Some Causes And Symptoms Of Hyperthyroidism To Contemplate During Diagnosis

In the case of hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland is overactive and generates and releases more thyroid hormones than what the body requires.

These hormones influence has great influence in almost every part of the body and also determines the body's metabolism function. Hyperthyroidism affects more women than men. The reasons can include:

• Grave's disease
This is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system produces an antibody which causes the thyroid gland to produce tremendous amounts of the thyroid hormone. This disease is hereditary in nature.
• Thyroiditis
This condition is marked by inflammation of the thyroid gland which is caused by a virus which affects the immune system and leaks thyroid hormone into the blood stream. Subacute thyroiditis causes pain and takes a few months to improve. Postpartum thyroiditis, on the other hand, affects women after delivery of the baby and can last for a minimum of 8 weeks. Lastly, silent thyroiditis causes the thyroid to produce excess hormones and there are almost no symptoms.
• Thyroid medication
Thyroid hormone medications when taken in excess can cause a severe case of hyperthyroidism. Hence, the right dose of medications that has been prescribed must be taken.
• Iodine in the diet
When extra iodine is taken in the diet, hyperthyroidism can occur. Hence a close supervision of what is consumed must be ensured.

Symptoms such as feeling of discomfort, difficulty in performing regular daily tasks, lump in the neck must not be ignored. Other symptoms include anxiety, irritability, painful bowel movements, insomnia, trouble reading, hair loss, change in your menstrual cycle and weakness in the muscles, excessive sweating and weight loss. Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed with a blood test. Once confirmed, the physician will prescribe appropriate medications and recommend changes in the diet and lifestyle to counter the effects of hyperthyroidism.

Source: Medindia