High metabolism

High metabolism

High metabolism (hyperthyroidism) is due to excessive production of metabolic hormones in the thyroid gland. High metabolism is characterized by, among other things, palpitations, nervousness and tremors. Women aged 20-40 are most frequently affected, but men are also affected.

How is the body's metabolism regulated?

The body's metabolism is regulated by a careful cooperation between a center in the brain (hypothalamus), a gland in the brain (pituitary gland) and the thyroid gland (thyroid).

The pituitary gland regulates production of the metabolic hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine in the thyroid gland. These hormones regulate the body's metabolism/combustion and are also necessary for a number of other organs in the body to function normally.

Reduced production of thyroxine and triiodothyronine results in low metabolism (hypothyroidism), while overproduction results in high metabolism (hyperthyroidism).

Causes of high metabolism

The most common cause of high metabolism in Norway is Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease of unknown cause. In Graves' disease, the body creates substances that mimic stimuli from the pituitary gland, this increases the production of metabolic hormones in the thyroid gland.

Other causes of high metabolism can be

• Thyroxine overdose

• Tumor in the pituitary gland

• Inflammation of the thyroid gland

• High intake of iodine (observe iodine-containing health food products)

• side effects of drugs

Symptoms of high metabolism

• Heart palpitations

• Restlessness/restlessness, irritability, nervousness and sleep difficulties

• Sweating and heat intolerance

• Skin that is warm and clammy

• Loose stools

• Fatigue/slackness

• Weight loss despite good appetite

• Trembling

• Eye symptoms (bulging eyes, photophobia, burning, swollen eyelids)

• Menstrual disorders

• Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland)

Treatment of high metabolism

High metabolism can be treated with medication, radioactive irradiation or surgery. All treatment can cause permanent low metabolism as a side effect. It may then become necessary to take tablets with artificially produced metabolic hormone for the rest of your life. The choice of treatment depends on the age, size of the thyroid gland and the state of health.

Medicines

Treatment with so-called thyrostatics prevents the formation of thyroid hormone and thus reduces the symptoms of high metabolism. It takes time (normally 6-24 months) before the production of metabolic hormones normalizes. Thyrostatics are often combined with tablets against low metabolism (thyroxine tablets) to provide a stable level of metabolic hormones.

Beta-blockers are a blood pressure medication that can be used to reduce symptoms such as palpitations and tremors in the case of high metabolism.

Radioactive treatment

Radioactive treatment involves receiving a dose of radioactive iodine. Radioactive iodine will only attack the thyroid gland, and the thyroid gland will be destroyed without harming other parts of the body. Radioactive iodine is therefore considered a safe method of treatment. The treatment is normally only offered to well-grown men and women. Full effect is achieved after 4-12 weeks, and a single treatment is often enough. The treatment has few side effects, but will eventually cause a permanently low metabolism and require lifelong treatment with thyroxine.

Surgery

Complete or partial removal of the thyroid gland may be relevant in some individuals with a high metabolism, especially if there are tumors in the gland. The procedure cures the condition in most cases, and rarely leads to complications. Over time, the metabolism will become permanently low, and lifelong treatment with thyroxine tablets will be necessary.

Sources: Norwegian drug handbook for healthcare personnel, Norwegian health informatics for healthcare personnel and the Joint Catalogue.