hipertiroizëm

Hipertiroidizem, also known as overactive thyroid, is a medical condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is located in the neck and produces hormones that regulate metabolism, affecting heart rate, body temperature, and energy levels. When there is an excess of these hormones, the body's functions speed up, leading to a range of symptoms.

Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include an increased heart rate, often referred to as palpitations, unexplained weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite, tremors, particularly in the hands, and anxiety or nervousness. Individuals may also experience increased sweating, heat intolerance, changes in bowel patterns such as more frequent stools, and difficulty sleeping. In some cases, eye changes can occur, such as bulging eyes (exophthalmos), dry eyes, or redness and swelling around the eyes. Women may also experience irregular menstrual cycles.

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, stimulating it to produce too much hormone. Other causes can include toxic nodules in the thyroid gland, thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid), and excessive intake of thyroid hormone medication.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels (T3 and T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and sometimes imaging tests like a thyroid scan or ultrasound. Treatment aims to reduce the production of thyroid hormones or block their effects. Options include antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, and in some cases, surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. The specific treatment plan depends on the cause, severity of the condition, and individual patient factors.