High Thyroid Levels

High thyroid levels refers to an over production of the thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, which are produced by the thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck. Thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped small organ, that secretes the thyroid hormones, that regulate the normal rate of metabolism. Over as well as under production of these thyroid hormones directly affects the rate of metabolism, which in turn can manifest in several health problems. The production of the thyroid hormones on the other hand, is regulated by the pituitary gland, that secretes the 'thyroid stimulating hormone' or TSH. TSH signals the thyroid gland to produce the thyroid hormones, T3 and T4. Usually, high thyroid levels is the condition, associated with an overactive thyroid gland or hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism Causes

It can have several underlying causes, out which Graves' disease can be considered as one of the most common causes. It is an autoimmune disease, in which the antibodies produced by the immune system attack the thyroid gland. The level of T4 hormone has been found to increase significantly in this disorder. Thyroiditis or inflammation of the thyroid gland can also cause an increased production of thyroid hormones. In addition to these, development of thyroid nodules, that appear as small lumps or tumors in the gland, as well as overuse of thyroid hormones as medications can also result in high thyroid levels. On the other hand, in children, this condition can be due to congenital hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms

As has been mentioned already, the thyroid hormones regulate the rate of metabolism and hence, high level of thyroid hormones in the body results in increase in metabolism. High levels of thyroid hormones in the body can also affect the nervous system, and vital organs like the heart. All these can manifest in several symptoms, which are enlisted below

• Anxiety and nervousness
• Increase in appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Heat intolerance
• Palpitations or fast heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Increased perspiration
• Polyuria
• Excessive thirst
• Tremor
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular and scanty menstrual flow in women
• Muscle weakness
• Thinning of skin
• Arrhythmias
• Hair loss
• Brittle hair
• Decreased libido
• Depression

Diagnosis and Treatment of Hyperthyroidism

Diagnosis of high levels of thyroid is based on the evaluation of the symptoms, medical history of the patient, as well as physical examination and blood tests. Physicians often look for the presence of symptoms like tremor in the fingers and also examine the thyroid gland. The eyes of the patient are also examined as sometimes, Graves' disease can affect the tissues behind the eyes as well. However, a confirmed diagnosis would require blood tests to measure the level of thyroxine and thyroid stimulating hormone. An increase in thyroxine in the blood is an indication of hyperthyroidism. On the other hand, the level of TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone would be low, if the thyroid gland is producing more than the required amount of thyroid hormones.

Once hyperthyroidism is diagnosed, physicians carry out two other tests, thyroid scan and radioactive iodine uptake tests to find out the exact causes of the condition. This condition and its symptoms are treated with radioactive iodine and anti-thyroid medications like, methimazole. Beta blockers are given for controlling high blood pressure and heart rate. Sometimes, surgery is also carried out to remove a large section of the thyroid gland, which however, can give rise to complications like, damage to the vocal cord and parathyroid gland. Therefore, surgery is rarely considered for its treatment.

Raised thyroid levels is a bit difficult to diagnose in the early stage, as the condition is characterized by slow progression. However, most people respond well to the treatment options available for this condition. Therefore, a physician needs to be consulted, if one experiences the troubling symptoms of the condition persistently, for a considerable length of time. This would ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment, which in turn would help to prevent complications like, heart and eye problems and osteoporosis.