Hyperthyroidism (AKA Grave’s disease)
Thyroid dysfunction can be caused by tumors, surgery, medications, or autoimmune diseases. When the thyroid secretes high levels of thyroid hormones, it can lead to a condition called hyperthyroidism (AKA Grave’s disease). High levels of thyroid hormone in the body can lead to the overstimulation of many body systems causing weight loss, tachycardia, sweating and heat intolerance, tremors, goiter (swollen thyroid), and exophthalmos (bulging eyes), among other systemic and local symptoms. Depending on the level of thyroid dysfunction symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening - a condition called thyroid storm. This condition usually happens suddenly from uncontrolled Grave’s disease in addition to a new stress to the body (e.g. Illness, infection, pregnancy, etc.). Prompt treatment is needed to decrease the mortality rate that is high when this condition is left untreated.
Symptoms
What To Expect
Hyperthyroidism can start with mild symptoms with times of remission and exacerbation. Sometimes, the condition may go away on its own, but it is important to seek medical care to understand the progress of the disease on an individual level. If mild symptoms are left untreated and the disease does not resolve on its own, it can progress to a state of delirium and eventually cardiac arrest.
Made Worse By
Non-adherence to medication, an unhealthy lifestyle (e.g. Sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, sedentarism, high levels of emotional stress, etc.).
How Common
More common in women who are 20-40 years old.
Diagnosed By
• Physical exam (goiter) • Low levels of TSH (primary screening for thyroid dysfunction) • High levels of T4 (thyroid hormone) • Thyroid scan (increased radioiodine uptake)
Caution Hyperthyroidism must be taken seriously because if left untreated can become life-threatening. Additional caution should be given to older patients because mild hyperthyroidism symptoms can be attributed to normal aging changes such as tachycardia, fatigue, mental confusion, etc.
Products that may help Hyperthyroidism (AKA Grave’s disease)
Herbs that may help Hyperthyroidism (AKA Grave’s disease)
References
- Hinkle, J. L., Cheever, K. H., & Overbaugh, K. (2022). Medical-surgical nursing (15th ed). Wolters Kluwer, 1461-1467.