What is hyperthyroidism?

Highlights
1. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid
overproduces hormones.

2. Common symptoms include weight loss, weakness,

irregular heartbeat, and difficulty sleeping.

3. Graves disease, the most common cause of

hyperthyroidism, is more prevalent in women than
in men.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition of the thyroid. The thyroid is a

small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your
neck. It produces tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine
(T3), which are two primary hormones that control how your
cells use energy. Your thyroid gland regulates your
metabolism through the release of these hormones.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid makes too much

T4, T3, or both. Diagnosis of overactive thyroid and treatment
of the underlying cause can relieve symptoms and prevent
complications.

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What causes hyperthyroidism?

A variety of conditions can cause hyperthyroidism. Graves'
disease, an autoimmune disorder, is the most common cause
of hyperthyroidism. It causes antibodies to stimulate the
thyroid to secrete too much hormone. Graves disease occurs
more often in women than in men. It tends to run in families,
which suggests a genetic link. You should tell your doctor if
your relatives have had the condition.

Other causes of hyperthyroidism include:

excess iodine, a key ingredient in T4 and T3

thyroiditis, or inflammation of the thyroid, which causes
T4 and T3 to leak out of the gland
tumors of the ovaries or testes
benign tumors of the thyroid or pituitary gland
large amounts of tetraiodothyronine taken through
dietary supplements or medication

What are the symptoms of

hyperthyroidism?
High amounts of T4, T3, or both can cause an excessively
high metabolic rate. This is called a hypermetabolic state.
When in a hypermetabolic state, you may experience a rapid
heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and hand tremors. You
may also sweat a lot and develop a low tolerance for heat.
Hyperthyroidism can cause more frequent bowel movements,
weight loss, and, in women, irregular menstrual cycles.

Visibly, the thyroid gland itself can swell into a goiter, which
can be either symmetrical or one-sided. Your eyes may also
appear quite prominent, which is a sign of exophthalmos, a
condition thats related to Graves disease.

Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

increased appetite
nervousness
restlessness
inability to concentrate
weakness
irregular heartbeat
difficulty sleeping
fine, brittle hair
itching
hair loss
nausea and vomiting
breast development in men
The following symptoms require immediate medical
attention:

dizziness
shortness of breath
loss of consciousness
fast, irregular heart rate
Hyperthyroidism can also cause atrial fibrillation, a dangerous
arrhythmia that can lead to strokes, as well as congestive
heart failure.
Read more: The effects of atrial fibrillation on the
body

How do doctors diagnose

hyperthyroidism?

Your first step in diagnosis is to get a complete medical

history and physical exam. This can reveal these common
signs of hyperthyroidism:

weight loss
rapid pulse
elevated blood pressure
protruding eyes
enlarged thyroid gland
Other tests may be performed to further evaluate your
diagnosis. These include:

Cholesterol test
Your doctor may need to check your cholesterol levels. Low
cholesterol can be a sign of an elevated metabolic rate, in
which your body is burning through cholesterol quickly.
T4, free T4, T3
These tests measure how much thyroid hormone (T4 and T3)
is in your blood.

Thyroid stimulating hormone level test

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a pituitary gland
hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce
hormones. When thyroid hormone levels are normal or high,
your TSH should be lower. An abnormally low TSH can be the
first sign of hyperthyroidism.

Triglyceride test
Your triglyceride level may also be tested. Similar to low
cholesterol, low triglycerides can be a sign of an elevated
metabolic rate.

Thyroid scan and uptake

This allows your doctor to see if your thyroid is overactive. In
particular, it can reveal whether the entire thyroid or just a
single area of the gland is causing the overactivity.

Ultrasound
Ultrasounds can measure the size of the entire thyroid gland,
as well as any masses within it. Doctors can also use
ultrasounds to determine if a mass is solid or cystic.

CT or MRI scans
A CT or MRI can show if a pituitary tumor is present thats
causing the condition.

How to treat hyperthyroidism

Medication
Antithyroid medications, such as methimazole(Tapazole), stop
the thyroid from making hormones. They are a common
treatment.
Radioactive iodine
Radioactive iodine is given to over 70 percent of U.S. adults
with hyperthyroidism, according to the American Thyroid
Association. It effectively destroys the cells that produce
hormones.
Common side effects include dry mouth, dry eyes, sore
throat, and changes in taste. Precautions may need to be
taken for a short time after treatment to prevent radiation
spread to others.

Surgery
A section or all of your thyroid gland may be surgically
removed. You will then have to take thyroid hormone
supplements to prevent hypothyroidism, which occurs when
you have an underactive thyroid that secretes too little
hormone. Also, beta-blockers such as propranolol can help
control your rapid pulse, sweating, anxiety, and high blood
pressure. Most people respond well to this treatment.

What you can do to improve

symptoms

Eating a proper diet, with a focus on calcium and sodium, is

important, especially in preventing hyperthyroidism. Work
with your doctor to create healthy guidelines for your diet,
nutritional supplements, and exercise.

Hyperthyroidism can also cause your bones to become weak

and thin, which can lead to osteoporosis. Taking vitamin D
and calcium supplements during and after treatment can
help strengthen your bones. Your doctor can tell you how
much vitamin D and calcium to take each day.

Outlook

Your doctor may refer you to an endocrinologist, who

specializes in treating bodily hormone systems. Stress or
infections can cause thyroid storm. Thyroid storm happens
when a large amount of thyroid hormone is released and it
results in a sudden worsening of symptoms. Treatment is
important to prevent thyroid storm, thyrotoxicosis, and other
complications.

The long-term outlook for hyperthyroidism depends on its

cause. Some causes can go away without treatment. Others,
like Graves' disease, get worse over time without treatment.
The complications of Graves' disease can be life-threatening
and affect your long-term quality of life. Early diagnosis and
treatment of symptoms improve the long-term outlook.