Thyroid diseases

Hyperthyroidism is an uncontrolled production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland.

This can be caused by a number of things. Nodules called autonomous adenomas are often found, or Graves' disease may be present. Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease. A special antibody, the TSH receptor antibody, stimulates the thyroid gland to produce hormones.

Hyperthyroidism leads to an increase in the body's metabolism. People with hyperthyroidism have an increased appetite, but calories are also burned more quickly and diarrhoea may occur. The weight loss that often accompanies this is often perceived positively at first. In the long term, however, it has a negative effect on the body.

In addition, the heart is forced to work harder - blood pressure rises and the heart beats faster. If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias.

Too little or no thyroid hormone is produced in an underactive thyroid.

This can be caused by thyroid surgery or radio therapy to the neck area. The autoimmune disease Hashimoto's thyroiditis also causes hypothyroidism. In this disease, the body's immune response is directed against its own thyroid cells, leading to gradual destruction of the thyroid gland and loss of function.

An underactive thyroid slows down many metabolic processes. The heart beats more slowly, leading to heart failure in the long term. Reduced bowel activity leads to constipation. Patients feel more tired or even depressed. Weight increases. If left untreated, complete hypothyroidism leads to death.