Synonyms in the broadest sense
Hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease, immunogenic hyperthyroidism, iodine deficient goiter, goiter, hot nodules, autonomous nodes in the thyroid gland.
Definition
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland (Thyroidea) produces an increased amount of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), resulting in an excessive hormone effect on the target organs. In most cases, the disease is caused by a disorder in the thyroid gland itself. The thyroid hormones increase the overall metabolism and promote growth and development. In addition, the hormones influence the muscles, the calcium and phosphate balance, they stimulate protein production (=protein biosynthesis) and the formation of the sugar storage substance glycogen.
Introduction
The thyroid hormones L-tetraiodothyronine (=T4), also called thyroxine, and L-triiodothyronine (=T3) have various effects and sites of action. The release of thyroid hormones is controlled by a closed loop system: The hormone TRH (=Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone) is released from the central nervous system and acts on the pituitary gland, which now produces more TSH (=Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) and releases it into the blood. TSH acts on the thyroid gland: the thyroid cells are stimulated to produce hormones, so that T3 and T4 are subsequently released.
Outside the thyroid gland, T4 is converted into T3, which is the more active of the two hormones. The release of the thyroid hormones into the blood again causes, in the context of a feedback reaction in the control loop, that less TRH and thus TSH is released. The concentration of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4 present in the blood is the basis of this control cycle.
- Throat
- Thyroid cartilage of the larynx
- Thyroid gland
- Trachea (windpipe)
Symptoms
The symptoms of hyperthyroidism can be manifold. However, upon closer examination it becomes clear that each of them is due to an overactivation of the body. In their overall picture, the following symptoms are called hyperthyroidism.
Typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism include insomnia, increased irritability and nervousness and tremors. Each of these symptoms can be seen as a sign of general psychomotor agitation. In addition to these symptoms, the cardiovascular system in particular also suffers from excessive thyroid levels.
In addition to increased blood pressure and a higher heart rate, cardiac arrhythmia is increasingly common. Extrasystoles (heart beats outside the normal heart rhythm) and atrial fibrillation can even take on life-threatening dimensions. Despite the increased body activity described above and a feeling of ravenous appetite, weight loss occurs unintentionally.
This is due to a mobilization of fat and sugar reserves. This is sometimes accompanied by a high blood sugar level and heat intolerance. Further symptoms are diarrhoea, a weakness of the musculature, osteoporosis and hair loss.
Women also suffer from cycle disorders and even infertility. Over time, hyperthyroidism also leads to the growth of thyroid tissue (goiter), which can be felt as swelling. In later stages, this can even become visible from the outside and can assume such proportions that breathing and swallowing difficulties occur due to compression of the trachea and esophagus.
In autoimmune hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease, the protrusion of the eyes from the eye sockets (exophthalmus) is also conspicuous. This is caused by an inflammatory swelling of the tissue surrounding the eyes. The combination of exophthalmus, increased heart rate (tachycardia) and goiter is called the Merseburg Triad. All the symptoms mentioned above occur quite frequently overall, but in most cases patients are only affected by some of the symptoms. Are you feeling dizzy and thyroid gland disorders are suspected?
