HYPERTHYROIDISM is the second most common endocrine disease after diabetes in Malaysia and symptoms can mimic common issues, so many cases are often left untreated.
According to recent research, about 50 per cent of people with thyroid disease often go undiagnosed.
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that produces hormones for metabolic and growth processes.
Hyperthyroidism is caused by an overproduction of hormones but is often left untreated which could be dangerous to overall health and wellbeing.
Patients diagnosed with hyperthyroidism face weight loss, a rapid heart rate, irritability, fatigue, or even menstrual irregularities. This poses a challenge for patients and healthcare professionals because if left untreated, it can cause much harm to their health and overall wellbeing.
In severe cases, untreated hyperthyroidism can cause blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related problems, affect the eye, cause thinning bones and muscles and even fertility issues.
Regency Specialist Hospital endocrinologist and internal medicine specialist, Dr Luqman Ibrahim explains that in most cases, many of these symptoms may not raise alarm bells.
As a result, many do not get them checked out. Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to atrial fibrillation or heart failure, low bone density, and even death from multiple organ failure, also known as thyroid storm.
Dr Luqman says a thyroid storm is rare and life-threatening and is often caused by severe hyperthyroidism. The signs can include high fever, irregular or fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, vomiting and diarrhoea that requires quick and emergency medical treatment.
If you are experiencing symptoms or have a family history of thyroid disease, it is essential to schedule a visit with your doctor or get tested. There are several ways medical professionals are able to detect whether you have hyperthyroidism.
"We always encourage patients to visit their doctor if they suspect that they might have hyperthyroidism or thyroid disease or a family history."
One of the ways used to diagnose patients is through a simple blood test. The blood test measures levels of thyroid hormones (thyroxine, or T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormones (TSH) in your blood. In some cases, a scan with radioactive iodine will be used to measure the patient's thyroid function.
This determines how much iodine is taken up by the thyroid gland and would help the diagnosis process.
The good news is that hyperthyroidism can be treated effectively. According to Dr Luqman, treatment choice depends on the underlying causes and severity of the disease.
BE ALERT
Monitor your thyroid to help prevent hyperthyroidism.
*Check your medication dose
Patients with Hashimoto's disease will be prescribed thyroid replacement hormone medication. However, it can trigger an overactive thyroid if they take too much thyroid hormone.
Do check to make sure the correct dose is taken if you've been prescribed thyroid hormone to prevent this from happening.
*It could be your food
In rare cases, your thyroid can become overactive if you eat too many foods that contain iodine, such as table salt, fish and seaweed.
*Get tested if you suspect it
Though you may not be able to prevent thyroid disease, you can control its complications by getting diagnosed right away and following the treatment your doctor prescribes.