Do You Know The Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Disorders?

When thyroid hormone synthesis ramps its pace up, along with the secretion from the thyroid gland, the resultant condition is referred to as hyperthyroidism. This condition is most frequently caused by Graves’ disease. It is also caused by toxic nodular goitre in relatively high frequency.

Related to hyperthyroidism is thyrotoxicosis and unlike the former, thyrotoxicosis refers to all kinds of excess thyroid hormone production in the body. 

What is Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is a disorder that is pathological in nature. Its characteristics are normal or comparatively high uptake of iodine of the radioactive kind. As is with many other disorders, hyperthyroidism is found either to be severe or mild depending upon the one who has it.

Overt hyperthyroidism (a severe thyroid issue)

In severe (overt) hyperthyroidism, TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is found to be in low concentrations, while thyroid hormones such as thyroxine, for example, are found in raised concentrations.

Sub-clinical hyperthyroidism (a mild thyroid issue)

The mild form of hyperthyroidism also entails low concentrations of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), but unlike its much severe counterpart, thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine are found to be in normal concentrations. This form of hyperthyroidism is easily treated with the help of medicines for hypothyroidism as prescribed by the doctor.

Is hyperthyroidism the only thyroid-related ailment?

No. There are thyroid-related illnesses that aren’t hyperthyroidism. Thyrotoxicosis is one such condition. Thyrotoxicosis can happen without the presence of hyperthyroidism and is often caused by a release of preformed thyroid hormones. The release happens into the circulation and takes place with the uptake of low radio thyroid radioactive iodine. All kinds of excess thyroid hormone production in the body that isn’t exclusively hyperthyroidism is referred to as thyrotoxicosis. Regardless of what your thyroid issue is, a patient needs to get themselves treated at the ideal places to get the best treatment of hyperthyroidism.

The common cause of hyperthyroidism

• According to the currently available research materials, in iodine-sufficient areas, the most common factor that causes this disorder is Graves’ disease. 

• Graves’ disease is caused by the loss of immunotolerance and autoantibodies’ (that stimulate the follicular cells of the thyroid) development. Studies indicate that Graves’ disease is hereditary. 

• Apart from Graves’ disease, toxic multinodular goitre and solitary toxic adenoma can cause hyperthyroidism, too.

• Amongst the lesser-known causes is thyrotoxicosis that is thyrotropin-induced, and trophoblastic tumours. 

What are some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism? 

Hyperthyroidism can show plenty of warning signs that, upon noticing the associated symptoms of this thyroid issue, one needs to visit soon, the best endocrinologist in Coimbatore — if they are in the city, that is. Some of the symptoms include:

• Graves’ ophthalmopathy
• Thyroid dermopathy
• Thyroid acropachy
• Globus sensation
• Dysphagia

Hyperthyroidism can cause many cardiovascular issues. Two of the most common heart complications due to this disorder are:

• Atrial fibrillation
• Embolic stroke related to atrial fibrillation

Hyperthyroidism can also lead to other severe complications such as thyrotoxic periodic paralysis. This is a complication seen especially in Asia. 

What are the warning signs of thyrotoxicosis?

Thyrotoxicosis can manifest itself in several different ways.

The thyroid disorder can show constitutional symptoms such as:

• Weight loss
• Heat intolerance
• Excess sweating
• Polydipsia

In neuromuscular ways, the signs of thyrotoxicosis are:

• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Weakness of the hands and body
• Irregular, disturbed sleep
• Diminishing concentration abilities

As far as the well-being of the cardiovascular system goes, this disorder of the thyroid realm can cause the following:

• Heart palpitations

Thyroid problems such as this can also be bothersome to one’s pulmonary system and can cause:

• Dyspnoea, and
• Shortness of breath

Increased perspiration is a typical sign of this disorder and it is a problem of the skin. Menstrual disturbances are a symptom of thyrotoxicosis and related thyroid disorders. Graves disease is a sign of these disorders, too, and can cause:

• A feeling of irritation in the eyes
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Retro-orbital pain

Thyroid issues — particularly, those as severe as overt hyperthyroidism can get — therefore, must be taken seriously. Such issues mandate appointments in the best endocrinology hospital in Coimbatore in order to lead a life sans thyroid worries.