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Hyperthyroidism(Graves Disease; Overactive Thyroid)
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Editorial Staff And Contributors DefinitionHyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. It makes hormones that affect many areas of the body. An overactive thyroid makes too much hormone.
CausesHyperthyroidism may be caused by:
Risk FactorsThings that may increase your chance of hyperthyroidism include:
SymptomsSymptoms may show once the thyroid becomes more active. They often come on slowly. Examples include:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. Thyroid problems may be suspected. A blood tests will show levels of thyroid hormone. It can also show antibodies if the problems are caused by immune issues. A radioactive iodine uptake test may be done. It can show how well the thyroid is working. TreatmentTreatment will depend on what is causing the hyperthyroidism. Options include: Antithyroid MedicineMedicine can calm thyroid activity. It may bring hormone levels down to normal. Medicine may need to be adjusted over time. Smoking can cause problems with some of the medicine. There are a different tools to help quit smoking. Reduce or Remove ThyroidThe thyroid normally absorbs iodine. A form of iodine with radioactive material is taken by mouth. The thyroid absorbs the special iodine. The radioactive material damages most of the thyroid cells. This will decrease the amount of hormones made by the thyroid. Hormone replacement medicine may be needed if levels fall too much. Thyroidectomy is the removal of all or part of the thyroid. It is an uncommon treatment of hyperthyroidism. It may be done if medical therapy fails. Manage SymptomsA type of medicine called beta-blockers may help symptoms. It may help to relieve rapid heart rate and nervousness. PreventionThere are no current steps to prevent hyperthyroidism. RESOURCES:American Thyroid Association https://www.thyroid.org Graves' Disease & Thyroid Foundation https://www.gdatf.org CANADIAN RESOURCESHealth Canada https://www.canada.ca Thyroid Foundation of Canada http://www.thyroid.ca References:Hyperthyroidism. American Thyroid Association website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed March 13, 2021.
Hyperthyroidism and Other Causes of Thyrotoxicosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hyperthyroidism-and-other-causes-of-thyrotoxicosis-37. Accessed March 13, 2021. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid). The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at:
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hyperthyroidism. Accessed March 13, 2021. Ross DS, Burch HB, Cooper DS, et al. 2016 American Thyroid Association Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Hyperthyroidism and Other Causes of Thyrotoxicosis. Thyroid. 2016 Oct;26(10):1343-1421. Van Geest RJ, Sa sim IV, Koppeschaar HP, et al. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy for patients with moderately severe Graves orbitopathy: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study.
Eur J Endocrinol.
2008;158(3):229-237. Last reviewed March 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Monica Zangwill, MD, MPH Last Updated: 3/13/2021 | |