Dealing With Hyperthyroid & Hypothyroid Problems

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A lot of people are not quite familiar with the term Hyperthyroid and its complications. So what is hyperthyroid or Hyperthyroidism? Thyroid, a gland that is located in front of your neck, below the Adam's apple, is basically in command of your body's growth and metabolism. It converts the food in your body into energy and churns out body chemicals called hormone thyroxine or T4.

Countless cells in the body depend on thyroxine to keep the body processes functioning at an accurate pace. However, when an overactive thyroid gland starts producing extremes of thyroxine, then the condition is often known as "Hyperthyroidism".

Referred to as overactive thyroid and a thyroid disorder, hyperthyroidism is a medical condition where there is a strange over excess of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream. Too much of thyroxine leads to bumped-up metabolism, which can affect numerous cells and tissues all over the body like the brain, heart, bone, skin and intestinal tract. The glut of thyroxine causes the body functions to accelerate quite significantly, however if it is less it would tend to slow down the activities of the body. In reality, there are numerous causes of hyperthyroidism, nevertheless most of the symptoms that patients experience are almost the same despite their origin.

Hyperthyroidism gives rise to common symptoms like rapid weight loss, excessive sweating, insomnia, high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, eye sensitivity and anxiety.

There are two ways to deal with hyperthyroidism. Firstly, make sure to cope with the condition when it is active by effectively controlling it with the help of drugs that can lessen the production of hormones from the thyroid glands. Secondly in some cases, the affected patients can be treated through RAI or surgery. But most importantly patients who have undergone surgery need to be in constant touch with their endocrinologist until the hyperthyroidism is absolutely cured.

It is found that 5 to 10 times, women are more likely to get affected with hyperthyroidism than men. This mostly develops in adult women and does become common with increasing age. However, there is the possibility of it occurring at any age. On the other hand if hyperthyroidism is left untreated it can lead to a number of problems, which includes:

Heart problems
The most life threatening complication of hyperthyroidism is that it can affect the heart directly or indirectly. There is a huge risk of developing heart problems like a quickened heart rate, Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and congestive heart failure. Atrial fibrillation is a condition that involves an irregular heart rhythm that begins in the atria.On the other hand, congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart muscle doesn't pump enough blood that is required for your body's needs. The heart disease develops due to low level of thyroxine causing the blood lipids (cholesterol) to mount up.

Brittle bones
There are chances of hyperthyroidism causing weak, brittle bones (osteoporosis). It is common knowledge that the bones' strength is hugely depended on the quantity of calcium and also the other various minerals that are added to it. And when there is too much of thyroid hormone it can literally impede your body's knack of allowing calcium into your bones.

Eye problems
Graves' disease is directly or indirectly a common cause of hyperthyroidism with the main exception being Graves' ophthalmopathy. Graves' ophthalmopathy is known to occur at the same time as the other indications of hyperthyroidism. Moreover, people affected by Graves' ophthalmopathy develop eye problems since the main tissues behind the eyes tend to bulge, redden or become swollen. The common symptoms are itchy irritated eyes, sensitivity to light or double vision when looking at the sides. If this is left untreated it can definitely lead to complete vision loss.

Red swollen skin
There is the possibility of patients with Grave' disease to get influenced with Graves' dermopathy. Graves' dermopathy can cause redness and swelling on the skin especially thickening of the skin around the skins and feet. The thick red skin is the main characteristic of hyperthyroid and it can only be prevented by getting hyperthyroidism under control through treatment.

Thyrotoxic crisis
Thyrotoxic crisis or Thyroid Storm is an extreme degree of hyperthyroidism that develops in most people with untreated hyperthyroidism. This hyperthyroidism can place you at a threat of thyrotoxic crisis. Thyrotoxic crisis is a life threatening condition that needs immediate treatment. This predominately occurs in elders and it is more common among women than men. Thyrotoxic crisis or Thyroid Storm symptom means that there is an extreme release of thyroid hormones into the blood stream causing fever, a rapid pulse and even delirium.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.