Austin Thyroid Endocrinology

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, a less common thyroid disorder, occurs when the thyroid gland becomes overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone. It affects approximately one to two million Americans, and is more prevalent among women, particularly those in their 30s and 40s. The most common form of this disorder is Graves' disease, the illness that affected Olympic athlete Gail Devers and former First Lady Barbara Bush. The cause of Graves' disease is unknown.

Signs and Symptoms
The spectrum of possible signs and symptoms resulting from an overactive thyroid includes: irritability/nervousness, sleep disturbances, muscle weakness/tremors, enlarged thyroid (goiter), irregular menstrual periods, heat intolerance, weight loss, vision problems or eye irritation.

Treatment
Treatment of an overactive thyroid may be complex and requires a long-term care plan. Once diagnosis is confirmed, treatment involves reducing the amount of thyroid hormone produced by the gland. Treatment methods for hyperthyroidism include antithyroid drug therapy, which blocks thyroid hormone production; radioactive iodine treatment, in which the overactive thyroid is disabled and reduced in size; and thyroid surgery to remove part or all of the gland, which is usually used to treat very young patients with Graves' disease and older patients with diseased thyroid glands. Radioactive iodine therapy is currently the treatment of choice in most cases in the United States. Patients are given a dose of radioactive iodine that essentially "shuts down" thyroid hormone production. Normal hormone levels must often be restored through levothyroxine sodium tablets. These patients require careful lifetime management to ensure they are receiving the proper dosage of thyroid medication.

Austin Thyroid and Endocrinology - Hyperthyroidism