A health condition in which you have increased levels of thyroid hormone in the body is called thyrotoxicosis. Usually, those who develop this condition experience unusual weight loss, a fast heart rate, and shakiness. Treatment is also different among people with this condition because it depends on the underlying cause. However, the thyroid hormone has an important role in our bodies because it controls metabolism (a process that transforms food into energy). Moreover, one of the most common causes of thyrotoxicosis is hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland).
Is Thyrotoxicosis Life-threatening?
In severe cases, this health condition can be life-threatening. It often occurs due to a sudden event (such as an infection or surgery), and it is known as a thyroid storm or thyroid crisis. While it happens rarely, people often experience it when suddenly interrupting the taking of anti-thyroid medicines.
Symptoms
While most of the time symptoms are mild, some people may experience moderate to severe symptoms. Check below some symptoms of thyrotoxicosis:
- Unusual weight loss
- Tachycardia (fast heart rate, often more than 100 beats per minute)
- Shakiness
- Nervousness, irritability, or anxiety
- Increased sensitivity to heat
- Changes in menstrual periods
- Arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm)
If you develop any of the previous symptoms, immediately seek medical care.
A rare but serious form of thyrotoxicosis is thyroid storm. If you experience it, you should go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 in the U.S. However, people who develop a thyroid storm usually experience a fast heart rate (more than 140 beats per minute), high fever, confusion, and even loss of consciousness.
Causes
There are multiple diseases and situations that may cause thyrotoxicosis. For example:
- Hyperthyroidism – This is a condition in which the thyroid gland begins to produce too many hormones, and it is the most common cause of this disease. However, an overactive thyroid gland may occur due to Graves’ disease (an autoimmune condition) and overactive thyroid nodules (toxic multinodular goiter).
- Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland) – This condition may occur due to bacterial and fungal infections, immune system problems, and certain medicines (including Interferons and Lithium). It also causes the thyroid gland to leak thyroid hormone, which leads to an increased level of thyroid hormone in the blood. Some people may develop this condition after pregnancy (postpartum thyroiditis).
- Excess thyroid medicines – Some people may develop thyrotoxicosis because of excessive thyroid medicines (such as Levothyroxine). These medications are often taken by people who suffer from hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland).
- Too much thyroid hormone from food – Sometimes, this condition may happen due to excessive foods that contain thyroid hormone (such as beef that is contaminated with thyroid hormone from the cow’s neck). It is also known as “hamburger thyrotoxicosis”, and it happens quite rarely.
Risk Factors
Some factors may significantly increase the risk of developing thyrotoxicosis. Examples include:
- Sex – Women are more likely to develop this condition than men.
- A family history of thyroid disease, especially Graves’ disease.
- Age – People over 60 years old are at increased risk of developing thyrotoxicosis.
- Autoimmune disorders – For example, type 1 diabetes, pernicious anemia, Addison’s disease, and others.
- The period after pregnancy
- Lifestyle and environmental factors – Examples include smoking, excessive iodine from diet, certain supplements or medicines, and others.
What Are The Potential Complications of Thyrotoxicosis?
Those who ignore the symptoms or do not get treatment for this condition may also experience some complications. Check some examples below:
- Atrial fibrillation (Afib)
- Ischemic stroke
- Congestive heart failure
- Osteoporosis (brittle bones)
- Muscle weakness
- Heart failure
- Thyroid storm
- Neurological problems (such as seizures)
- Hypercalcemia
- Nondiabetic ketoacidosis
- Thyroid eye disease (also known as Graves ophthalmopathy)
This article does not contain a full list of thyrotoxicosis complications. In any case, you can talk with your doctor about ways to reduce the risk or prevent complications of this disease.
How to Prevent Thyrotoxicosis?
Unfortunately, most cases of this disease cannot be prevented. If you are on treatment with thyroid medicines, you should follow the doctor’s recommendations carefully to avoid getting too much thyroid hormone in the blood. Therefore, it reduces the risk of developing thyrotoxicosis.
Diagnosis
In most cases, physicians diagnose this condition by performing a blood test that shows increased thyroid hormone levels and low or lack of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). When it is not clear, doctors may perform the following tests and examinations to confirm the condition and rule out others that cause similar symptoms. Examples include:
- A physical examination – During this procedure, doctors will check for tremors and a fast heart rate that often indicate thyrotoxicosis.
- Thyroid blood tests – While regular blood tests are used to check for thyroid hormone levels, doctors may also perform a thyroid antibody blood test to check if Graves’ disease is the cause of thyrotoxicosis.
- Imaging tests – Physicians may also perform some imaging tests to identify the exact cause of thyrotoxicosis. They often perform a thyroid ultrasound and a RAIU (radioactive iodine uptake) test and scan.
Treatment
The treatment for this condition is often different among people because it depends on the underlying cause, the severity of the disease, overall health, age, and preferences. Check below some treatments commonly prescribed by doctors for people with thyrotoxicosis:
- Anti-thyroid medicines – Usually, doctors recommend Methimazole and Propylthiouracil (PTU) to reduce thyroid hormone production. These medicines can also be used if you experience hyperthyroidism.
- Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy – This therapy is used to destroy thyroid cells. Unfortunately, it often leads to permanent damage to the thyroid. As a result, people who get this treatment often need to administer thyroid medicines for the rest of their lives.
- Surgery – In some cases, doctors may recommend thyroidectomy (the removal of the thyroid gland) to treat thyrotoxicosis. However, it causes lifelong hypothyroidism.
- Beta-blockers – This group of medications is often prescribed by doctors to reduce symptoms of thyrotoxicosis. These include tremors, nervousness, a fast heart rate, and others.
- Glucocorticoids (Corticosteroids) – These medicines are used to lessen pain and inflammation in people with thyroiditis.
When people develop this condition due to contaminated beef or thyroid medicines, it often goes away when they stop taking medicines or eating this contaminated meat. Furthermore, when a thyroid storm occurs, people get treatment in the hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
How serious is thyrotoxicosis?
While the condition is not dangerous itself, it can cause life-threatening complications without treatment. For example, delirium, mental health problems, osteoporosis (bone loss), muscle weakness, and others. If you suspect you develop any of the previous complications or any others that cause concerns, immediately contact your physician.
What are the symptoms of a thyroid storm?
Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 in the U.S. if you experience any of the following symptoms. For example:
- High fever
- Fast heart rate
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Severe confusion and agitation
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Loss of consciousness
What is the difference between hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis?
While hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) refers to excessive thyroid hormone production, thyrotoxicosis is the clinical manifestation of symptoms of excessive T3 and T4 hormones. Sometimes, these conditions are used interchangeably. Ask your healthcare provider if you have additional questions.
