What Does Hyperthyroidism Mean?
In a previous article on obesity, we discovered how potentially dangerous it is to your health. Towards the end, I mentioned three conditions; Glucocorticoids, Cushing's Syndrome and Hyperthyroidism. You may well have thought; "What's the old goat on about now?" So I thought a little bit of an explanation of these three wouldn't come amiss, so we can find out what does hyperthyroidism mean as well as the other two.
1. Glucocorticoids. These are many and various and are naturally produced in the body. In fact, they're steroid hormones, but not of the anabolic type that bodybuilders use to increase muscle mass. These are catabolic steroids, which means they're designed to break down compounds.
Natural glucocorticoids are produced in the adrenal glands which are located immediately above the kidneys. (The word 'adrenal' comes from 'ad,' meaning 'top of,' and 'renal,' which means kidney). The region of the adrenal glands, called the cortex, is where glucocorticoids are manufactured in the body.
They can be artificially made too, probably the best known one being prednisone.
2. Hyperthyroidism. This is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much of the thyroid hormone. You often hear it referred to as an 'overactive thyroid.' Some of the symptoms are:
Difficulty concentrating.
Fatigue.
Heat Intolerance.
Increased Appetite.
Increased Sweating.
Irregular Menstrual Periods.
Nervousness.
Weight Loss.
The thyroid is to be found in the neck below the thyroid cartilage, or what's commonly known as the Adam's Apple.
Another symptom of hyperthyroidism is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, producing a goiter. The hormones produced by the thyroid regulate the rate of metabolism, which in turn is the process by which food is digested and energy supplied.
3. Cushing's Syndrome. This is a hormonal disorder caused by high levels of cortisol in the blood.
A quick look at the diagnosis for obesity may be wise, although usually a height and weight measurement is sufficient. However, a physical exam never hurts, and I think a wise doctor would go rather further in his basic diagnosis to ascertain whether or not there are other problems underlying the obesity.
Therefore, he may very well ask for a complete medical history, which will include a family history, the age at which you realized your weight was beginning to be out of control.
Your eating and exercise routine.
Whether or not you smoke or drink and also whether you've attempted to lose weight before. If you have, when did you attempt this and how successful were you?
Also, the doctor may well order blood tests, including fasting levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides, to find out whether any obesity-related conditions are present, such as the three we've just examined.
Well, I hope I've managed to answer 'What Does Hyperthyroidism Mean?' Together with the other two conditions.
© Mike Bond. Posted on August 29, 2010
