Hyperthyroidism is caused due to overproduction of the thyroid hormones: T3 and T4. Lack of functioning thyroid tissue results in lack of thyroid hormone called Hypothyroidism, which was covered in the previous version.

There are various causes for this in humans. Most common among them are:
1. Graves' Disease
2. Toxic Thyroid Adenoma
3. Toxic multinodular goitre


Among women, hyperthyroidism can occur during the first year after pregnancy which normally corrects itself within 2-3 weeks.

Common Symptoms

- Weight Loss
- Intolerance to Heat
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Hairloss
- Depression
- Weakness
- Irritation etc.


My aunt suffered from Hyperthyroidism and the worse part was that it was not diagnosed for many years due to lack of awareness. She became very thin and also had a loss of appetite. She couldnt carry on with her house work for longer times and always used to be anxious and depressed about something or the other. Situation became grave when my cousin was to appear for his first ever public examination in school for the tenth grade. She became very weak and was always in bed. They had to admit her in hospital and immediately in the first test itself she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.

Treatment

However once diagnosed with proper medication and care it can be corrected fairly easily. Thyrostatic drugs which inhibit the production oif thyroid hormones are prescribed on numerous occasions. Very high doses, though required during initial stages, can however lead to hypothyroidism if continuosly given over a longer period of time.

However some of the permanent solutions are like surgery and radio iodine therapy of which the latter is used effectively. Surgery is fairly uncommon. Radioactive iodine is given orally once which destroys the functioning of the wrongly functioning gland. In 80% of the cases as a result the condition switches to hypothyroidism which is more easily treatable.

Among pets, hyperthyroidism is one of the most common problem among older domesticated cats but very rare among dogs.

No matter how difficult it is to treat, the best solution is always proper and on-time diagnosis and treater. Never ignore any symptoms. Its always better to take prevention rather than be sorry later.

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