Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, leading to an acceleration of the body's metabolism. It can have several causes and manifest with various symptoms.

Causes

  1. Graves' Disease: An autoimmune disorder and the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.

  2. Thyroid Nodules: Overactive thyroid nodules can produce too much thyroid hormone.

  3. Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid, which can cause excess thyroid hormones stored in the gland to leak into the bloodstream.

  4. Excessive Iodine Intake: From diet or medications, can increase thyroid hormone production.

  5. Overmedication with Thyroid Hormone: People who take levothyroxine or other thyroid hormone replacement can develop hyperthyroidism if the dose is too high.

Symptoms

  • Rapid Heartbeat (Tachycardia): Often more than 100 beats per minute.

  • Increased Appetite: Accompanied by weight loss.

  • Nervousness, Anxiety, and Irritability.

  • Tremor: Usually a fine trembling in the hands and fingers.

  • Sweating and Heat Intolerance.

  • Changes in Menstrual Patterns: In women.

  • Increased Sensitivity to Heat.

  • Changes in Bowel Patterns: Especially more frequent bowel movements.

  • Enlarged Thyroid Gland (Goiter): May be visible or palpable.

  • Fatigue, Muscle Weakness.

  • Difficulty Sleeping.

Treatment

The treatment for hyperthyroidism aims to reduce the production of thyroid hormones and ease symptoms.

  1. Antithyroid Medications:
    • Methimazole (Tapazole): Blocks the thyroid from making too much hormone.

    • Propylthiouracil (PTU): Used less frequently, particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy or in people who have adverse reactions to methimazole.

  2. Radioactive Iodine Therapy: Absorbed by the thyroid gland, causing it to shrink and symptoms to subside, often resulting in hypothyroidism.

  3. Beta Blockers: Medications like propranolol are used to reduce symptoms like rapid heart rate, sweating, and anxiety.

  4. Surgery (Thyroidectomy): Partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland, often leading to the need for lifelong thyroid hormone replacement.

Medication

  • Methimazole and Propylthiouracil: To reduce thyroid hormone production.

  • Beta Blockers: To manage symptoms.

Regular monitoring and follow-up care are crucial to adjust treatment as needed. Patients treated for hyperthyroidism need to be aware of the symptoms of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, as treatment can sometimes lead to an underactive thyroid.