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Hyperthyroidism

What is Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than are required for good health (high T3 / T4 and low hyperthyroid TSH level). This excess of thyroid hormones in the blood leads to hyperthyroid symptoms such as weight loss, excessive sweating, tremors, tiredness, muscle

Several hyperthyroidism types do not require hyperthyroidism treatment; some require treatment for a few years and some lifelong. Please visit an Endocrinologist to understand which type you have as random online searches can be misleading. There is no hyperthyroid natural treatment to bring excess thyroid hormones under control. The treatment is tablets to lowers the hyperthyroidism TSH levels and relieve the hyperthyroid symptoms. Sometimes an iodine capsule is given to select people.

My approach:

  1. The longer treatment – type of hyperthyroidism requires people to follow up with the doctor regularly for a consult every 2-3 months and then gradually reduce the dose over months, depending on the blood tests. I prefer to see the person once at the time of diagnosis to explain all the hyperthyroidism treatment options and decide what plan we will follow.
  2. Once the plan is in place, I encourage people to consult online. This saves time (commute/waiting time) and money (time away from work/consultation fees) for the patient.
    I have been doing this for many patients right through the pandemic. It has worked beautifully (one of my patients works on a ship, and we do video consults every three months. Another patient lives in Sharjah and consults from there). I usually call the person stopping the medications for discussing the risk of the condition coming back and how to keep track of this.
  3. Some people with hyperthyroidism who experience hyperthyroid eye signs for which I liaise with eye specialists, namely Dr Savari Desai, specialise in hyperthyroid-eye-signs-related issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the impact of hyperthyroidism on the body?

Hyperthyroidism leads to weight loss, increased sweating, heat intolerance, muscle weakness, increased hunger, irritation, anxiety and palpitations.

If untreated, in elderly patients or those with underlying heart disease, it can be dangerous. It can cause osteoporosis, increased blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances and heart failure.

The treatment depends on the diagnosis.

 

There are 2 main types of hyperthyroidism:

  • Transient or temporary

  • Long-lasting, which needs long term treatment

 

The transient type requires only symptomatic treatment, while the long-standing type needs treatment for more than a year.

It is thus essential to make a clear diagnosis before initiation of treatment. This can be done with certain pertinent historical information, family medical history and investigations, such as a thyroid scan.

Side effects with antithyroid medications to reduce the levels of thyroid hormone in the body are very rare. Approximately 1 in 1000, taking the medications will develop any serious side effects.

Common side effects are itching and joint pain and some skin reactions. If at all side effects occur, they do so in the first 2 to 3 months after the treatment initiation. Usually, after this, no new side effects will appear.

It is best to consult your endocrinologist before planning a pregnancy. Certain medication changes need to be made as soon as you are pregnant, to avoid side effects on the baby. However, with appropriate prior modifications, it is perfectly safe to plan a pregnancy with hyperthyroidism without any adverse effect on the mother or baby.

Always consult your endocrinologist if another doctor has recommended surgery. There is a safer, cost-effective and non-invasive option available for patients with hyperthyroidism.

Very rarely, the baby may develop hyperthyroidism at birth, which is usually transient. Careful follow-up and constant communication between gynaecologist and endocrinologist ensure a safe outcome for the baby.