Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Specialist Dr. Leyla Batmaz stated that toxic goiter (hyperthyroidism) can cause blindness and said, “The disease can be controlled with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.”
VM Medical Park Mersin Hospital Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Specialist Dr. Leyla Batmaz made a statement about toxic goiter (hyperthyroidism). Defining hyperthyroidism, Batmaz said, “It is a condition that occurs as a result of excessive hormone production by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck and produces thyroxine and triiodothyronine hormones that regulate metabolism. Excessive increase in the level of these hormones in the blood causes many complaints by abnormally increasing the metabolic rate in the body.”
“There may be a rapid heartbeat”
Stating that the symptoms of hyperthyroidism vary according to the hormone levels in the blood and that the severity of the symptoms increases as the hormone levels increase, Batmaz listed the symptoms that can be seen frequently as follows: “Extreme weakness and fatigue, rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, hand tremor, weight loss, nervousness and anxiety, sleep problems, changes in bowel movements, menstrual irregularities in women, excessive bleeding”.
Main causes of hyperthyroidism
Referring to the main causes of hyperthyroidism, Batmaz continued as follows: “Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It is an autoimmune disease; the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing excessive thyroid hormone production. Special symptoms of Graves' disease include graves' orbitopathy. The eyeballs protrude prominently. Patients complain of dryness, redness, burning, stinging, double vision or blurred vision. In Graves' orbitopathy, if precautions are not taken and adequate treatment is not given, it can lead to loss of vision, i.e. blindness. Toxic nodular goiter: Hyperthyroidism occurs when one or more nodules in the thyroid gland produce excess hormones. Thyroiditis; inflammation of the thyroid gland causes a temporary excessive increase in hormones due to the release of hormones already stored in the thyroid gland into the blood. Excessive iodine intake; consumption of foods or medicines containing excessive amounts of iodine causes excessive hormone production in the thyroid gland. Excessive use of thyroid hormone medications; people receiving thyroid hormone replacement therapy use their medications incorrectly or in excess doses.”
Methods used in diagnosis
Explaining the diagnostic process, Batmaz said, “Thyroid autoantibodies; anti thyroglobulin (Anti TG), Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO), Anti-TSH receptor antibody. Thyroid ultrasonography; used to evaluate nodules or other structural abnormalities in the thyroid gland. Thyroid scintigraphy; thyroid gland is visualized using radioactive iodine or technetium.”
Treatment options
Pointing out that the treatment of hyperthyroidism may vary according to the cause of hyperthyroidism, Batmaz listed the treatment methods that can be applied as follows:
“Anti-thyroid drugs; drugs such as methimazole or propylthiouracil are used to reduce hormone production in the thyroid gland. Radioactive iodine therapy; radioactive iodine is used to shrink the thyroid gland and reduce hormone production. This treatment is usually permanent and can lead to hypothyroidism. Surgical intervention; surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland. It is usually preferred when other treatments have failed or if there is a risk of thyroid cancer. Beta blockers are used to control heart rate and relieve symptoms such as palpitations, but do not directly affect thyroid hormone levels.”
Emphasizing that the disease can be controlled with early diagnosis, Batmaz said, “Hyperthyroidism is a serious health problem and the disease can be controlled with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. When symptoms are noticed, an endocrinology and metabolic diseases physician should be consulted.”
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