Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which specialist should I see if have hyperthyroidism?You should consult an endocrinologist.
2. What are thyroid hormones?
The function of the thyroid gland is to take iodine, found in many foods, and convert it into thyroid hormones- thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Every cell in the body depends upon thyroid hormones for regulation of their metabolism.
3. Are women more prone to the disease than men to become hyperthyroidic?
Yes. Women are five times more prone to get hyperthyroidism than men.
4. What is hyperthyroid crisis?
It is a rare and life threatening increase in severity of clinical features of hyperthyroidism, which include- fever, agitation, confusion, tachycardia, atrial fibrillation and cardiac failure.
5. What is sub clinical hyperthyroidism?
This term is used to describe clinically euthyroid patients in whom serum thyroid hormone concentrations are normal but usually in upper part of reference range and TSH undetectable in absence of non thyroid illness.
6. Can hyperthyroidism cause hypertension (high blood pressure)?
High blood pressure is one of the signs associated with overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Beta blockers which are used to treat hypertension can mask the signs of hyperthyroidism.
7. Why people with hyperthyroidism experience sudden weight loss?
Due to the overproduction of the thyroid hormone, hyperthyroidism condition can acclerate the body metabolism thereby causing sudden weight loss, irregular heartbeat, sweating and nervousness.
8. Is hyperthyroidism an autoimmune disease?
The common cause of hyperthyroidism is Grave’s disease - which is an autoimmune disorder. In Grave’s disease the body makes thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) antibody that results in overactive thyroid gland. (excess thyroid hormone secretion).
