Hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease: symptoms and treatment

THYROID PATHOLOGY

Thyroid gland produces T3 and T4.

If levels of T3 and T4 are excess this is a Thyrotoxicosis (hyperthyroidism)

The main cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease.

Graves' disease

Epidemiology and Etiology

- 2% of women and in men the incidence is ten times lower

- Present in an age range between 20 and 50 years of age

Pathophysiology

-Autoimmune pathology

-Presence of TSI (immunoglobulin)

-Primary involvement

Clinical Manifestations

Weight loss, exophthalmos, hyperactivity, nervousness,

irritability, fatigue, insomnia, impaired concentration, hyperreflexia, muscle wasting, sinus tachycardia, alopecia, etc.

Diagnosis

- Blood biometry test (high T3-T4 and low TSH)

- Radioactive iodine uptake

- Ultrasound (imaging test)

Treatment

-Reducing thyroid hormone synthesis (Methimazole or Proprioturacil)

- Reducing the amount of thyroid tissue with radioiodine (131 I)

- Thyroidectomy