Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a state of high circulating thyroid hormones. Thyrotoxicosis refers to the state of thyroid hormone excess arising from either overproduction from the thyroid gland or extrathyroidal, including exogenous, sources.
Causes of Hyperthyroidism:
• Graves’ Disease
• Thyroid tumor/nodule
• Excessive intake of thyroid hormones
• Abnormal secretion of TSH
• Thyroiditis
• Excessive iodine intake
Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism:
• Hot flashes, sweating
• Tachycardia
• Anxiety, nervousness
• Weight loss
• Hair loss
• Difficulty sleeping, restlessness
• Tremors in the hands
• Weakness
• Diarrhea
• Emotional instability, irritability or fatigue
• Goiter • Moist, sweaty skin
• Exophthalmos, lid lag
Treatment of Hyperthyroidism
There are two main antithyroid drugs available: methimazole and propylthiouracil. It is important to note that these medications can cause occasional suppression of white blood cell production. Medications are also available to immediately treat the symptoms caused by excessive thyroid hormones, for example, a beta-blocker to manage tachycardia.
Radioactive iodine is another option to treat hyperthyroidism. A one-time oral treatment ablates the hyperactive gland. However, permanent hypothyroidism is the major complication of this form of treatment.
Surgical removal of the thyroid tissue that is producing the excessive thyroid hormone is another option. A major complication is disruption of the surrounding tissue, including accidental removal of the parathyroid glands, resulting in low calcium levels and thus requiring calcium replacement.