In our most recent blog, we discussed hyperthyroidism. Today, we are on our way to wrapping up this topic.  Please join us in office today if you have any of the following signs or symptoms of an overactive thyroid.

Causes of an overactive thyroid:

Last week, we shared a few causes of a hyperthyroid. We shared about Graves’ disease, a toxic adenoma, a toxic multi nodular goiter, or Plummer’s disease. We did not yet get to share about thyroiditis.

Thyroiditis is the inflammation of the thyroid gland. The thyroid glands can become inflamed after pregnancy due to an autoimmune condition or for unknown reasons. The inflammation in the thyroid glands can cause the excess in thyroid hormone stored in the gland to leak into the body’s bloodstream.

This condition can cause pain. However, it may also be painless which can delay diagnosis. There are a few risk factors for hyperthyroidism. For one, women are more likely to have hyperthyroidism.

If you have a family history of Graves’ disease you are at risk for a hyperthyroid as well. Families that have type one diabetes, pernicious anemia, and primary adrenal insufficiency put you at risk too.

Diagnosing hyperthyroidism:

When looking out for hyperthyroidism, your doctor will look over your medical history, family’s medical history, and will perform a physical exam. During the physical exam, the doctor may try to detect a slight tremor in your fingers when they are extended.

The doctor will look for overactive reflexes, changes in the eyes, and look for warm, moist skin. The doctor will also focus on feeling the thyroid gland. When the patient swallows, the doctor will check for tenderness, if they the thyroid is enlarged, and if the pulse is rapid or irregular.

A doctor may skip all of the previously mentioned diagnosis methods. He or she may just go straight to blood testing. A blood test can confirm diagnosis if there are high levels of thyroxine and little-to-no amounts of TSH both indicate a hyperthyroid.

Most importantly, the amount of TSH found is what signals the thyroid gland to produce more thyroxine. For older adults that do not display classic signs of hyperthyroidism, blood tests are vital to getting a final diagnosis. However, thyroid blood tests may give false results if patients are taking biotin supplements, or a B vitamin that may be found in multivitamins.

This may seem very insignificant and patients may not even be aware that this is an important detail during a the process of getting some definite answers. Mention every single supplement, vitamin, and medicine you are taking when visiting our office.

Your doctor may request you to stop taking all vitamins containing B vitamins at least forty-eight hours before blood tests. If the blood tests indicate a patient has hyperthyroidism the following may be recommended.

Treatment:

Because hyperthyroidism causes digestive health issues, your doctor may put you on radioactive iodine. It is absorbed by the thyroid and causes the thyroid gland to shrink. Symptoms usually subside within a several months. Excess radioactive iodine usually dissipates within weeks to months.

Anti-thyroid meds are also available to reduce symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism. Plus, they can reduce the amount of thyroxine that is produced. This medication usually reduces symptoms within weeks to months, but this form of treatment usually lasts at least a year or more.

Because anti-thyroid meds may cause liver damage, beta blockers may be a safer route to try first. Although beta blockers are usually used to treat high blood pressure, they can ease the symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism. They tend to help with rapid heart rate, palpitations, and a tremor.

Please make a call today to schedule an appointment or do so online. Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida treats a range of conditions. Be sure to seek medical attention asap when dealing with such symptoms.

Staff Writer