Many individuals in Anguilla suffer from a number of disorders of the thyroid gland and an overactive thyroid is the most common. Fortunately for many individuals, once this disorder is diagnosed treatment is usually successful and individuals go on to live successful and healthy lives.

What is an overactive thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)?
Hyperthyroidism is the term for overactive tissue within the thyroid gland causing an overproduction of thyroid hormones (thyroxine or "T4" and/or triiodothyronine or "T3").

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam's apple. Although the thyroid gland is very small it has an enormous impact on your health. Every aspect of your metabolism is regulated by thyroid hormones.

Hyperthyroidism can significantly accelerate your body's metabolism causing sudden weight loss, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating, and nervousness or irritability. An overactive thyroid gland can present in a variety of ways and symptoms vary widely.
What are some of the symptoms of overactive thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)?
In addition to the symptoms mentioned previously, the following are some of the symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland:

 Increased appetite

 Tremor — usually a fine trembling in the hands and fingers

 Changes in menstrual patterns

 Increased sensitivity to heat

 Changes in bowel patterns, especially more frequent bowel movements

 An enlarged thyroid gland (goitre), which may appear as a swelling at the base of your neck

 Fatigue, muscle weakness

 Difficulty sleeping

What causes over production of thyroid hormones?

Normally, the thyroid gland releases the right amount of hormones, but sometimes it produces too much thyroixine (T-4). This may occur for a number of reasons, including:

 Graves' disease. Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies produced by the immune system stimulate the thyroid to produce too much T-4, is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. We are not sure what causes Graves' disease, although several factors — including a genetic predisposition — are likely involved.

 Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules (toxic adenoma, toxic multinodular goitre). This form of hyperthyroidism occurs when one or more adenomas of your thyroid produce too much T-4. An adenoma is a part of the gland that has walled itself off from the rest of the gland, forming noncancerous (benign) lumps that may cause an enlargement of the thyroid.

 Thyroiditis. Sometimes your thyroid gland can become inflamed for unknown reasons. The inflammation can cause excess thyroid hormone stored in the gland to leak into your bloodstream.

Complications
A hyperactive thyroid gland if not treated can cause a number of complications. These complications vary widely and can be very serious. Hyperthyroidism can lead the following complications:

 Heart problems. Some of the most serious complications of hyperthyroidism involve the heart. These include a rapid heart rate, a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. These complications are generally reversible with appropriate treatment.

 Brittle bones. Untreated hyperthyroidism can also lead to weak, brittle bones (osteoporosis).

 Eye problems. People with Graves' ophthalmopathy develop eye problems, including bulging, red or swollen eyes, sensitivity to light, and blurring or double vision.

 Red, swollen skin. In rare cases, people with Graves' disease develop Graves' dermopathy which affects the skin, causing redness and swelling, often on the shins and feet.

 Thyrotoxic crisis. Hyperthyroidism also places an individual at risk of going into a thyrotoxic crisis — a sudden intensification of symptoms leading to a fever, a rapid pulse and even delirium. If this occurs the person should seek urgent medical attention.

Diagnosis and treatment
Following a detailed history and physical examination a number of tests are done to diagnose hyperthyroidism. Once a diagnosis is made appropriate treatment is started. Several treatments for hyperthyroidism exist. The best approach for the individual depends on a number of factors such as age, physical condition and the severity of the disorder. The vast majority of patients with overactive thyroid begin to feel better once they start treatment and continue to take the appropriate medications.

Conclusion
Many individuals in Anguilla suffer from an overactive thyroid gland and develop a number of symptoms some of which can become very serious if not correctly treated. The vast majority of individuals with this disorder begin to feel better and go on to live healthy lives once treatment is started.

Ask Your Dr is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr Brett Hodge is an obstetrician/gynaecologist and family doctor who has over twenty five years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.

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