Hyperthyroidism (patient information)

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Hyperthyroidism

Overview

What are the symptoms?

What are the causes?

Who is at highest risk?

Diagnosis

When to seek urgent medical care?

Treatment options

Prevention

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Possible complications

Hyperthyroidism On the Web

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

Images of Hyperthyroidism

Videos on Hyperthyroidism

FDA on Hyperthyroidism

CDC on Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism in the news

Blogs on Hyperthyroidism

Directions to Hospitals Treating Hyperthyroidism

Risk calculators and risk factors for Hyperthyroidism

For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Jinhui Wu, M.D..

Overview

Hyperthyroidism is a disorder that the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. About 1 percent of the U.S. population has hyperthyroidism. Some diseases, such as Graves’ disease, thyroid nodules and thyroiditis, are associated with the cause of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can affect your metabolism. Usual signs and symptoms include goiter, increased appetite but weight loss, palpitation, hypertension, increased sensitivity to heat and perspiration, nervousness and hand tremors. The Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test is a very sensitive and useful test to identify the disorder. Other examinations include the T3 and T4 test, radioactive iodine uptake test and thyroid scan. Treatment options of hyperthyroidism depends on the cause, age, physical condition and the severity of symptoms. Usual treatment measures are medications, radioactive iodine and thyroidectomy. The common side effect of radioactive iodine and thyroidectomy is hypothyroidism. The patient will need to take thyroid hormone supplement to restore normal hormone levels.

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism vary from person to person. Usual signs include the following:

Other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the doctor so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

Who is at highest risk?

Diagnosis

Other diseases with similar symptoms:

When to seek urgent medical care?

Call your health care provider if symptoms of hyperthyroidism develop. If you experience either of the following symptoms, seeking urgent medical care as soon as possible:

Treatment options

Usual treatment measures of hyperthyroidism include medications, radioactive iodine, and surgery. Treatment options depends on the cause, age, physical condition, and the severity of symptoms.

Contraindicated medications

Patients diagnosed with hyperthyroidism should avoid using the following medications:

  • Levothyroxine
  • Phentermine
    If you have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, consult your physician before starting or stopping any of these medications.


Where to find medical care for hyperthyroidism?

Directions to Hospitals Treating Hyperthyroidism

Prevention

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Many cases of hyperthyroidism are generally treatable. Prognosis depends on whether or not the patient has severe complications.

Possible complications

Sources

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