Endocrinology Health Guide

Hyperthyroidism

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What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism means overactivity of the thyroid gland, resulting in too much thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. The oversecretion of thyroid hormones leads to overactivity of the body's metabolism.

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
The following are the most common symptoms of hyperthyoidism. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

nervousness
irritability
increased perspiration
thinning of the skin
fine, brittle hair
weak muscles, especially in the upper arms and thighs
shaky hands
fast heartbeat
high blood pressure
increased bowel movements
weight loss
sleeping difficulty
eye sensitivity to light
staring
confusion
irregular menstrual cycle

The symptoms of hyperthyroidism may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult a physician for diagnosis.

Types of hyperthyroidism:
There are several forms of hyperthyroidism, including:

Graves' disease (diffuse toxic goiter)
Graves' disease is most often associated with hyperthyroidism. Researchers believe Graves' disease is caused by an antibody which stimulates the thyroid too much, in turn causing the excess production of thyroid hormone. Graves' disease is categorized as an autoimmune disorder (a dysfunction of the body's immune system). The disease is most common in young to middle-aged women and tends to run in families.

Symptoms of Graves' disease are identical to hyperthyroidism, with the addition of three other symptoms. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. The three additional symptoms include:

goiter (enlarged thyroid which may cause a bulge in the neck)

bulging eyes (exophthalmos)

thickened skin over the shin area

toxic nodular goiter (also called multinodular goiter)
Hyperthyroidism caused by toxic nodular goiter is a condition in which one or more nodules of the thyroid becomes overactive. The overactive nodules actually act as benign thyroid tumors. Symptoms of toxic nodular goiter do not include bulging eyes or skin problems, as in Graves' disease. The cause of toxic nodular goiter is not known.

thyroiditis
Thyroiditis causes temporary hyperthyroidism, usually followed with hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. There are three types of thyroiditis:

Hashimoto's thyroiditis

subacute granulomatous thyroiditis

silent lymphocytic thyroiditis

In addition, if a person takes too many thyroid hormone tablets, hyperthyroidism may occur.

How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and medical examination, diagnostic procedures for hyperthyroidism may include:

measurement of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream
thyroid scan - uses a radioactive substance to create an image of the thyroid as it is functioning

Treatment for hyperthyroidism:
Treatment for hyperthyroidism is very specific for each patient. The goal of treatment is to restore the thyroid gland to normal function, producing normal levels of thyroid hormone. Specific treatment for hyperthyroidism will be determined by your physician based on:

your overall health and medical history
type of hyperthyroidism
extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

use of antithyroid drugs that help lower the level of thyroid hormones in the blood.

use of radioactive iodine, in the form of a pill or liquid, which damages thyroid cells so that production of thyroid hormones is slowed down.

surgery to remove part of the thyroid (the overactive nodule).

use of beta blocking agents, which block the action of thyroid hormone on the body (these drugs do not change the levels of thyroid hormone in the blood, but make the patient feel better).

This page was last updated on: August 3, 2010.

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