Weight Loss
A typical symptom of hyperthyroidism is weight loss. Weight gain, however, is the classic symptom of hypothyroidism. The cause of weight loss is the increased release of thyroid hormones, which increase the body’s basal metabolic rate.This promotes the breakdown of the body’s own fat and sugar reserves in order to provide the organs with more energy. The result can be an increased blood sugar level. However, not only are fat and sugar reserves reduced, but at the same time calcium is also released from the bones (resulting in osteoporosis) and the build-up of proteins, for example in the muscles, is inhibited.
Frequency
Women are five times more likely than men to suffer from hyperthyroidism. 2% of all women develop clinically visible hyperthyroidism in their lifetime.
CauseEstablishment
Three forms of hyperthyroidism can be distinguished: 1) Graves’ Disease In Graves’ Disease there are autoantibodies against the receptor for the thyroid-stimulating hormone TSH (Thyroides stimulating hormone), i.e. the immune system reacts against the body’s own structures (= autoimmune disease). The TSH receptors transmit the stimulus of the central nervous system to the thyroid gland to produce the hormones T3 and T4 and release them into the bloodstream. The receptor antibodies cause a continuous stimulation of the thyroid gland so that the corresponding hormones are produced in excess. Graves’ disease is characterized by hyperthyroidism with an enlarged thyroid gland and swelling of the organ, an increase in heart rate, orbitopathy, i.e. eye involvement, and dermopathy (skin disease). This typical triad of symptoms (hyperthyroidism with its consequences, eye and skin involvement) in Graves’ disease is called the Merseburg Triad.
Pregnancy
The most important requirement for the healthy development of an unborn child is a healthy mother. Especially during the first weeks and months of pregnancy a good maternal thyroid function is important. During this time, overactive thyroid glands in the mother often result in premature or even stillbirth.
Patients with Graves’ disease in particular are advised against pregnancy. On the one hand, the rate of early abortions is significantly increased by thyrostatic therapy, on the other hand, the antibodies responsible for the disease pattern are transmitted to the fetus in the placenta and can damage it during the first years of life or even for life. On the subject of excessive thyroid levels and pregnancy, it should also be mentioned that pregnancy can lead to normal changes in thyroid function.
Since the mother’s thyroid gland must now also supply the child, there is an increased need for iodine. The mother should take up at least 200 μg iodine per day with the food during this time. At the same time, the thyroid gland may grow slightly during this time. A slight deviation of the thyroid gland values is not unusual during pregnancy. However, an excessive increase in the size of the thyroid gland or a significant change in the values should be further clarified, as a previously irrelevant thyroid dysfunction can become more severe and manifest during pregnancy.
