What seemed like weight loss turned out to be severe hyperthyroidism.

VnExpress•05/08/2023

Hanoi – Ms. Mai, 30 years old, experienced sudden and rapid weight loss, stress, and insomnia. Doctors diagnosed her with hyperthyroidism (overproduction of thyroid hormones).

Five months after giving birth, Ms. Mai lost 10 kg, weighing only 45 kg, initially thinking it was due to breastfeeding. However, she experienced prolonged fatigue, decreased milk production, and general weakness, prompting her to seek treatment at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi.

On August 4th, Dr. Le Ba Ngoc, Head of the General Internal Medicine Department, stated that Ms. Mai's eyes were deeply sunken and dark-circled, she was emaciated, and anxious. Her heart rate was measured at over 120 beats per minute, and thyroid hormone (F14) levels were four times higher than normal.

The doctor diagnosed the patient with severe hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland, producing too much hormone) after childbirth. The patient had previously suffered from subacute thyroiditis before birth, but did not get checked during pregnancy or after delivery. According to Dr. Ngoc, Ms. Mai may have had hyperthyroidism during pregnancy without knowing it.

Doctor Ngoc examines a patient. Photo: Provided by the hospital. — Doctor Ngoc examines a patient. Photo: *Provided by the hospital.*

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The difference between hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidismBoth hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are thyroid disorders, but they have opposite mechanisms: one is overactive, the other is underactive.

Doctors warn that even a single instance of blood in the urine should not be taken lightly.Male patient D. (65 years old) was admitted to the hospital with chronic hematuria (blood in urine) and fatigue that had lasted for many years. Previously, he had sought out various traditional Chinese and Vietnamese herbal medicines hoping to stop the bleeding and reduce fever, but his condition only worsened.

Ms. Mai stopped breastfeeding and was treated with high doses of synthetic antithyroid drugs (which help the thyroid gland reduce hormone secretion), vitamins, sleep therapy, and heart rate reduction medication. After a week, her symptoms improved, and she slept better.

Dr. Ngoc advises postpartum women experiencing symptoms such as insomnia, rapid weight loss, decreased milk production, anxiety, and rapid heartbeat to be screened for thyroid disease. Early detection makes treatment easier. Pregnant women taking appropriate doses of antithyroid medication can still breastfeed.

Thyroid dysfunction (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) during or after pregnancy is common. Symptoms include severe morning sickness, little or no weight gain, fatigue, poor appetite and sleep, palpitations, and slow fetal growth.

Mothers with hyperthyroidism are more likely to have malnourished children, who also have a higher risk of developing hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can also cause miscarriage, premature birth, and preeclampsia. Pregnant women with this condition who are not diagnosed in time may experience exhaustion and complications such as heart failure and arrhythmias.

According to Dr. Ngoc, hyperthyroidism during pregnancy does not warrant pregnancy termination, as many pregnant women mistakenly believe. Pregnant women fear that medication will cause birth defects or affect milk production, leading them to discontinue treatment, which can worsen the condition and endanger both themselves and the fetus. Pregnant women should consult a specialist to have their medication adjusted appropriately for each stage of pregnancy.

Thanh Ba

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