Other thyroid illness

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Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (Hashi’s) is the most common cause of

hypothyroidism. It is autoimmune in nature in that the body attacks its

own thyroid gland. Early on, when there is destruction of the thyroid,

the release of thyroid hormone can temporarily cause a hyper state.

When enough destruction has occurred and the thyroid gland can

make only a small amount of hormone, the result is hypothyroidism.

Anti thyroglobulin antibodies and/or thyroid peroxidase antibodies are

usually present in blood testing among those suffering from Hashi's.

Although doctors generally only make a diagnosis of Hashi’s when

these antibodies are above range, many in the forward-thinking

community recognize that any antibodies indicates Hashi’s. If

antibodies are low, it usually means the thyroid is not currently under

attack.

Thyroid antibody testing listed here

Hyperthyroid

There are a number of conditions causing an overactive or hyper

thyroid. If blood testing results in a free T4 level near the top of, or

above, its range, and higher in its range than FT3 is in its – unless it

can be explained with high doses of T4-containing thyroid medication –

it may point to an overactive thyroid or Graves Disease.

Grave’s Disease is an autoimmune condition in which antibodies signal

the thyroid gland to make too much T4. Typically there is elevation of

Thyroid stimulating immuneglobulin. Levels of 130 or higher are usually

considered evidence of Grave’s Disease, but any antibodies may

indicate a problem.

With hyperactive thyroid, thyroid stimulating hormone is usually very

low but can appear normal or even elevated. Anti thyroglobulin

antibodies and/or thyroid peroxidase antibodies and anti-nuclear

antibody can also be elevated in Graves’ disease. Graves is frequently

accompanied by goiter (enlarged thyroid). It is more common in women

than men and most likely occurs in people in the 30s or 40s.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include being nervous, irritable,

weak or tired, excessive sweating, more bowel movements than usual,

high heart rate, palpitations, weight loss, itchy skin and shakiness.

Hyperthyroidism is frequently treated with beta blockers, to reduce the

symptoms, and other drugs such as methimazole and propylthiouracil

(PTU), which interfere with the thyroid's ability to produce hormones. In

mild conditions, it is possible that exogenous T3-only medication will

suppress the thyroid activity and resolve the hyperthyroid condition.

Radioactive iodine is often used to destroy thyroid tissue as a

treatment for hypertyroidism or Graves. It is administered in capsule

form on a one- time basis and directly radiates and destroys thyroid

tissues. The majority of patients undergoing treatment with radioactive

iodine eventually become hypothyroid. Radioactive iodine is the

preferred initial therapy for the hyperthyroidism of Graves' disease in

North America while antithyroid drugs are used as the first line of

treatment in most of the rest of the world.

Many doctors are anxious to remove a hyperactive thyroid with surgery

or destroy it with radioactive iodine. Forward-thinking healthcare

professionals recognize this should be only a last resort. When

hyperthyroidism is due to a hot nodule in an accessible area of only

one thyroid lobe, surgery creates less long-term issues.

Hyperthyroid testing listed here

Subacute thyroiditis

Subacute thyroiditis can temporarily cause a hyperthyroid state. The

thyroid gland becomes inflammed and swollen causing excess thyroid

hormone to be released (thyroid dump). It is thought to be caused by a

virus sometimes following an upper respiratory infection. It may be

treated with anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen. If the

heart rate is excessively high, a beta blocker may be given to slow the

heart rate. The hyper condition will frequently be followed with a hypo

state, until the thyroid inflammation improves and the thyroid begins

producing hormone again. Subacute thyroiditis generally resolves itself

spontaneously within a few months.

Toxic multinodular goiter

This is a condition in which the thyroid gland contains multiple lumps or

nodules that are overactive and produce excess thyroid hormones.

They are sometimes referred to as "hot" nodules.

Thyroid storm

Thyroid storm is a severe, life-threatening condition caused by an

extreme excess of thyroid hormone. It can be caused by

over-replacement of thyroid hormones or discontinuing medications

taken to treat hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of thyroid storm can include

fever (potentially as high as 106 degrees F), racing pulse,

nausea,vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heart beat, confusion, and

weakness. Thyroid storm may lead to heart failure and requires

emergency medical treatment.