What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism? The symptoms are not that different from hypothyroidism. The most commonly recognized symptoms include: increased heart rate, depression, irritability, muscle pain, diarrhea, dizziness, constipation, increased sweating, bloating, and weight gain. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are sometimes also present in hypothyroid patients but are usually less prominent.
The common symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism are rapid weight gain and excessive sweating. Hypothyroid patients rarely gain weight because their thyroid function is much lower than that of hyperthyroxins. Thyroid gland output of thyroid hormone declines and increases with changes in body size and metabolism, and the level of weight lost or gained varies with each individual.
Hyperthyroid patients have an enlarged heart and a decreased ability to produce adequate amounts of oxygenated blood. The heart beat is faster, blood pressure increases, and there is a decreased ability to relax. When the patient is nervous or under stress, the heart beats faster and increases heart rate.
The thyroid gland is also surrounded by a thick red liquid substance that may be secreted in the throat. This mucus is a thick yellowish or greenish-yellow and appears to have a bitter taste.
Hyperthyroid patients normally have a normal thyroid function. There are also cases wherein the thyroid functions abnormally causing an increase in thyroid function and thus the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. This condition is known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and hyperthyroid is the main cause of this condition.
Thyroid glands can be found in both the parathyroid glands and the endocrine glands. The parathyroid gland produces a hormone called parathyroid hormone, which aids the function of the thyroid gland. The parathyroid gland also secretes iodine and calciferol which regulate the metabolism of the thyroid gland.
If the parathyroid gland does not produce enough hormone then the patient can develop hyperthyroid disease
Hyperthyroid patients may experience symptoms such as constipation, fatigue, fever, night sweats, cold extremities, and weakness. These symptoms may vary from person to person and they do not occur suddenly. Thyroid gland failure can lead to a decrease in the production of antibodies that normally combat free radicals and build up in the cells of the body.
Hypothyroid patients have the ability to produce thyroid hormone and therefore, they do not have to worry about hyperthyroid conditions. They also have normal levels of thyroid hormone and do not have to worry about hyperthyroid problems because they produce normal amounts of thyroid hormone in their body.
It has been seen that hyperthyroid patients tend to have many complications other than the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. People with hyperthyroidism often experience a loss of bone density, weight gain, joint pain, and depression. Since the thyroid hormones cannot circulate properly in the body, hyperthyroid patients also have an increased risk for developing cardiovascular diseases and bone tumors.
Many doctors usually prescribe medication to hyperthyroid patients such as levothyroxine to boost the production of thyroid hormones. There are several medications available and they vary in their levels of iodine, potassium and calcium.
Hypothyroid patients must undergo specific tests to determine if they have hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. A diagnosis of hypothyroidism can be made by performing tests that measure thyroid hormone levels. An ultrasound test known as thyroglobulometry is used to measure the thyroid hormone levels and reveal whether the patient has hyperthyroidism or not.
Other common laboratory tests include complete blood count, urinalysis, lumbar puncture, and an electrocardiogram. There are different imaging tests such as x-rays, CAT scan, magnetic resonance imaging, and ECG. Magnetic resonance imaging uses a magnet to create pictures of the heart and the lungs.
When your doctor suspects that you might have hyperthyroidism, he will perform laboratory tests to confirm or deny it. He will perform an ultrasound test known as the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test. This test uses radio waves to produce images of the thyroid gland and helps determine if the patient has thyroid dysfunction. After performing these tests, your doctor will decide whether your thyroid hormone levels are normal or not.