When the body produces too much thyroid hormone it speeds the bodily processes up. People suffering from hyperthyroiditis may experience a faster heart rate, weight loss, excessive sweating, tremors, nausea, mood fluctuations, breathing problems and diarrhea. If hyperthyroiditis is not treated it can cause problems with the heart and bones or a dangerous condition called thyroid storm.
One of the most common causes of hyperthyroiditis is a condition called Grave’s Disease, an autoimmune disease in which the body launches an attack on the thyroid resulting in too much thyroid hormone being produced. It is a genetic condition, so regular screening and tests are important to ensure you do not pass it on to your children.
Other causes include thyroid nodules and thyroiditis, which can be caused by bacterial infections. Rarer causes include tumors or eating a diet with too much iodine. Diagnosis of hyperthyroiditis is by blood test, where your doctor can evaluate how much thyroid hormone your body is producing. If your doctor finds your thyroid hormones are too high, he may prescribe beta blockers while he determines the cause of your condition. Getting the right medication is important, as over-medicating could cause too little thyroid hormone to be produced and give you hypothyroiditis. Sometimes patients who are incorrectly treated for hypothyroiditis may be administered too much medication, which can cause them to develop hyperthyroiditis.
More women are affected by thyroid conditions than men, and it is relatively unusual in children unless it is a genetic condition, such as Grave’s Disease, which has been passed on. The most common treatments are radioactive iodine and anti-thyroid medication. In rare cases, surgery may be required.
Using low cost medical clinics in Las Vegas gives you access to preventive healthcare and medication to keep yourself healthy. It will also ensure you have the necessary tests and screening to adopt a proactive approach to your health.