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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Overactive thyroid Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.