Facts about Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is such a condition in which your thyroid gland produces excess of thyroid hormones. It is generally also calles as “overactive thyroid”. Thyroid is a type of gland which is located above your chest just in front of your neck and which is controlled by the pituitary gland inside your brain. The basic function of thyroid is to produce hormones which help in converting food into energy. Two of the important hormones are thyroxine and triiodothyronine. This hormone is important for the body’s metabolism as it is the indirect source of energy. There are treatments available for this condition which helps the patient lead a normal life.
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What happens in it?
As said above this condition occurs when the thyroid glands start working overtime and produces excess level of the hormones. Most of the cases of hyperthyroidism are caused due to Graves’s disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body attacks the thyroid gland. The condition will raise the body temperature making you feel hot and comfortable. You will start losing weight at a faster speed. It also results in faster heart beats and increases anxiety and nervousness in the person. The energy level goes down and the body feels weak. This condition is not self-healing and requires proper treatment.
Factors that increases the risk of overactive thyroid
There are certain factors that work towards increasing the levels of thyroid hormones in the body resulting in the condition of hyperthyroidism. If you have a family history of thyroid problems then the risk for you is higher. People who have the history of Grave’s disease, a common cause for this condition, are more likely to develop it. It can also be triggered if you already have type 1 diabetes or disease like Addison’s disease. Smoking is another that increases the risk factor in this situation.
Prevention Hyperthyroidism
As such there are very few preventive measures which can be applied in the daily life. Smoking which is considered as one of the risks should be reduced. Grave’s disease is said to be genetic and does not have any preventive measures that can be taken as such besides reduction in smoking. Proper diet as well as physical and mental health should be maintained properly. There are treatments available which should be followed in case the person is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. It is important to maintain proper health so that most of the diseases can be kept at bay. Any time you feel that you may have this condition; immediate diagnosis should be done so that early treatment can be started.
