Hyperthyroidism

In my previous article, I mention about this hyperthyroidism disease that I have. I only give some info about it last time. But today I decided to add some additional info about it since a lot of Filipino women have this kind of disease.

Endless energy, unexplained weight loss—the initial symptoms of an overactive thyroid are often seen as “good” symptoms. That’s why hyperthyroidism is one of the most underdiagnosed endocrine conditions. But if left unchecked, it can lead to serious complications.

This is a medical condition which occurs when you have an overactive thyroid causing the thyroid gland to produce too much of thyroxine. The thyroid gland is an organ located in the front of your neck and releases hormones that control your metabolisms such as weight, breathing, heart rate, body temperature and nervous system.

When your thyroid gland is overactive, your body’s processes speed up. This acceleration can bring about:

• nervousness

• anxiety

• rapid heartbeat

• hand tremors

• excessive sweating

• weight loss

• difficulty sleeping

How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed?

Early detection is important so that you and your doctor can outline a plan for hyperthyroidism treatment before it causes irreversible damage. Dr. Brenessa Lindeman, Assistant Professor of Surgery and Medical Education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, emphasizes the need for people with suspicious symptoms to advocate for your own health and get checked for hyperthyroidism early to prevent serious complications like osteoporosis, premature menopause, or even cardiac arrest.

How can hyperthyroidism be treated?

Your choice of hyperthyroidism treatment will depend on the severity and underlying cause of your symptoms, your age, whether you’re pregnant, and any other individualized health factors.

In addition to these options, your doctor may also prescribe beta-blockers to minimize some of the effects of thyroid hormones on your body, such as to slow down a rapid heart rate and reduce hand tremors. You can choose from the the following:

1. Antithyroid Medication

2. Radioactive Iodine (RAI) Therapy

3. Surgery

For now these are the only info I can provide about this disease. Maybe I can make another post about this the future. Always remember that health is wealth. So always take care of your health. It's better to have a medical check up at least once a year.