Hyperthyroidism: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hyperthyroidism is underdiagnosed, as many people are unfamiliar with the medical condition. They might think their rapid heartbeat is caused by too many cups of coffee. Hormones and the weather are blamed for increased perspiration, while all the symptoms are due to an overactive thyroid. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck, and the hormones it secretes are essential to body function regulation, metabolism, and growth. 

What Is Hyperthyroidism and What Are Its Effects?

What is hyperthyroidism? It is an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to make excess thyroid hormones. The symptoms of an overactive thyroid are often mistaken for other conditions and include:

• Continuous weight loss
• Increased hunger
• Irregular, fast, or pounding heartbeat
• Increased levels of irritability, anxiety, and nervousness
• Excessive tiredness
• Muscle weakness
• More frequent bowel movements.

A swelling at the base of the neck could be an enlarged thyroid gland and potentially lead to thyroid cancer. The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that more than six thousand Canadians are diagnosed annually with thyroid cancer. Speak to your doctor if you have unexplained swelling at the base of your neck or experience several of the symptoms we highlighted.

Key Risk Factors and Hyperthyroidism Causes

The thyroid gland produces two main hormones: thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3). These hormones help control how much protein the body makes and the rate at which it uses carbohydrates and fats, among other actions. Hyperthyroidism affects people of all ages and genders. Key risk factors are a family history of thyroid disease, a personal history of specific chronic diseases, or a recent pregnancy. Hyperthyroidism causes include:  

• Grave’s disease: An autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the thyroid gland.
• Thyroiditis: An inflammation of the thyroid gland. 
• Overactive thyroid nodules: A part of the gland forms noncancerous lumps. 

Blood tests measuring the T-4, T-3, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) are used to confirm a hyperthyroidism diagnosis. The condition can be managed with medications, where relevant.

Recognizing Hyperthyroidism Symptoms in Females

The complexity of the female hormonal system means women are more likely than men to get hyperthyroidism, and it often appears between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Hyperthyroidism symptoms in females, other than the ones mentioned above, relate to issues around the menstrual cycle, fertility, and pregnancy.

An overstimulated thyroid can change menstrual flow, whether heavier or lighter, cause irregular periods, and even lead to periods stopping. It, in turn, affects ovulation, potentially resulting in infertility. Hyperthyroidism treatment could affect a mother and baby’s health during pregnancy and must be adjusted accordingly.

How Hyperthyroidism in Men Affects Health

Men and women share general symptoms of an overactive thyroid. How does hyperthyroidism affect men specifically? Men can acquire two conditions most often associated with women as a result of hyperthyroidism: osteoporosis and gynecomastia (male breast enlargement). However, the biggest impact is associated with lower testosterone levels, lower sperm count, and even premature balding. 

Too much or too little thyroid hormones, as one would experience with hypothyroidism, affect the healthy functioning of Leydig cells responsible for producing and secreting testosterone. Lower testosterone levels can lead to a loss of muscle mass. Hyperthyroidism reduces sperm motility, density, and even shape, impacting male fertility.

Hyperthyroidism Diagnostic and Treatment Options

To treat hyperthyroidism and thyroid-related illnesses, you must first identify them via blood tests or an ultrasound. An ultrasound diagnostic test performed at a WELL Health Diagnostic Centre is a non-invasive procedure using high-frequency sound waves to assess your thyroid gland. The ultrasound images generated are used to determine the thyroid’s size, shape, and structure and see if nodules are present.  

According to the Thyroid Foundation of Canada, there is no specific treatment for hyperthyroidism, as the problem is complex. However, the following symptom treatments are available:

• Block thyroid hormone production with antithyroid drugs.
• Surgically remove the thyroid gland via a thyroidectomy.
• Destroy the thyroid cells with radioactive iodine.

Do you want to know more about WELL Health Diagnostic Centres? We are available in more than forty accredited locations in Ontario and offer the highest standard of patient care. Our services require a signed requisition from a referring Ontario healthcare provider, except for breast screenings for women ages 40-74. Contact us for an ultrasound or other diagnostic tests to clarify your hyperthyroidism status.