Hyperthyroidism and Its Causes

Hyperthyroidism refers to the increased function of the thyroid gland. This is an autoimmune disease that usually affects younger women and it is characterized by an enlarged thyroid, exophthalmos (saucer eyes) and hyperthyroidism symptoms.

70-80% of hyperthyroidism is caused by Basedow-Graves’ disease. This is an autoimmune disease that usually affects younger women and it is characterized by an enlarged thyroid, exophthalmos (saucer eyes) and hyperthyroidism symptoms. This disease is also characterized by the presence of the antibodies (anti-TPO, anti-Tg). These antibodies stimulate the thyroid gland increasing the function of creating and secreting the thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).

Other common causes of the hyperthyroidism include toxic multinodular goiter, toxic adenoma, and thyroiditis.

Other common causes of the hyperthyroidisms include toxic multinodular goiter, toxic adenoma, and thyroiditis. The main features of the toxic multinodular goiter are numerous knots in the thyroid gland, which autonomously, without the control of the TSH (pituitary gland), increase the function of secretion of the thyroid hormones. Thyroid adenoma is a benign tumor of the thyroid gland (“hot nodules“ on scintigraphy) which, in the same way, autonomously, without the control of the TSH, increase the secretion of the thyroid hormones. Thyroiditis indicates that there is an existence of the inflammation of the thyroid.  Because of the releasing of the thyroid hormones from a tissue that is damaged by the inflammation, temporary hyperthyroidism can occur at the beginning of the subacute inflammation of the thyroid gland and chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s disease).

Hyperthyroidisms can be worrisome for some, but there is treatment for it which can help your symptoms and reduce chances of long term health issues. If you suspect you may have hyperthyroidism, consult a physician who can suggest the best course of action for your condition.

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