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Hyperthyroidism – causes and types of disease

Hyperthyroidism is a condition of hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, which is accompanied by excessive production of thyroxine and triiodothyronine. An increase in the level of hormones in the blood speeds up metabolic processes in the body and has a negative effect on almost all organ systems. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism reduce the patient’s quality of life.

Adequate and timely treatment can prevent complications and slow down pathological processes, up to the complete restoration of thyroid function.

Types of hyperthyroidism

There are three forms of the disease:

• Subclinical. There are no obvious symptoms, the level of T4 is normal, the level of triiodothyronine is lowered;
• Manifest. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism appear. T4 level is normal, triiodothyronine level is low;
• Complicated. Symptoms include heart failure, arrhythmias, psychosis, and other severe conditions.

According to the level of occurrence of hyperthyroidism is:

• primary – pathology of the thyroid gland;
• secondary – the pituitary gland is affected;
• tertiary – processes develop in the hypothalamus.

Causes of hyperthyroidism

A number of endocrine diseases lead to thyroid dysfunction, such as:

• Graves’ disease (Basedow, Basedow-Graves) . The syndrome is autoimmune in nature. The body produces antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland to produce an excess amount of the T4 hormone;
• Nodular goiter, toxic adenoma . These pathologies are accompanied by the formation of benign nodes in the tissues of the gland. The formations begin to produce hormones and cause hyperthyroidism. Doctors cannot yet say exactly why some adenomas synthesize T4, while others do not;
• Thyroiditis . The inflammatory process destroys thyroid cells. Hormones enter the bloodstream and cause hyperthyroidism. An autoimmune nature of thyroiditis is possible. The body produces antibodies against TSH receptors. The cells cause active growth and inflammation of the thyroid gland.

The disease is most susceptible to people with a hereditary predisposition to endocrine pathologies. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are more common in women than in men. The development of the disease is also affected by the environmental situation, chronic iodine deficiency, and stress.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism

The first signs of dysfunction are uncharacteristic, so the disease is often confused with other somatic conditions. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism of the thyroid gland increase as metabolic processes in the body are disturbed.

The main signs of the disease:

• loss of body weight while maintaining appetite, volume and quality of food;
• arrhythmia, tachycardia;
• anxiety, depression;
• increased sweating;
• fine tremor of fingers and hands;
• indigestion;
• the formation of a visible goiter that changes the contours of the neck;
• fatigue.

A symptom of hyperthyroidism in men is a decrease in potency, libido. In women, an increase in thyroid hormone levels causes menstrual irregularities. Pregnancy may end in spontaneous abortion. A symptom of hyperthyroidism of the thyroid gland in women can also be a decrease in fertility up to infertility. During menopause, the pathology in the initial stages is asymptomatic.

Complications of hyperthyroidism

As the disease progresses, the symptoms of thyroid hyperthyroidism increase, complications may occur:

• Disorders in the work of the heart . Atrial fibrillation is added to the general symptoms of hyperthyroidism. The patient does not tolerate physical activity, there is a violation of the heart rhythm. Possible development of congestive heart failure. The consequences are reversible. After the elimination of hyperthyroidism, the signs of arrhythmia are completely cured.
• Increased bone fragility . In its advanced form, hyperthyroidism causes disturbances in the structure of bone tissue. Osteoporosis develops. The reason for brittle bones is that an excess of hormones prevents calcium from being incorporated into the bone.
• Eye diseases . Graves’ disease adds Graves’ ophthalmopathy to the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. The cause of the pathology is the growth and swelling of the tissues located behind the eyeballs. The patient feels pain in the eyes, sensitivity to light, complains of double vision. Visual acuity gradually decreases. In advanced cases, blindness develops.
• Skin problems . Eye symptoms in hyperthyroidism often develop in parallel with Graves’ dermopathy. The skin swells and turns red, especially around the feet and legs.
• Thyrotoxic crisis . An increase in the level of thyroid hormones in the blood can cause a sudden feverish state, an increase in all the main symptoms. Thyrotoxic crisis is accompanied by tachycardia. In some cases, there is delirium (mental disorder). The patient requires emergency medical attention.

Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism

Endocrinologist consultation

Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism begins with an appointment with an endocrinologist. At the appointment, the doctor asks the patient questions that will help in the diagnosis: how long ago did the clinical symptoms appear, what are the dynamics of the disease, are there other patients with goiter or thyroiditis in the family. A physical examination is mandatory: palpation of the thyroid gland. With obvious hyperthyroidism, the doctor will try to probe the contours of the organ, determine its position, uniformity of structure, and pain. After the examination, the patient receives referrals for further examinations to accurately diagnose the cause of the disease.

Laboratory research

Hyperthyroidism is confirmed by blood tests for the level of thyroid hormones. Elevated thyroxine levels in the absence or minimal amount of TSH indicate hyperfunction of the gland. Blood analysis is especially important in the early diagnosis of the disease in the elderly. For example, there may be no symptoms of hyperthyroidism in menopausal women. Pathology is detected only by the results of laboratory tests.

A blood test helps confirm the condition of the endocrine organ, and additional examinations will be required to determine the cause of hyperthyroidism.

Instrumental research methods

Ultrasound. Ultrasound of the thyroid gland allows you to determine the shape, size of the lobes, assess the degree of its increase, detect nodes, cysts, and other neoplasms.

Radioisotope scintigraphy . The patient is injected intravenously with a special solution. The drug contains radioactive isotopes of iodine, which are actively captured by the thyroid gland. After some time, the doctor assesses the degree of saturation of the tissues and draws a conclusion about their functionality. A large amount of radioiodine indicates an excess production of thyroxine, which develops, in particular, in Graves’ disease.

If, with severe symptoms of thyroid hyperthyroidism in a woman or a man, there is a minimum amount of isotopes in the gland, then the probable cause of the pathology is thyroiditis. The radioactive iodine capture test helps in the differential diagnosis.

Fine needle biopsy . Under the control of an ultrasound sensor, the doctor takes samples of thyroid tissue for examination. Biopsy materials allow to establish the nature of neoplasms: benign or malignant. The results of the study also provide information about autoimmune processes that can cause hyperthyroidism.

Treatment of hyperthyroidism

The approach to therapy depends on the cause of hyperthyroidism, the age and condition of the patient.

Conservative methods of treatment:

• Radioactive iodine preparations . Isotopes accumulate in the tissues of the thyroid gland, suppressing compensatory mechanisms. The organ decreases in size, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism gradually weaken. Treatment takes several months. It is important that radioactive iodine suppresses the function of the gland, therefore, over time, the patient may develop hypothyroidism, which is compensated by hormone replacement therapy.
• Antithyroid drugs . Medicines suppress the production of thyroid hormones. Symptoms decrease within a few weeks after taking the drugs in the correct dosage. The course of treatment is up to 1 year or longer. In some cases, hyperthyroidism is cured completely, sometimes there are relapses. It is important that antithyroid drugs can cause allergies, individual intolerance, and can reduce immunity. The impact of this group of drugs cause disturbances in the liver. You can take drugs only under the supervision of a doctor.
• Symptomatic treatment . Depending on the severity of the manifestations of hyperthyroidism, the doctor may prescribe medications to lower blood pressure, maintain heart rate, etc. Symptomatic treatment is continued until the patient’s general well-being improves.

In the case of severe hyperthyroidism, accompanied by a significant increase in the thyroid gland, multiple neoplasms in the functional tissue, as well as medullary cancer, surgical intervention is indicated.