Hyperthyroidism, known as hyperthyroidism, is a common endocrine disorder caused by excessive secretion of thyroid hormones from various causes. With the accelerated pace of life, fierce social competition and pressure from all aspects of society, hyperthyroidism is also on the rise. In this issue, we interviewed Professor Dai Wenjie, Director of the Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital of Harbin Medical University, to tell you how to understand hyperthyroidism properly: Dai Wenjie, Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital of Harbin Medical University Q: Why are more and more people getting hyperthyroidism nowadays? A: There are two main causes of hyperthyroidism, the first one is genetic factors. The second aspect is environmental factors, such as working under stress, straining or not paying attention to diet, eating food containing too much iodine, then there are objective environmental factors, the water and food in your area contain more iodine, which can also trigger hyperthyroidism. Q: Among my friends, more women have hyperthyroidism, why is that? A: The prevalence of hyperthyroidism has increased from 0.9% more than ten years ago to 2.8% at present. 82% of the patients are young and middle-aged women, which is related to their endocrine activity and stability. When subjected to great work and life stress, mental stimulation and other triggers, women are more likely to have abnormal autoimmune regulation than men, triggering hypermetabolic symptoms of excessive thyroid hormone secretion. Q: How can I detect hyperthyroidism on my own and go to the hospital early? A: The most obvious manifestation of hyperthyroidism is an enlarged thyroid gland, but not all goiters are hyperthyroid. Hyperthyroidism has an effect on the cardiovascular system and patients often experience heartburn. The digestive system also shows signs of hyperactivity, with an increase in the volume of meals and easy hunger. Due to the accelerated metabolism, patients tend to lose weight, sweat a lot, and have low fever. Another noticeable manifestation is the outward protrusion of the eyes. Q: Many recipes for hyperthyroidism treatment mention a diet based on foods with high iodine content such as kelp, nori, seaweed, jellyfish, etc. Is this approach correct? A: Eating too much iodine is an important cause of hyperthyroidism, so it is a misconception that hyperthyroidism needs iodine supplementation. Excessive iodine can not only cause “iodine-induced hyperthyroidism”, but also aggravate the condition of common hyperthyroidism. When we treat patients with hyperthyroidism, the first rule is to have a low iodine diet. Q: Is hyperthyroidism what people often refer to as “big neck disease”? A: No, not really. There are two most common diseases that cause goiter, one is hyperthyroidism and the other is endemic goiter. Q: Both are symptoms of a big thick neck, how can I know if it is caused by endemic goiter or hyperthyroidism? A: In fact, it is easy to distinguish. Endemic goiter does not have the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, but may have some symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fear of cold, memory loss and fatigue, while hyperthyroidism is easily agitated and energetic. Q: Do all hyperthyroid patients need surgery? A: No. There are three ways to treat hyperthyroidism. There are three ways to treat hyperthyroidism: first, anti-thyroid medication, second, surgery, and third, isotope iodine 131 therapy. Medication is more convenient and is the preferred treatment for most hyperthyroid patients, but the disadvantage is that it takes a long time to treat, has certain side effects, and has a high recurrence rate. Surgery is not the preferred treatment method, but is a radical means and is not prone to recurrence. Treatment with isotope iodine 131 is also effective, but this method should not be used in pregnant and breastfeeding women. For patients with proptosis, isotope iodine 131 may also aggravate the proptosis, so this method is also not recommended. In short, each of the three methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, and different treatment measures should be used for different patients’ conditions, which is the personalized treatment advocated nowadays. Q: What should hyperthyroidism patients pay attention to in their daily life? A: Many hyperthyroidism patients rely too much on medication and neglect spiritual care, which makes it difficult to achieve a cure. Beautiful and pleasant music can make people feel relaxed and dispel sorrow and worries, and they can also do more outdoor sports, swim in the mountains and relax. The family members of hyperthyroidism patients should avoid stimulating words, movements and expressions, and should care, be considerate and understand the patients, which will play a great role in curing the patients and preventing relapse. Q: The incidence of hyperthyroidism is increasing year by year, how should we prevent it? A: Although hyperthyroidism has a certain genetic tendency, it is only a predisposing factor. Maintaining a normal state of mind, living a regular life and combining work and rest can be beneficial in preventing the onset of the disease. It is also very difficult to prevent hyperthyroidism. However, as long as we can eat well, live well and follow the natural rules, coupled with proper physical exercise, we can not only enhance the immune function of the body, but also have certain positive significance in preventing the occurrence of hyperthyroidism.