Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment

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Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment

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What is hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that affects the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland just below the voice box. It produces hormones such as triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4) that are responsible for metabolism and many other functions. Hyperthyroidism is characterized by the excessive production of these hormones by the thyroid gland. This is not a life-threatening disorder but should not be taken lightly. Left untreated it can put a lot of strain on the heart and other internal organs.

How does hyperthyroidism occur?

A number of factors can trigger hyperthyroidism. The most common causes of this condition is an autoimmune disorder called Graves’ disease. This disease produces antibodies that stimulate the excessive production of hormones by the Thyroid Gland. Other causes for Hyperthyroidism include:

Who is prone to hyperthyroidism?

You could be at risk of developing hyperthyroidism if:

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism? How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed?

The symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

Diagnosis

If the doctor suspects hyperthyroidism, he will first conduct a thorough physical examination and understand the patient’s family history of hyperthyroidism. A blood test will be conducted to measure the levels of TSH and thyroxine in the body. A thyroid scan and a radioiodine uptake test may also be conducted.

What are the complications of a hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism can lead to a number of complications. This includes

What is the treatment for hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism does not usually go away on its own. There are many ways to treat hyperthyroidism. The ideal form of treatment depends on factors such as the patient’s age, overall health, underlying cause and severity of the condition. Medication is a common form of treatment. This may need to be taken for a year or more. Beta-blockers may be prescribed to relieve some of the symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism. Consumption of radioactive iodine can help relieve the symptoms and reduce the size of the thyroid gland. In some severe cases, surgery may be suggested to remove part of the thyroid gland. In such cases, thyroid hormone replacement medication may need to be taken after the surgery.

Would you like to consult a doctor for Hyperthyroidism ?

Questions answered by trusted doctors

Verified User
I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in March 2018. So my endo prescribed me with 10 mg tds neomercazole with inderal 20 mg tds and shelcal xt. Intially my tsh was 0.10 and t3 and t4 were slightly high after 6 weeks my tsh was 0.144 and t3 and t4 was within normal range and I was prescribed 20 mg nmz in morning and 10 mg in night. And then my tsh was 18 and t4 is low and t3 is normal. My endo reduced my dosage to nmz 10 mg twice a day but after 1 month my reports indicating low t3and t4 and tsh-81. I don't understand whether my doctor is treating me right or not.? Becoz tsh is too high.he is saying to reduce the dose to 10 mg once a day. Plz help
Dr. Rakesh Parikh
Diabetologist, Jaipur
The approach of your endo is right. Graves D needs to be treated with NMZ and the dose needs to be tapered down to minimum required dose
Verified User
Hi I got hyperthyroidism before few days, doc suggested me to take a tablet named as methimazole per day after dinner and after lunch . Can any one advice if this tablet is genuine for the beginner who just got hyperthyroidism also what can be the side effects Thanks a lot in advance
Dr. Mohammed Riyaz
Endocrinologist, Hyderabad
Kindly provide the History and investigation reports also... it very important

If the patient is pregnant the line of management is different initially PTU for first triimester and 2nd and 3rd trimester methimzole can be given. But close monitoring of Thyroid hormones and Cbp and Lft Is to done; As the sideeefect are highly

In non pregnant Usually Carbamizole group of drugs are given... but you have to have a check on your Hemogram and Liver parameters as when doctor advises.. If you have multinodular goitre or Toxic nodular goitre or solitary nodule or Graves hyperthyroidism then Thyroid hormones are first normalised with medication and later if you require RAI treatment or surgery will be decided by your doctor.

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Home Remedies

Avoid certain foods

Packaged foods should be avoided and replaced with whole foods as far as possible. Foods that contain gluten sugar and conventional forms of dairy can also aggravate hyperthyroidism and should be avoided.

Essential oils

Essential oils such as frankincense and myrrh can help improve the functioning of the thyroid gland by reducing stress. Myrrh oil can be applied directly on the throat while a few drops of frankincense oil should be applied to the roof of the mouth.

Eat foods containing Vitamin C

Fruits such as oranges, papayas and kiwis are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. The antioxidants help remove free radicals from the body. Free radicals are one of the factors that cause overproduction of thyroid hormones. You can also take vitamin C supplements.