How common is hyperthyroidism? Who is more likely to develop hyperthyroidism? Is hyperthyroidism during pregnancy a problem? What are the complications of hyperthyroidism?
What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism? What causes hyperthyroidism? How do doctors diagnose hyperthyroidism? How do doctors treat hyperthyroidism? How does eating, diet, and nutrition affect hyperthyroidism? Clinical Trials for Hyperthyroidism What is hyperthyroidism?
The thyroid is a small gland in your neck that makes thyroid hormones. About 1 out of Americans ages 12 years and older have hyperthyroidism. Be sure your hyperthyroidism is under control before becoming pregnant. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can vary from person to person and may include 4 weight loss despite an increased appetite rapid or irregular heartbeat nervousness, irritability, trouble sleeping, fatigue shaky hands, muscle weakness sweating or trouble tolerating heat frequent bowel movements an enlargement in the neck, called a goiter In older adults, hyperthyroidism is sometimes mistaken for depression or dementia.
Overactive thyroid nodules Overactive thyroid nodules, or lumps in your thyroid, are common and usually not cancerous. Thyroiditis Thyroiditis is inflammation of your thyroid gland. The types of thyroiditis that can cause hyperthyroidism include subacute thyroiditis, which involves a painfully inflamed and enlarged thyroid. Your thyroid may be enlarged. Experts think painless thyroiditis is probably an autoimmune condition.
Too much iodine Your thyroid uses iodine to make thyroid hormone. Too much thyroid hormone medicine Some people who take thyroid hormone medicine for hypothyroidism may take too much. Noncancerous tumor In some rare cases, a noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland , located at the base of the brain, can cause hyperthyroidism. A blood test might confirm a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. When recommending a treatment, your doctor will consider your age possible allergies to or side effects of the medicines other conditions, such as pregnancy or heart disease whether you have access to an experienced thyroid surgeon Treatment options Hyperthyroidism is usually treated with medicines, radioiodine therapy, or thyroid surgery.
Pros They can reduce symptoms—such as tremors, rapid heartbeat, and nervousness—until other treatments start working. They can make you feel better within hours. Pros They cause the thyroid to make less thyroid hormone. Radioiodine therapy. Pros Radioiodine therapy slowly destroys the cells of the thyroid gland that produce thyroid hormone.
Radioiodine therapy does not affect other body tissues. Cons You might need more than one treatment to bring thyroid hormone levels into the normal range, but beta-blockers can control symptoms between treatments. Taking radioactive iodine is a common and effective treatment. Thyroid surgery. Pros When part of the thyroid is removed, your thyroid hormone levels may return to normal. Cons Thyroid surgery requires general anesthesia , which can cause a condition called thyroid storm—a sudden, severe worsening of symptoms.
Two drugs — rituximab Rituxan and teprotumumab — are being used to treat Graves' ophthalmopathy, even though there isn't a lot of definitive evidence yet to prove that they're effective. Teprotumumab received fast-track approval from the Food and Drug Administration based on one small study.
More study of both drugs as a treatment for Graves' ophthalmopathy is needed. Once you begin treatment, symptoms of hyperthyroidism should subside and you should start feeling much better. However, your doctor may recommend that you watch out for iodine in your diet because it can cause hyperthyroidism or make it worse.
Kelp, dulse and others types of seaweed contain a lot of iodine. Cough syrup and multivitamins also may contain iodine. If you have Graves' ophthalmopathy or dermopathy, the following suggestions may help your eyes or skin:. If you've been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, the most important thing is to receive the necessary medical care.
After you and your doctor have decided on a course of action, there are some things you can do that will help you cope with the condition and support your body during its healing process.
You'll likely start by seeing your primary care doctor. However, in some cases, you may be referred immediately to a doctor who specializes in the body's hormone-secreting glands endocrinologist. If you have eye involvement, you may also be referred to an eye doctor ophthalmologist. It's good to prepare for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and to know what to expect from your doctor. Preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time with your doctor.
For hyperthyroidism, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed using: Medical history and physical exam. During the exam your doctor may try to detect a slight tremor in your fingers when they're extended, overactive reflexes, eye changes and warm, moist skin.
Your doctor will also examine your thyroid gland as you swallow to see if it's enlarged, bumpy or tender and check your pulse to see if it's rapid or irregular. More Information Thyroidectomy. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Rochester, Minn. De Leo S, et al. Thyroid storm can lead to coma, heart failure, or death. Author: Healthwise Staff.
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