Why Hyperthyroidism is Dangerous
The overactivity of the thyroid is a danger for our body: the metabolism is literally poisoned by the excess of hormones. A responsible prevention A thyroid check is therefore also necessary.
That as part of a healthy Nutrition It is now common knowledge that you should pay attention to your iodine intake. Nevertheless, around 15% of all cases of hyperthyroidism are due to the intake of too much iodine - for example to prevent goiter. However, this occurs less through food than through medication, disinfectants or iodine-containing X-ray contrast media.
In addition, genetic predisposition and autoimmune diseases are among the main causes of hyperthyroidism. In the latter case, antibodies turn against the body and stimulate the thyroid to produce more hormones. In older people, the so-called thyroid autonomy is often trigger: Regardless of the need and control by the pituitary gland, the thyroid produces excessive amounts of hormones.
But what happens when the thyroid is stimulated to over-function in this way? “If there is a pathological overproduction of thyroid hormones, there is an oversupply in our body: the hormones tetraiodothyronine (thyroxine/T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) enter the bloodstream in permanently increased quantities and impair our regular metabolism,” reports Dr. Reinhold Lunow, internist and medical director of the practice clinic for preventive medicine and Diagnosis in Bornheim near Cologne and Bonn. The specialist has been treating patients suffering from hyperthyroidism for over 25 years.
Hyperthyroidism can take on life-threatening forms
Women are around five times more likely to suffer from an overactive thyroid than men. The consequences of the disease can be non-specific, but can also take on dramatic forms. Symptoms include:
- nervousness, aggressiveness, mood swings, sleep disorders
- increased pulse, cardiac arrhythmia, Hypertension, constricting feeling in the heart area
- increased body temperature, hypersensitivity to heat, sweating
- weight loss despite strong hunger
- muscle cramps and tremors
- diarrhea
- brittle fingernails and hair, hair loss
- increased insulin requirement in existing Diabetes mellitus
What is particularly tricky is that due to their increased concentration, the hormones act like toxins on the body. In acute and severe cases, a thyrotoxic crisis can develop with life-threatening conditions such as rapid heartbeat, impaired adrenal function and even circulatory failure.
Use the thyroid check at the Praxisklinik Bornheim
"A thyroid check Therefore, it is absolutely essential to consider the individual provision and should always be carried out by a specialist," says Dr. Lunow. "In our practice clinic we carry out a sonography of the thyroid A gentle procedure that, unlike other examination methods, is completely radiation-free. Also included is a determination of the Thyroid hormones T3 and T4 as well as the control hormone TSH for investigation."
There is currently no causal treatment for hyperthyroidism. Anyone who wants to prevent it can do so with plenty of exercise and a balanced diet with optimal iodine intake, for example by using iodized table salt and eating sea fish at least once or twice a week.
“Anyone who is unsure about their thyroid or who suffers from unclear symptoms that could be related to an overactive thyroid should decide to have their thyroid checked as soon as possible to be on the safe side,” advises Dr. Lunow.