Hyperthyroidism is a condition characterized by excessive thyroid hormone production, resulting in the development of certain signs and symptoms, such as anxiety, hand tremors, excessive sweating, swelling of legs and feet and changes in the menstrual cycle in women.
This situation is most common in women between the age of 20 and 40, although it can also occur in men, and is usually associated with Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune disease in which the body itself produces antibodies against the thyroid.For Graves’ disease, hyperthyroidism may also be the result of excessive iodine consumption, an overdose of thyroid hormones, or the presence of a nodule in the thyroid.
- It is important that hyperthyroidism is identified and treated according to the endocrinologist’s recommendations so that it is possible to alleviate the signs and symptoms associated with the disease.
Hyperthyroidism occurs due to increased production of thyroid hormones, mainly due to Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune disease in which the immune cells themselves act against the thyroid, which has the effect of increasing the production of excessive amounts of hormones.Learn more about Graves’ disease.
Besides Graves disease, other conditions that can cause hyperthyroidism include:
It is important to identify the cause of hyperthyroidism, as this way the endocrinologist may indicate the most appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is possible by measuring thyroid hormones in the blood, and the assessment of T3, T4 and TSH levels is indicated, these tests should be performed every 5 years from the age of 35, mainly in women, but in people who are at higher risk of developing the disease should perform this test every 2 years.
In some cases, your doctor may also order other tests that evaluate thyroid function, such as antibody measurement, thyroid ultrasound, self-examination, and, in some cases, thyroid biopsy.Learn about tests that evaluate your thyroid.
O hipertireoidismo subclínico é caracterizado pela ausência de sinais e sintomas indicativos de alteração na tireoide, no entanto no exame de sangue pode ser identificado TSH baixo e T3 e T4 estão com valores normais.
Neste caso, a pessoa deverá realizar novos exames dentro de 2 a 6 meses para verificar a necessidade da toma de medicamentos, isso porque normalmente não é necessário realizar nenhum tratamento, ficando este apenas reservado para quando existem sintomas.
Devido à maior quantidade de hormônios da tireoide circulantes no sangue, é possível que surjam alguns sinais e sintomas como:
In addition, there is an increased risk of osteoporosis due to faster calcium loss through the bones.Discover other symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
O aumento dos hormônios da tireoide na gravidez pode causar complicações como eclâmpsia, aborto, parto prematuro, baixo peso ao nascer além de insuficiência cardíaca na mulher.
As mulheres que tinham valores normais antes de engravidar e que foram diagnosticadas com hipertireoidismo logo no início até o final do primeiro trimestre de gravidez, normalmente, não precisam realizar nenhum tipo de tratamento porque é normal um ligeiro aumento de T3 e T4 durante a gestação. No entanto, o médico poderá indicar remédios para normalizar o T4 no sangue, sem prejudicar o bebê.
The dose of the drug varies from person to person and the first dose indicated by the obstetrician is not always the one left during treatment, as it may be necessary to adjust the dose 6 to 8 weeks after the start of treatment.Learn more about hyperthyroidism during pregnancy.
Treatment of hyperthyroidism should be done in accordance with the advice of the endocrinologist, who takes into account the signs and symptoms of the person, the cause of hyperthyroidism and hormone levels in the blood, so that the doctor may indicate the use of medicines such as propiltiouracil and metimazole, the use of radioactive iodine or the removal of the thyroid by surgery.
Thyroid removal is only indicated as a last resort, when symptoms do not go away and it is not possible to regulate the thyroid by changing the dose of medication.Understand how hyperthyroidism is being treated.
See some tips in the video below that can help treat hyperthyroidism: