Overview
Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, happens when your thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs. Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck that makes hormones controlling the way the body uses energy.
These hormones affect nearly every organ in your body and control many of your body's most important functions, including breathing, heart rate, weight, digestion, and moods. If not treated, hyperthyroidism can cause serious problems with your heart, bones, muscles, menstrual cycle, and fertility.
The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder. Other causes include thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, consuming too much iodine, or taking too much thyroid medicine.
Signs & Symptoms
Causes & Risk Factors
Diagnosis
To diagnose hyperthyroidism, a health care provider will take a medical history and perform a physical exam. They will also likely order thyroid tests.
Blood tests check the levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), T3, and T4, as well as thyroid antibody tests. Imaging tests may also be used, such as a thyroid scan, ultrasound, or a radioactive iodine uptake test which measures how much iodine the thyroid takes up from the blood.
Treatment Options
Important Facts
If untreated, hyperthyroidism can cause serious health problems including irregular heartbeat, blood clots, stroke, and heart failure.
It can cause Graves' ophthalmopathy (eye disease), thinning bones and osteoporosis, and fertility problems.
Adults over age 60 may have different symptoms that can be mistaken for depression or dementia.
Effective treatments are available — early diagnosis is key to preventing complications.
Medical information adapted from MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine. Always consult with your physician for personalized medical advice.
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