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Hyperthyroidism

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Endocrine glands
Endocrine glands
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Brain-thyroid link
Brain-thyroid link
Thyroid gland
Thyroid gland

Alternative Names    Return to top

Thyrotoxicosis; Overactive thyroid

Definition    Return to top

Hyperthyroidism is a condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland. The gland makes too much T4 and T3 hormones. Hormones are substances that affect and control many important functions in the body.

Causes    Return to top

The thyroid gland is located in the neck. It produces several hormones which control the way that every cell in the body uses energy (metabolism). The thyroid is part of the endocrine system.

Hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis occurs when the thyroid releases too many of its hormones over a short (acute) or long (chronic) period of time. Many diseases and conditions can cause this problem, including:

Graves disease accounts for 85% of all cases of hyperthyroidism.

Related topics:

Symptoms    Return to top

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Physical examination may reveal thyroid enlargement or goiter. Vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) show increased heart rate. Systolic blood pressure (the first number in a blood pressure reading) may be high.

Laboratory tests that evaluate thyroid function:

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

Treatment    Return to top

Treatment varies depending on the cause of the condition and the severity of symptoms. Hyperthyroidism is usually treated with antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine (which destroys the thyroid and stops the excess production of hormones), or surgery to remove the thyroid.

If the thyroid must be removed with radiation or surgery, replacement thyroid hormones must be taken for the rest of the person's life.

Beta-blockers like propranolol are used to treat some of the symptoms including rapid heart rate, sweating, and anxiety until the hyperthyroidism can be controlled.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Hyperthyroidism caused by Graves disease is usually progressive and has many associated complications, some of which are severe and affect quality of life.

These include complications caused by treatment such as use of radioactive iodine, surgery, and medications to replace thyroid hormones. However, hyperthyroidism is generally treatable and rarely fatal.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms which could be caused by excessive thyroid hormone production. If the symptoms are associated with a rapid, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or change in consciousness, go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911).

Call your health care provider if treatment for hyperthyroidism induces symptoms of under-active thyroid, including mental and physical sluggishness, weight gain, and depression.

Prevention    Return to top

There are no general prevention measures to prevent hyperthyroidism.

References    Return to top

AACE Thyroid Task Force. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for the Evaluation and Treatment Of Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism. Endocr Pract. 2002;8 (6).

Update Date: 8/8/2006

Updated by: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network

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