Hyperthyroidism Basics

The following presents the topic of hyperthyroidism. The definition of hyperthyroidism is presented. This is followed by issues related to hyperthyroidism to include chemical changes in the body and organs or regions of the body afflicted by this condition. Next, diagnosis and treatments of hyperthyroidism are presented.

Hyperthyroidism is estimated to affect 3.5% of women and .37% of men in the U.S. (Lu 825). Clinical hyperthyroidism is also called thyrotoxicosis and is defined as a condition that is characterized by the excessive production of thyroid hormones due to either an over-active thyroid gland or due to taking too much thyroid hormone. This results in high levels of thyroid hormone in the blood stream. Overactive thyroid glands may be enlarged. An inflammation of the thyroid gland is referred to as thyroiditis. Hyperthyroidism symptoms include increased metabolic rate, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and other symptoms such as weight loss, chest pain, cramps, diarrhea, and nervousness (Bindra and Braunstein 1769; Reid and Wheeler 623).

In a person with a normal thyroid function, the thyroid produces the right amounts of the hormones, T4 and T3 ("Hyperthyroidism" 1). Hyperthyroidism is a condition that results from too much thyroid hormone in the body tissues. When these symptoms cause the metabolism of the body to increase, the patient can feel hotter than usual and lose weight even when eati

Related Essays

Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of thyroid hormones by an overactive thyroid (Norris, 1999). The thyroid gland is located .... (1156 5 )

Hypothyroidism .... autoantibodies. Sometime these patients develop hyperthyroidism, which is present even in the presence of thyroid autoantibodies. .... (2257 9 )

Disturbed Sleep Pattern .... Nutrition influences sleep patterns: starvation or hyperthyroidism, tissue damage results in an increased need for slow wave sleep; and foods high in protein .... (2233 9 )

6 Prescribed Medications .... stimulating hormone to reduce goiters, and as a diagnostic agent in suppression tests to aid in the diagnosis of suspected mild hyperthyroidism or thyroid .... (2810 11 )

The Thyroid .... in the adult are Hashimoto's disease, in which the immune system makes antibodies against the thyroid, and the over treatment of hyperthyroidism by radioactive .... (2757 11 )

is not common in subclinical hyperthyroidism. Thus, atrial fibrillation is not a common risk in people with subclinical hyperthyroidism and it is not likely that subclinical hyperthyroidism in people older than age 60 years progresses to overt hyperthyroidism (Auer, Berent, Weber, and Eber 1584). People suffering from hyperthyroidism sometimes develop psychiatric symptoms. People suffering from manic-depressive psychosis or affective psychosis most commonly develop these symptoms. Physicians treating patients in acute inpatient settings, who are suffering from severe mania with psychosis, must manage symptoms and treat underlying medical disorders such as hyperthroidism. Hyperthyroid patients in psychiatric hospitals need to be diagnosed with thyroid function tests (Lu 825). Diagnosis and Treatments of Hyperthyroidism Treatment of hyperthyroidism is based on the causes of this condition and an accurate diagnosis. Symptoms and signs of the disease help to determine the causes (Reid and Wheeler 623). Blood tests that measure T3 and T4 and show high levels of these hormones, helps to diagnose hyperthyroidism. Measuring the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), a hormone secreted from the pituitary gl

Category: Medical - H