Overactive thyroid

Overactive Thyroid or Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. This condition can accelerate the body's metabolism, causing unintentional weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Causes

Hyperthyroidism can be caused by a number of conditions, including:

• Graves' disease: This is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It is an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone.
• Thyroiditis: This condition causes the thyroid gland to release excess hormones. It can be caused by a viral infection or pregnancy.
• Plummer's disease (toxic multinodular goiter) and Thyroid adenoma: Both conditions cause nodules, or lumps, in the thyroid gland, which can produce excess hormones.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can vary from person to person and may include:

• Rapid heart rate
• Unintentional weight loss
• Increased appetite
• Nervousness, anxiety, and irritability
• Tremor
• Sweating
• Changes in menstrual patterns
• Increased sensitivity to heat
• Changes in bowel patterns, especially more frequent bowel movements
• An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), which may appear as a swelling at the base of your neck
• Fatigue, muscle weakness
• Difficulty sleeping

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is based on symptoms and confirmed with blood tests that measure the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine. A low level of TSH and high levels of thyroxine could indicate an overactive thyroid.

Treatment

Treatment for hyperthyroidism depends on the cause and severity of symptoms. It can include:

• Radioactive iodine: Taken by mouth, this treatment causes the thyroid gland to shrink and symptoms to subside, usually within three to six months.
• Anti-thyroid medications: These medications gradually reduce symptoms of hyperthyroidism by preventing the thyroid gland from producing excess amounts of hormones.
• Beta blockers: These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure. They won't reduce thyroid levels, but they can help control rapid heart rate and prevent palpitations.
• Surgery (thyroidectomy): If other treatments can't be used or aren't effective, part of the thyroid gland may be surgically removed.

See Also

• Hypothyroidism
• Thyroid disease
• Endocrine system

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