Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces
too much thyroid hormone. This can greatly increase your
metabolism.
The thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck, produces
thyroid hormone to help regulate many bodily functions.
The leading cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease. This
is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system
malfunctions and causes the thyroid gland to produce excess
hormone.
Other causes of hyperthyroidism include certain thyroid nodules
(growths on the gland), thyroiditis (inflammation of the gland),
exposure to radioactive iodine, too much iodine in your diet,
ovarian or testicular tumors, and some cases of thyroid cancer.
Some new mothers experience short-term hyperthyroidism caused by
postpartum thyroiditis, often followed by a few months of
hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland).
Treatments for hypothyroidism (a condition where the thyroid
gland produces too few thyroid hormones) can also lead to
hyperthyroidism. And the reverse is true: Hyperthyroidism
treatments can lead to hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism most often affects women between ages 20 and 40
but can also affect males and older and younger females.
Possible complications of hyperthyroidism include heart
problems, osteoporosis and fractures.
Symptoms of an overactive thyroid can include unexplained
weight loss, palpitations (pounding heartbeat), anxiety,
irritability, an enlarged thyroid (goiter), increased frequency of
bowel movements, weakness in the arms or legs, hand tremors,
unusual sweating, increased sensitivity to heat, fatigue, insomnia,
thin or reddened skin, brittle hair and irregular menstrual
periods.
People with mild thyroid disorders often lack symptoms.
Hyperthyroidism can sometimes be confused for other conditions
because of the wide range of symptoms that can occur. Many of the
symptoms caused by the condition are similar to what women
experience during menopause.
Some patients with Graves' disease have bulging eyes and may
experience problems such as blurred vision, excessive tearing,
redness and dryness.
Diagnosing hyperthyroidism typically involves a medical
history, physical examination, blood testing and often other tests
such as a thyroid scan and a radioactive iodine uptake test, which
involves swallowing radioactive iodine or getting injected with
another tracer before being scanned with a special camera.
Treatment typically involves treating any underlying condition,
correcting hormone levels and relieving symptoms.
Treatment methods may include antithyroid medications, beta
blockers (drugs that are usually used to lower high blood pressure
but can also ease symptoms such as pounding heartbeat and tremor),
radioactive iodine (pill or liquid) or in some cases surgery. Some
treatments, such as radioactive iodine, often lead to chronic
hypothyroidism requiring medication with thyroid hormone
replacement.
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