Hyperthyroidism, commonly called an overactive thyroid, happens when your thyroid gland produces more hormones than your body needs. This excess hormone speeds up many of your body’s vital functions. Located at the front of your neck, the thyroid regulates metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, and nervous system activity. When it’s overactive, you might notice symptoms like weight loss, a racing or irregular heartbeat, and feeling unusually irritable. Hyperthyroidism often affects individuals over 60 years old, and women tend to develop it more frequently than men.
Request an AppointmentCauses of Hyperthyroidism
Grave’s disease, an autoimmune disorder where your immune system overstimulates your thyroid, is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism. Besides this, other factors can trigger an overactive thyroid, including:
- Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules
- Thyroid inflammation
- High iodine intake
- Family history and genetics
Sometimes, taking too much synthetic thyroid medication, which is often used to treat hypothyroidism, can also lead to hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can vary widely from person to person. Many signs overlap with other health issues, so it’s important to watch for these common symptoms:
- Unintended weight loss
- Fast, irregular heartbeat
- Feeling nervous or irritable
- Increased appetite
- Trembling hands or fingers
- Excessive sweating
- Frequent bowel movements
- Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
- Fatigue or muscle weakness
- Mood swings or emotional changes
Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism
If you notice symptoms of hyperthyroidism, a skilled doctor will start with a physical exam and may order certain tests to confirm the diagnosis and find the cause. These tests might include:
- Radioactive iodine uptake test
- Thyroid scan imaging
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test
- Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) test
Treatment of Hyperthyroidism
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your condition. The main goal is to bring thyroid hormone levels back to normal and ease symptoms. Some patients only need medication, while others may require more involved treatments. Common options include:
- Radioactive iodine therapy to reduce thyroid size and function
- Anti-thyroid drugs that block excess hormone production
- Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland
Doctors may also prescribe beta blockers to help manage symptoms like rapid heartbeat and tremors while other treatments take effect. However, beta blockers don’t reduce hormone production.
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