The thyroid is a gland that is just under the Adam’s apple. This butterfly shaped gland is extremely important to every part of the body because it helps the cells to work normally. When the gland doesn’t work properly, it can have serious consequences. One problem that can develop is hyperthyroidism, which affects metabolism and heartbeat. About 60 percent of people who have a thyroid problem aren’t aware of it, so knowing more about hyperthyroidism could help you to recognize it in your senior parent.

Hyperthyroidism Defined
The thyroid gland manufactures two hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These two hormones regulate how energy is used in the body. When a person has hyperthyroidism, the thyroid makes more of these hormones than the body needs. If hyperthyroidism isn’t treated, it can cause serious complications, such as:

• Heart Problems: Some of the potential heart problems that hyperthyroidism can lead to are arrhythmia, rapid heartbeat, and congestive heart failure.
• Eye Issues: Some people develop Graves’ ophthalmology, in which the eyes are red, bulge, and light sensitive. Blurry and double vision also occur, and vision loss can happen if the condition isn’t treated.
• Weak Bones: Excess thyroid hormones keep the bones from using calcium, making them brittle.
  Skin Problems: Hyperthyroidism can make the skin red and swollen, particularly on the feet and shins.

There are several treatment options available. Medications include anti-thyroid medicines and radioactive iodine. Sometimes surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid is necessary.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Sometimes hyperthyroidism is tough to diagnose because it can look like other conditions. There are also a number of symptoms it can cause, and they vary from person to person. Some symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:

• Changes in heartbeat, such as a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
• Weight loss that occurs suddenly, even though the person is eating the same amount and their appetite is unchanged.
• Trembling hands and fingers.
• Sweating.
• Thinning skin.
• Hair that is brittle and fine.
• Feeling nervous, anxious, or irritable.
• Heat sensitivity.
• A swelling in the neck, called a goiter.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Fatigue.
• Muscle weakness.

If your senior parent has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, a home care provider can assist with their care. A home care provider can remind your parent to take their medications. If surgery is necessary, having a home care provider come to your parent’s house while they recover can allow them to rest comfortably. Home care providers can help with housework, cooking, laundry, and transportation, which means they can drive your parent to follow up appointments.

Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthyroidism/basics/definition/con-20020986
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hyperthyroidism
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/overactive-thyroid-hyperthyroidism
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthyroidism/basics/symptoms/con-20020986
http://www.btf-thyroid.org/information/your-thyroid-gland
https://www.thyroid.org/media-main/about-hypothyroidism/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthyroidism/basics/complications/con-20020986

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