Complications of Uncontrolled Hyperthyroidism
An overactive release of hormones from the thyroid is usually an illness with mild complications that are routine to control and reverse. That doesn’t mean you can ignore the issue if you have any of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. If you have questions or concerns about uncontrolled hyperthyroidism see your local doctor.
Getting treatment as soon as possible can help you prevent the more serious and possibly permanent complications that the disease can cause.
Hyperthyroid Signals
The first step to preventing long-term damage is to talk to your doctor if you notice any of the following hyperthyroid signals:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Changes in bowel movements
- Hot flashes or sensitivity to heat
- Dry, itchy eyes
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Swelling or discomfort of the neck
- Hair loss
- Extreme and unexplained fatigue or weakness
Cardiac Problems Caused by an Overactive Thyroid
An overactive thyroid kicks the entire circulatory system into overdrive. The excessive speed of circulation and heart rate left untreated causes wear that may lead to many forms of heart failure. The heart rhythm changes cause atrial fibrillation. It can also lead to congestive heart failure. All of these complications will generally reverse when hyperthyroidism is treated, but when it is not, they can be fatal.
Long-Term Hyperthyroidism Damage
Even though getting treatment for thyroid disease reverses most effects of the disease, there can be longer lasting damage. More serious complications are often the effect of not treating the disease as quickly as possible, so when you notice any of the above symptoms, speak with your physician quickly. It is a lot better to find out the problems you are experiencing are normal, or not related to thyroid function than to deal with the lifetime damage afterwards.
Thyroid Disease and Eye Problems
When this type of thyroid disease is caused by Graves disease, one of the most striking symptoms is bulging eyes. The appearance is created by swelling muscles around the eye that push the eyeball out.
The bulging also makes eyes dry because lids cannot close properly over them. The untreated disease left can cause double vision and loss of sight over time. Complete blindness may also occur when it is not treated.
Thyrotoxic Crisis
The rapid pulse rate and circulatory issues created by hyperthyroidism can cause a collapse in the system that is fatal if not immediately corrected. The symptoms of a thyrotoxic crisis are fever, pounding heartbeat and rapid pulse, and possibly delirium.
If you have questions or concerns about thyroid problems or hyperthyroidism see your local doctor who will arrange for you to see a thyroid surgeon.
