Curious about hyperthyroidism’s potential threat to life? 

Hyperthyroidism takes place when the thyroid gland releases excessive hormones. 

While hyperthyroidism can pose risks, especially if ignored, understanding its reality is key. It’s like having a car that speeds up without control—scary, right? But just like driving safely with the right precautions, managing hyperthyroidism can be handled. 

Staying informed, seeking medical advice, and following treatment plans can prevent the worst outcomes. So buckle up as we’ll guide you with all the insights about hyperthyroidism and its overall threat. 

Key Takeaways

It very well might be life-threatening. Severe hyperthyroidism can be dangerous if you don’t check for the symptoms and signs of it immediately. 

In most cases, the patients suffer because they are unaware of the condition. So, if you don’t wanna be one of those, you must get on with the doctor’s consultation as soon as you see any possible symptoms.

Is Hyperthyroidism Life-Threatening? (Explained) 

Sometimes, hyperthyroidism can cause life-threatening symptoms. Essentially, hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland releases too much thyroid hormone. This condition comes with a bunch of symptoms such as Hyperthyroidism usually speeds the body’s metabolism and causes many symptoms, including: 

  • Hand tremors
  • Weight loss
  • Irregular or rapid heartbeat

There are several treatments available, but red light therapy is considered to be the most effective. According to experts, RLT helps protect the thyroid gland, but consistency is a must to get the most out of this therapy. 

Radioiodine and anti-thyroid medicines are also some of the recommended treatment options to slow down excessive thyroid hormone secretion. 

There are times when hyperthyroidism treatment even includes surgeries to remove certain parts of your thyroid gland. 

Note: Apart from the RLT session, no other treatments are recommended without your healthcare professional’s direct instructions and prescription. 

Possible Complications

Here are the most frequent complications you may encounter with hyperthyroidism.

Complication Type Symptoms  Outcome (worst possible case)
Heart Problems
  • heart rhythm disorder (atrial fibrillation)
  • Improper blood circulation 
 Congestive heart failure
Vision Problems
  • Gritty sensation
  • Pain or pressure
  • Retracted or puffy eyelids
  • Light sensitivity
  • Bulging eyes
  • Double vision

Note: This thyroid eye disease is pretty common among smokers

 

 Loss of vision
Brittle Bones
  • Weak bones
  • Severe bone ache
  • Lack of walking strength 
 Tendency to break your bones
Thyrotoxic Crisis
  • Nausea
  • Fever
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Delirium
  • Dehydration 
 Thyrotoxic crisis
Discolored and Swollen Skin
  • Skin swelling
  • Skin discoloration 
 Graves’ dermopathy

Risk Factors

Here are a few risk factors associated with hyperthyroidism. 

  • Chances you’ll have hyperthyroidism if you have thyroid disease in your family history, especially Graves’ disease. Around 1.2% of the population in the US have Graves’ disease. 
  • Primary adrenal insufficiency and pernicious anemia can cause hyperthyroidism. Approximately 2% (elderly over 60) tend to have pernicious anemia.
  • Certain pregnancy complications can also elevate the risk of thyroiditis. 

The Right Time to Consult a Doctor

When you suddenly lose weight or notice sudden changes in your heartbeat (usually rapid), you should consult your doctor. If you have swelling at the base of your neck or unusual sweating, you should also consult a professional. 

Tell your doctor about all these symptoms, even the minor ones. This way, your doctor can assure you whether you’ve hyperthyroidism or not. 

Moreover, after your diagnosis, you may need to undergo regular follow-ups. Your doctor can even suggest medications and regular use of at-home RLT sessions. 

Know the Hyperthyroidism Symptoms

Hyperthyroidism appears more like any other health condition. This is why it can sometimes be challenging to figure out the possible treatments. Here are some of the most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. 

  • Increased hunger
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Increased heartbeat
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Heart palpitations
  • Anxiety 
  • Tremor of fingers and hands
  • Menstrual cycle changes
  • Sweating
  • Severe heat sensitivity
  • Enlarged thyroid gland
  • Muscle weakness
  • Tiredness
  • Thinning skin
  • Warm and moist skin
  • Sleep problems
  • Fine and brittle hair.

These are a few of the symptoms that most hyperthyroidism patients encounter. However, there can be more, and if you notice any of these signs, don’t delay seeking the assistance of an expert. 

What Causes Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism results from several disorders that affect the thyroid gland. The thyroid affects almost all other systems in your body as it produces two major hormones: 

  • T-4
  • T-3

Both these hormones play a huge role in cellular mechanisms—regulating your metabolic activity of: 

  • fats and carbohydrates
  • body temperature
  • heart rate
  • controlling protein synthesis

This hormonal malfunction sets a ripple effect of physiological derangements like: : 

  • unexplained weight loss
  • tachycardia or arrhythmias
  • sweating 
  • jitteriness
  • fatigue

The increased metabolic rate caused by hyperthyroidism can quickly trigger a set of physiological changes that affect the entire system, such as: 

  • weakness
  • tremors
  • heat intolerance

Note: It can also interfere with the gastrointestinal system, manifesting in diarrhea and increased appetite, despite weight loss. Hyperthyroidism, if left untreated, may lead to serious complications, like: 

  • cardiac arrhythmias
  • osteoporosis
  • thyroid storm

Bottom Line

Hyperthyroidism indeed brings in risks that you can’t ignore. It’s not always life-threatening, but if not addressed at the right time, it can prove fatal. 

Moreover, when properly diagnosed and cared for, patients can still lead pretty satisfying lives. Regular check-ups, medications, and lifestyle adjustments like taking red light therapy sessions can help prevent post-symptoms or any other complications.