Hyperthyroidism Treatment
Though it shares some of the same symptoms of a low thyroid (hypothyroidism) such as weakness, fatigue, menstrual cycle irregularities, dry hair, and mood swings, a type of thyroid issues called hyperthyroidism is quite dissimilar to hypothyroidism, causing an increase rather than a decrease in production of thyroid hormone. This increase in thyroid production could be considered a fast thyroid. And, unlike hypothyroidism, which causes weight gain, unexplained weight loss is commonly associated with hyperthyroidism. Because it is so different from hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism treatment is also quite different; and it needs to be properly diagnosed in order to be properly treated.
Other common hyperthyroidism symptoms include:
- Increased or irregular heart rate
- Difficulty sleeping
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Hand tremors
- Increase in frequency of bowel movements
- Increase in appetite
- Loss of concentration
- Intolerance to heat
- Irregularities in heartrate
- Hair loss
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abnormal development of breast tissue in men
Hyperthyroidism can sometimes be visibly recognizable, as well, presenting itself through a prominence of the eyes or noticeably swollen thyroid glands.
Are You Hyper?
So just what is hyperthyroidism and what causes it? It’s basically an overactive thyroid gland that causes an overproduction of the thyroid hormones that regulate the metabolic processes of the body.
Its most common causes are an autoimmune disorder called Graves’ disease or other factors including:
- An excess of iodine, which is an ingredient found in the T3 and T4 hormones that control the body’s use of energy and help regulate metabolism
- The growth of tumors in the testes or the ovaries
- Tumors in the pituitary gland or the thyroid that are benign
- Excess T3 that has been introduced to the body through dietary or health supplements
Hamper the Hype
Hyperthyroidism treatments include antithyroid medications to interfere with the body’s natural process of thyroid hormone production or radioactive iodine therapy to damage the thyroid producing cells. Specific dosages will depend on the patient as well as the degree of their condition, and a compounding pharmacy may be highly beneficial in the formulation of these specialized medications. Some cases, however, require surgical removal of the thyroid gland, either partially or entirely. Specific hyperthyroidism treatment will be determined by the severity of the issue as well as the actual hyperthyroidism causes. Unfortunately, some surgical treatments for hyperthyroidism actually can cause thyroiditis and lead to hypothyroidism.
Get hyped about better health! Call the knowledgeable team of pharmacy experts at Everwell Specialty Pharmacy today!