What Causes Hyperthyroidism?

High Thyroid Problems

High thyroid problems, which are also commonly known as overactive thyroid is a condition which occurs when the thyroid produces too many hormones. The medical name for high thyroid problems is hyperthyroidism.

What causes hyperthyroidism? High thyroid problems occur when something goes wrong with the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones affect respiration, digestion and many other important functions of the body so when the hormones become unbalanced, it can be a serious health challenge.

There are different types of high thyroid problems. These include:

• Graves' disease,
• Thyroiditis
• Pituitary adenoma
• Drug-induced hyperthyroidism
• Toxic multinodular goiter

Graves' disease happens with abnormal stimulation of the thyroid gland and may result in a goiter (a noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland). A related type of Graves' disease which causes protruding or "bulging" eyes is known as Graves' opthalmopathy. Additionally, Graves' disease can affect the shins and the tops of the feet by causing raised and thickened skin.

Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid which causes it to release higher than usual amount of hormones. See thyroiditis.

Pituitary adenoma is a tumor of the pituitary gland.

Drug-induced hyperthyroidism can sometimes occur with certain types of medication. One of these is a heart medicine called amiodarone.

Toxic multinodular goiter happens when part of the thyroid produces hormones all by itself. This is similar to Graves' disease but different because it causes no eye complications and fewer signs of high thyroid activity.

High thyroid level symptoms You can't tell for sure if you have high thyroid levels without tests. But there are some high thyroid level symptoms that may alert you to a problem. These signs and symptoms include

• puffiness around the eyes,
• feeling excessively hot in normal or cold temperatures,
• insomnia,
• hand tremors,
• joint pains,
• losing weight often despite an increased appetite,
• nervousness and excitability.

Many of these high thyroid level symptoms could also be caused by something else so it's important to see your doctor.

There are different treatments available for high thyroid problems, and the sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of recovering quickly and getting back to normal. 

 

       

 

 

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