March 20, 2025

Hyperthyroidism: What It Is, Why It Matters & When to Get Tested

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, but its role in your body is anything but small. It controls metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, and even heart rate. When the thyroid produces too much hormone, the body’s processes speed up, leading to hyperthyroidism. While some might dismiss the symptoms as stress or lifestyle-related, untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to serious health risks, including heart problems and osteoporosis.

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, but its role in your body is anything but small. It controls metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, and even heart rate. When the thyroid produces too much hormone, the body’s processes speed up, leading to hyperthyroidism. While some might dismiss the symptoms as stress or lifestyle-related, untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to serious health risks, including heart problems and osteoporosis.

These symptoms can be easily mistaken for stress, excessive caffeine intake, or simply “overworking” yourself. That’s why a thyroid function test is crucial-it’s the only way to know for sure if your thyroid is working as it should.

Hyperthyroidism doesn’t always announce itself loudly. In many cases, it starts with subtle changes-maybe you feel anxious for no reason, your heart races unexpectedly, or you’re sweating even when it’s not particularly warm. You might find yourself losing weight without trying, struggling to sleep, or noticing your hands tremble slightly. Some people also experience bulging eyes or vision problems, particularly in cases of Graves’ disease, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.

What Causes an Overactive Thyroid?

One of the leading causes of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks the thyroid, causing it to work overtime. Another possible cause is thyroid nodules, which are small lumps in the gland that can produce extra hormones. In some cases, consuming too much iodine—whether through supplements or iodine-rich foods—can trigger an overactive thyroid as well.

Whatever the cause, early detection is key. Ignoring hyperthyroidism can lead to complications like irregular heartbeats, weakened bones, and, in extreme cases, a thyroid storm which is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

How Can You Check Your Thyroid Health?

The most reliable way to diagnose hyperthyroidism is through a thyroid blood test, which measures hormone levels in your body. At Hi-Tech Diagnostic Centre, we offer a comprehensive thyroid panel that includes:

T3 & T4 Tests – These check the total amount of thyroid hormones in your blood.
FT3 & FT4 (Free T3 & Free T4) Tests – These assess the active thyroid hormones available for use.
TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) Test – This is one of the first markers of thyroid dysfunction.
AMA (Anti-Microsomal Antibody) & FTG (Free Thyroxine Index) Tests – These help identify autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Our fully automated laboratory ensures that your results are accurate, fast, and reliable, so you can take the next steps toward managing your thyroid health with confidence.

When Should You Get Tested?
If you’ve been feeling off—experiencing unexplained weight changes, irregular heartbeats, restlessness, or persistent fatigue—it’s worth checking your thyroid levels. A simple TSH test at Hi-Tech Palarivattom or any of our 29 Kochi branches can provide the clarity you need.

Your health shouldn’t be a guessing game. Book your thyroid test thttps://hitechdiagnosticcentre.com/oday and take control of your well-being.

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