Hyperthyroidism refers to endocrine syndromes that are caused by the hyperfunction of the thyroid gland – the cells of the organ produce an increased amount of thyroid hormones (thyroxine, tridthyronine ), which stimulate metabolic processes in the body and accelerate their course many times over. Hyperthyroidism of the thyroid gland is not a disease in the usual sense of the word for most people ; it is a symptom complex that characterizes thyroid disorders. Often this pathology is a concomitant symptom of the underlying disease – thyroiditis, thyroid cancer, diffuse toxic goiter. 

At the heart of hyperthyroidism of the thyroid gland is excessive secretion of hormones, which leads to an increased consumption of oxygen by the tissues of the body. At the same time, the heat and energy metabolism changes, the hormonal balance is disturbed. Often, hyperthyroidism is accompanied by damage to the adrenal glands, therefore, the body’s adaptation to stress changes, and disorders in general metabolism occur.

Hyperthyroidism and pregnancy

It should be noted that hyperthyroidism and pregnancy is a dangerous combination, since serious toxicosis, abortion, congenital malformations in the fetus can occur – this is why timely diagnosis of the disease is so important even at the stage of pregnancy planning. With the progression of the phenomena of hyperthyroidism directly during pregnancy, the doctor’s possibilities are limited, because most of the drugs that are included in the developed treatment regimens for the disease can have a negative effect on the child, therefore they cannot be prescribed.

REASONS FOR DEVELOPMENT

In most cases, hyperthyroidism is due to another pathology of the thyroid gland. Among the main reasons for the development of this disease are:

• the presence of diffuse toxic goiter, which is characterized by a uniform increase in the thyroid gland and has an autoimmune character. So, with this pathology, the thyroid gland is constantly stimulated to produce hormones, which leads to a persistent increase in their production and provokes severe metabolic disorders;
• inflammatory and viral lesions of the thyroid gland, which cause the development of subacute inflammation in the organ or Hashimoto ‘s autoimmune thyroiditis . In this case, the follicular cells of the thyroid gland are destroyed, which becomes the reason for the excessive flow of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. It should be noted that such hyperthyroidism is often temporary in nature and can last from several weeks to several months. The symptoms of the disease disappear against the background of the prescribed treatment of the main pathological process in the thyroid gland;
• nodular goiter, in which local seals are formed in the structure of the thyroid gland, which causes excessive secretion of hormones;
• pituitary tumors, the cells of which produce thyroid-stimulating hormone in an increased amount;
• adenoma of the thyroid gland, in which tumors arise that are capable of autonomously producing hormones without the influence of the pituitary gland);
• some pathologies of the ovaries;
• hereditary predisposition to the development of this pathology and the presence of autoimmune disorders in the body.

CLINIC

When hyperthyroidism develops, the symptoms of this pathology indicate a disruption in the normal functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, as well as changes in metabolism. So, patients are emotionally unbalanced, overly agitated, may be crying, complain of poor sleep. In addition, their mood often changes. There is trembling throughout the body, especially in the upper extremities, increased appetite against the background of weight loss, a tendency to diarrhea.

The skin is hot and always moist, the nails are peeling. On the part of the respiratory system, shortness of breath occurs, a decrease in the vital capacity of the lungs. On the part of the urinary organs, polyuria occurs. In women, the menstrual cycle is disturbed, and in men, potency is significantly reduced.

Ophthalmopathy in hyperthyroidism is manifested by three main symptoms: when looking down, there is a lag in the upper eyelid, wrinkling of the upper eyelids, which makes the eye gap seem larger, and also the inability to focus on things that are located at a close distance. There may also be eyelid hyperpigmentation and swelling. Often with hyperthyroidism, the temperature rises, headaches appear, and blood pressure increases.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include bulging and enlarged thyroid gland

Hyperthyroidism in children

It is manifested by emotional instability against the background of increased motor activity and excitability. Children are whiny, very thin, although they show a “wolfish” appetite. On examination or on palpation, an enlarged thyroid gland is noticeable. In addition, children begin to do poorly at school and complain of palpitations. Changes in the organs of vision are also characteristic.

In most cases, hyperthyroidism occurs, the symptoms of which require treatment according to general principles, but it is worth noting that there is such a thing as subclinical hyperthyroidism. This form of the disease is characterized by the absence of obvious clinical symptoms against the background of low levels of thyroid stimulating hormone and normal levels of free T3 and T4. In addition, there is no hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction. When there is such hyperthyroidism, treatment can be problematic and carried out at a later stage of development due to delayed diagnosis. 

DIAGNOSTICS

To identify the disease, timely detection of the first signs of hyperthyroidism is important – the prognosis of life and health for patients depends on how timely the disease is detected and the necessary treatment is prescribed. It should also be remembered that some types of hyperthyroidism in its subclinical course can for a long time manifest itself with symptoms of damage to the organs of the cardiovascular system – heart rhythm disturbances, changes in conduction, and the appointment of standard, cardiac therapy will be ineffective or its effect will be insignificant … Such patients should be promptly referred for a consultation with an endocrinologist, who will not only conduct an examination, but also select the necessary examination program for the patient, which will help to identify even minor changes in the functioning of the thyroid gland and an increase in the content of hormones in the blood serum.

TREATMENT

The appointment of treatment for hyperthyroidism is not only the elimination of the symptoms of the disease, first of all, it is necessary to identify and treat the pathological process that provoked the development of hyperthyroidism. If adenomas of the pituitary gland and pathology of pituitary-hypothalamic regulation are detected, it is necessary to eliminate this pathology (surgical, stereotaxic intervention, radiation therapy). 

If a pathological process is detected in the tissues of the thyroid gland, its treatment is prescribed, including therapy with radioactive iodine and surgical resection of organ tissues (possibly followed by treatment of hypothyroidism), anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapy for autoimmune cell damage and the development of thyroiditis, specific antibacterial therapy for the detection of bacterial causative agents of thyroiditis.