General Information About Hyperthyroidism
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the condition where the settings of the thyroid gland, which acts as the body's engine, break down, causing it to produce too much hormone (Thyroxine) and forcing all the body's organs to work continuously at high, exhausting speeds.
Normal goiter is the physical swelling (enlargement) of the thyroid gland; hormones may remain normal. In a toxic goiter, the gland may be enlarged or shrunk; the important thing is that it secretes excessive hormones into the blood.
Rapid weight loss despite a good appetite and eating a lot, constant heart palpitations, shaking (tremors) in the hands, accelerated bowel movements (diarrhea), excessive sweating, insomnia, and states of nervousness.
An autoimmune (immune system) disorder called Graves' disease is the most common cause. In addition, autonomous hot nodules (Toxic adenoma) that produce hormones on their own within the thyroid also lead to hyperthyroidism.
The diagnosis is made when blood tests show the TSH (the brain's hormone that stimulates the thyroid) level is near zero (suppressed), while thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) are very high. A Thyroid Scintigraphy and Ultrasound are taken to find the cause.
Depending on the patient's age and accompanying health problems; a decision is made between medical treatment, radioactive iodine treatment, and surgical treatment.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
