Hyperthyroidism is the term used to describe the overproduction of thyroid hormones caused by over-activity of the thyroid gland. This gland is situated in the front of the neck. It is not usually noticeable, except when it becomes enlarged (goitre).

The thyroid gland produces two hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which are both essential for normal body cell functions. If either one or both of these hormones are released in excessive amounts, hyperthyroidism will develop.

The condition is usually associated with a general increase in the size of the gland (when it may be called Graves disease), or with one or more nodules (toxic or hot nodules) appearing on the gland.

What causes Hyperthyroidism?

Graves disease, the most common cause, is an auto-immune disorder in which the body makes antibodies which stimulate cell activity inside the thyroid gland. Another common cause of the condition is when an enlarged thyroid becomes overactive becomes overactive (Toxic modular goitre).

About 1:100 adults develop hyperthyroidism, and women are 5-7 times more likely than men to suffer from this disease. It can occur at many age, but the most common suffers are adults between 30 and 60 years old.

How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed and treated?

The common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are agitation, restlessness and a tremor. There is often loss of weight, despite an increased appetite, and profuse sweating, with a dislike of hot weather. The eyes may protrude. Many people feel weak and lethargic and notice their heart is beating fast. Very occasionally, the hair may steal to fall out.
The doctor will usually make a diagnosis from the symptoms, but occasionally, if the disease develops slowly, it may not be obvious. It will be necessary to carry out blood tests to gauge thyroid function. It may take 2-3 weeks to receive the results of these tests, which measure the level of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream.
There are three main treatments: using drugs, radioactive iodine and surgery.

• Drugs / Medicine
  There are two common anti-thyroid drugs; carbimazole and propylthiouracil (PTU), both of which are taken daily in tablet form and which reduce the gland’s activity. These work quite quickly and are usually taken for up to 18 months. However, there is a risk of relapse after the course of treatment has finished. Drugs known as beta blockers are also given at the start to control the symptoms quickly while waiting for the anti-thyroid drug to work, but these drugs do not cure the underlying problem.
• Radioactive Iodine
  Radioactive iodine treatment is given by mouth and, once the iodine is taken up by the gland, it destroys some of the cells which are producing thyroid hormones. It is often difficult to judge the right dose, and over half those receiving this treatment will swing the other way and develop thyroid under-activity (hypothyroidism) within a few years. On the other hand, a few patients may need a second dose. It is not normally given to women of child-bearing age because of possible risks to the unborn child.
• Surgery
  The last option is surgery. This involves an operation to remove most of the thyroid gland. After surgery about 15% of patients either experience a recurrence of hyperthyroidism or suffer from underactive thyroid.

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor as soon as possible if you think you might have an over-active thyroid gland and if you have some or all of the symptoms listed overleaf. Do not delay or avoid seeking medical help, as the condition will become progressively worse unless it is treated.

What will the doctor do?

Your doctor will check your medical history and will enquire about some of the other symptoms you may be experiencing. You may be weighed and your heart rate may be checked, as it can become irregular as well as fast. A physical examination will include testing nerve reflexes, which typically become abnormally brisk with this condition. The doctor will consider other possible reasons for similar symptoms-these could include an anxiety state or possibly diabetes. The doctor will normally arrange for blood tests to be carried out to check your thyroid function. If hyperthyroidism is suspected, you may be referred to a specialist straightway, without waiting for the results of the blood tests.

What can I do myself?

You cannot help this condition yourself. Occasionally the drugs have side effects, and if you develop a skin rash, joint pains, painful glands, nausea, or vomiting, tell your doctor immediately. If you do have hyperthyroidism and are treated with radioactive iodine or surgery, you could develop thyroid under-activity later. Thyroid tests should be repeated every 1-2 years.

How dangerous is Hyperthyroidism?

If untreated, hyperthyroidism may lead to heart failure. While the condition is not preventable, it is not usually dangerous, provided it is treated.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

- Agitation.
- Restlessness.
- Tremor.
- Loss of weight.
- Sweating.
- Rapid pulse.
- Protruding eyes.

Warning and Precautions

In severe cases, hyperthyroidism can lead to heart failure. Always see your doctor if you think you have any of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Are there any Alternative Treatments for Hyperthyroidism?
The homoeopathic treatment for a hyperactive thyroid is so prescribe Iodum 30, which should be taken twice a day for two weeks.

