Hyperthyroidism is the second-most common endocrine disease after diabetes in Malaysia. Symptoms, however, can often be mistaken for other common issues, so many cases – up to 50% of patients – often go untreated.

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that produces hormones for metabolic and growth processes. Hyperthyroidism is caused by an overproduction of hormones, which could be dangerous to one’s overall health and wellbeing.

Those with the condition could face weight loss, rapid heart rate, irritability, fatigue, or menstrual irregularities. It could lead to fertility issues, low bone density,eye problems, blood clots, stroke, heart failure, or other heart-related problems.

In severe cases, it could even result in multiple organ failure, known as a “thyroid storm”.

Unfortunately, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism – such as high fever, irregular or rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, vomiting, and/or diarrhoea – are often dismissed as non-threatening or temporary.

Women might assume these symptoms to be linked to their menstrual cycles, while others associate them with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.

It’s important to visit your doctor to get checked if you have any of these symptoms and/or have a family history of thyroid disease, said Dr Luqman Ibrahim, consultant endocrinologist at Regency Specialist Hospital in Johor.

There are several ways for doctors to detect hyperthyroidism. A simple blood test is usually done to measure one’s levels of thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormones.

In some cases, a scan with radioactive iodine is used to measure the patient’s thyroid function, to determine how much iodine is taken up by the gland.

The good news is, hyperthyroidism can be treated effectively, and treatment options depend on the underlying causes and severity of the disease.

“These include hormone-lowering medications that can be taken orally or by an injection, thyroid-gland ablation with radioactive iodine, or surgical resection of the thyroid gland if it protrudes,” Luqman said.

“Treatment depends on factors such as the complexity of the case, as well as patient comorbidities and preferences.

“I would recommend that everyone includes thyroid-hormone testing in their annual checkups and blood tests.”

Luqman also shares some tips on how to prevent hyperthyroidism.

• Check your medication dose

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. Those with this condition are prescribed hormone-replacement medication, which could trigger an overactive thyroid if they don’t take the correct doses.

Ensure you take your medication as prescribed to prevent this from happening.

• Eat in moderation

In rare cases, your thyroid can become overactive if you consume too much food that contains iodine, such as table salt, nuts, fish, and seaweed.

• Get checked

Although you might not be able to prevent thyroid disease, you can control its complications by getting diagnosed right away and following the treatment your doctor prescribes.

This article was written by Dr Luqman Ibrahim, consultant endocrinologist and internal medicine specialist at Regency Specialist Hospital, Johor, in conjunction with World Thyroid Day today.