Introduction:

T4 and T3 are the two main hormones released from the thyroid gland that are responsible for the several conditions and diseases. In a healthy human, these two hormones are produced in a normal and required amount. While the over production of the hormones causes hyperthyroidism and a lower production causes hypothyroidism.

These two hormones are responsible for several functions such as all metabolic activities which thus affect the amount of calories that we burn, the warmth or coldness that we feel, our weight, etc.

Moreover, these hormones also have a direct effect on several organs of our body such as heart. Actually, every single cell in our body responds to the level of the thyroid hormones in our body and hence with a higher amount of thyroid hormone in the blood, the cells also perform their functions at a higher rate.

Hyperthyroidism is the term used to describe the condition and the symptoms associated with the over-production of the thyroid hormone. Graves Disease is the condition caused when the entire gland over produces the hormone in the body.

Causes:

-          The Graves disease is the most basic reason that causes hyperthyroidism. The disease is briefed up as an enlarged thyroid gland producing more thyroid hormones.

-          Hyperthyroidism can also be caused due to a single nodule present in the thyroid instead of the complete thyroid. These nodules mainly represent a benign lump or tumor in the thyroid and produce excessively high amounts of hormones which leads to another condition called goiter.

-          An inflammation in the thyroid gland which in the medical terms is known as Thyroiditis also causes the large production of the hormone.

-          Patients suffering from any of the other forms of thyroid are usually given dosages of the required hormone which thus leads to hyperthyroidism. Hence it gets important that you take your treatment from good doctor after consulting the exact problem.

Symptoms:

Usually, the symptoms of the disease are all similar without being related to the cause of the disease. These symptoms include:

-          Patients with hyperthyroidism feel hotter than the others.

-          They tend to lose weight slowly despite a good appetite.

-          Experience Fatigue and also troubles in sleeping.

-          Irregular heartbeat and a trembling hand.

-          In the severe cases, patients may feel shortness of breath, muscle weakness or even chest pain.

-          Increased bowel movements.

-          Warm moist skin all through the body.

-          Staring gaze

-          Hyperthyroid Hair loss

These symptoms can occur for more than a month without getting diagnosed for the problem. Also, they can get severe in many cases causing severe problems. Also check out the treatment for hyperthyroidism in the following article. Well, apart from the occurrence of this disease in humans, Feline hyperthyroidism has also been noticed in cats.