Other than that, reflexology (massage of zones in the feet) is so said to ease hyperthyroidism.

An ovarian cyst is an abnormal, fluid-filled swelling inside one of the ovaries. These are the almond-shaped glands situated on either side of the uterus, immediately below the entrance to the Fallopian tubes. The ovaries contain follicles, one of which releases an egg during ovulation. The ovaries are also responsible for producing the female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone.

Most women will probably have had at least one ovarian cyst without knowing it. They can appear at any age, in any number, and on one or both ovaries. They often disappear on their own without any treatment.

What causes an Ovarian Cyst?

The most common cause of ovarian cysts is a minor upset during ovulation. The follicle, instead of bursting and releasing an egg, continues to grow and accumulates fluid. This causes a functional, or simple cyst, These cysts can grow quite large, sometimes to over 8cm.

Simple cysts can also be caused by endometriosis, a condition in which fragments of the uterine lining travel to other parts of the abdomen. These fragments bleed monthly, as the uterus does (during menstruation) but they can cause blood-filled cysts if they migrate up to the ovaries.

Another type of cyst, a dermoid cyst, accounts for about 10% of all ovarian cysts. Dermoid cysts range in size from just a few millimeters to 10cm or even more. They have a cell structure that is similar to skin and are thought to be made up of the same cells from which an embryo develops. It is quite  common for a dermoid cyst to contain tissues of hair, teeth and bone.

Both simple and dermoid cysts are benign (harmless). However, in some cases an ovarian cyst can be malignant (cancerous) and will have to be surgically removed.

How is an Ovarian Cyst diagnosed and treated?

Since there are usually no symptoms, ovarian cysts are often discovered during a routine pelvic examination. However, abdominal pain, nausea, fever, and abnormally heavy periods can make a doctor suspect a cyst. If this is the case, the doctor will perform an internal examination, and then make a referral to a hospital for ultrasound scanning or a laparascopy (an examination of the abdominal cavity through a viewing tube). Both of these procedures can confirm the diagnosis, as well as determine the size and position of the cyst. They cannot tell whether the cyst is malignant or not.

If a cyst is diagnosed, it will usually be surgically removed, whether the doctor thinks it is malignant or not. This is done in a hospital under a general anaesthetic, and a stay of at least a couple of days is usually needed.

During the operation, a small piece of the cyst may be removed and sent to the laboratory. There, it is quickly examined to find out the nature of the cyst. If it is benign, only the cyst is removed, leaving the ovary in place. The other ovary is also examined, because cysts sometimes occur in both ovaries at the same time.

If the cyst is malignant, the cyst ovary and Fallopian tube are all removed. Again, the second ovary will be examined. If it is affected as well, the second ovary will usually be removed.

What can I do myself?

The pill reduces the risk of benign  ovarian cysts by 90% and reduces the risk of ovarian cancer by 40%. Once a cyst is discovered, it is important to discuss the possibilities and options thoroughly with your doctor before going ahead with any treatment. Find out whether it will be necessary to have both ovaries removed if the cyst is malignant. This is very important if you are still of childbearing age and want to have a family.

If you are of premenopausal age, ask about hormone replacement therapy, because if both the ovaries are removed you will not produce female sex hormones and will start a premature menopause.

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor immediately if you experience any pain or swelling in the lower abdomen, particularly if you also have some or all of the symptoms listed overleaf.

Are Ovarian Cysts dangerous?

A cancerous cyst that is untreated is dangerous, as the cancer can spread. If the cyst and one ovary are removed, fertility may be slightly reduced but the necessary sex hormones will continue to be produced. Removal of both ovaries results in infertility, and there may be a need for hormone replacement therapy. If the cyst is benign and only the cyst is removed, then there should be no further trouble and it should not affect fertility. There may be a need to be examined more often in the future, in case another cyst develops.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts often cause no symptoms, especially when they are small, but signs which may indicate the presence of a cyst include:
-    Abdominal swelling
-    Pain during sexual intercourse
-    Changes in the normal menstrual cycle, including irregular, painful or heavy periods.
-    Frequent urination
-    Difficulty conceiving
-    Abdominal or pelvic pain, nausea and fever if the cyst twists or ruptures

Warning: Any pain or swelling in the lower abdomen should be seen by your doctor. Most ovarian cysts are benign, but delay in getting treatment may lead to problems. Consult your physician as early as possible to avoid complications.

Surgical procedure of removing a swelling ovarian cyst.