Latest news with #thyroidhealth
Health Line
3 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
How Does Hyperthyroidism Affect Your Face?
Hyperthyroidism can lead to a variety of changes, including face and neck swelling, thinning facial hair or bald patches, and discoloration. Hyperthyroidism, characterized by an overactive thyroid gland producing excessive thyroid hormones, can cause various facial symptoms. These changes can be an early symptom of hyperthyroidism. Usually, treatment for hyperthyroidism can reduce some of these facial changes. What facial features are associated with hyperthyroidism? People with hyperthyroidism may experience several facial changes, including: Swelling and puffiness: This is especially common around the eyes, nose, and cheeks, leading to a fuller facial appearance. Eye symptoms: Bulging eyes (exophthalmos), dryness, and redness. Hair loss: Thinning hair or bald patches — including on your eyebrows, lashes, and beard — can be a sign of hyperthyroidism. Neck swelling: You might have a goiter — a swollen thyroid gland. Skin changes: The skin may become warm, moist, and thin, with possible redness or flushing. Rashes or hives: You might develop a hyperthyroidism rash on your face. Hyperpigmentation: Darkened areas of skin, particularly on the face and neck, may develop. These symptoms result from the increased metabolic rate and immune responses associated with excess thyroid hormones. What causes face changes to occur? Facial changes in hyperthyroidism are mostly caused by the body's heightened metabolic state and autoimmune responses. According to research, hyperthyroidism facial changes can be caused by: Increased metabolism: High levels of thyroid hormones can speed up certain bodily functions, leading to increased blood flow and fluid retention, causing facial swelling and skin warmth. Autoimmune reactions: Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition, is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. In this case, the immune system might attack tissues around the eyes, leading to inflammation and protrusion. Skin changes: The fast turnover of skin cells can result in thinning, redness, and increased sensitivity. These changes can be among the first noticeable signs of hyperthyroidism. Is there anything you can do to help restore your previous facial features? Getting hyperthyroidism treatment can reduce many facial symptoms. Treatments for hyperthyroidism can include: Antithyroid medications Radioactive iodine therapy Surgery (when needed) If hyperthyroidism is causing skin issues, you might find it helpful to use gentle, hydrating skin care products. This can help reduce dryness and sensitivity. For eye-related symptoms, a healthcare professional might prescribe corticosteroids or eye drops. In some cases, surgery can help relieve pressure and correct eye protrusion. As with most conditions, it's best to treat hyperthyroidism as early as possible. If you suspect you have a thyroid problem, it's a good idea to make an appointment with a healthcare professional as soon as possible. What can you do to help prevent unwanted changes to your face? It's not always possible to prevent hyperthyroidism-related facial changes. Generally, consistent treatment is the best way to reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Here are some tips for managing hyperthyroidism: Adhere to your medication: Consistently taking your treatments as prescribed helps control symptoms. Get regular checkups: Ask a healthcare professional how often you should have checkups or blood tests to monitor your thyroid hormone levels. Avoid known triggers: Smoking, for example, can exacerbate eye-related symptoms. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management can support overall thyroid health. By sticking to a comprehensive care plan, you can minimize the impact of hyperthyroidism on your facial appearance. Learn more about the best foods for hyperthyroidism and practicing self-care with Graves' disease.
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Always wake up early? It could be 'hidden' symptom of a life-changing illness that needs treatment
Waking up before your alarm rings could be a sign you're suffering a debilitating hormonal condition that can lead to deadly heart problems, an expert has warned. An overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism, affects roughly one in 100 people, and means the body produces too much of a collection of hormones that make us alert. According to hormonal disorder specialist Dr Gaurav Agarwal, early wakenings are often the first sign of the condition, as the excess hormones stimulates the nervous system in the early hours. When untreated, the condition can cause a host of unpleasant symptoms such as thin hair, dry eyes, neck swelling, anxiety and unintended weight loss. But most concerning are life-changing complications like weakening of bones and irregular heart beats that could lead to fatal heart failure. Pregnant women should rush to get treated as it can increase the risk of premature birth and miscarriage. The condition is 'relatively common in the UK,' Dr Agarwal said, yet many miss the early signs. 'It's seen more commonly in women than men, usually between the ages of 20 to 40.' Lisa Artis, deputy chief of The Sleep Charity and sleep advisor, explained: 'If your thyroid is overactive, the stress response can become imbalanced, causing you to wake up too early and feel restless.' One common cause of hyperthyroidism is the autoimmune condition Graves' disease, which happens when an excess of 'fighter' proteins cause the thyroid to produce too many hormones. Graves' disease can also cause eye problems like bulging eyes, double vision, and eye irritation. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors like smoking may increase the risk, but it is most common in women over 30. Actress Daisy Ridley, famed for her role as Rey in the Star Wars franchise, recently opened up about her Graves' disease diagnosis in Women's Health Magazine. After suffering from symptoms including hot flashes, racing heart, hand tremors and fatigue following the filming of psychological thriller Magpie, the 33-year-old visited her GP, having put her health woes down to the role. The star says she implemented some lifestyle changes to help her manage the disease, including eating a mindful diet and exercising. Nearly a third of Britons struggle to stay asleep throughout the night, according to a poll by bed brand Simba. And adults between the ages of 25 to 34 are the most likely to suffer from the frustrating early wake-ups, according to the survey.
