Table of Contents
What is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can lead to a number of symptoms, including weight loss, a racing heart, sweating, and anxiety. Hyperthyroidism is treated with medication to lower thyroid hormone levels.
Causes of Hyperthyroidism
There are many causes of hyperthyroidism, the most common of which is Graves’ disease. Other causes include:
• toxic multinodular goiter.
• toxic adenoma..
• Plummer’s disease (toxic nodular goiter caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis).
• subacute thyroiditis.
• postpartum thyroiditis.
• exogenous thyroid hormone therapy.
• thyroid irradiation.
• a solitary thyroid nodule that is producing excess thyroid hormone.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
The most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, hand tremors, nervousness, excessive sweating, and a fast heart rate. Other symptoms may include an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), thinning hair, brittle nails, and skin problems. Some people also have problems with their eyes, such as bulging eyes or double vision.
Hyperthyroidism Diagnosis
There is no one definitive test for diagnosing hyperthyroidism. Physicians typically use a combination of blood tests, imaging tests, and physical examination findings to make a diagnosis.
Blood tests that may be used to help diagnose hyperthyroidism include a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level and a thyroid hormone level. A high TSH level and a low thyroid hormone level are typically indicative of hyperthyroidism.
Imaging tests that may be used to help diagnose hyperthyroidism include a thyroid ultrasound and a thyroid radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) scan. An ultrasound can help to identify enlarged thyroid glands, and a RAIU scan can help to determine how much radioactive iodine is taken up by the thyroid gland. This can help to distinguish between Graves’ disease and thyroid cancer, both of which can cause hyperthyroidism.
Physical examination findings that may be indicative of hyperthyroidism include an enlarged thyroid gland, a rapid heart rate, and a tremor.
