Overview
Hyperthyroidism refers to any condition where there is excessive thyroid hormone production and is usually due to gland hyperfunction or overactive thyroid gland. Thyroid hormone plays a significant role in body metabolism and hence, hyperthyroidism results in acceleration of the body's metabolism.Signs and Symptoms
Irregular or rapid heartbeat, Irritability, Increased sweating, Hand tremor, Anxiety or nervousness , Fine brittle hair, Muscle weakness, Diarrhea, Weight loss, Hypomenorrhea or amenorrhea, Lid lag, Lid retraction, Exophthalmos, Ophthalmoplegia, Pretibial myxedema, Thyroid acropachy, Enlarged goitreCommon Causes
Graves' disease, Toxic multinodular goitre,Toxic adenoma, Ectopic thyroid tissue, Exogenous causes such as iodine excess or taking too much thyroid hormone medication,Thyroiditis resulting from problem with immune system or viral infectionRisk Factors
Family history of Graves' disease or other autoimmune disease, Female gender, Personal history of chronic illness such as type 1 diabetes and primary adrenal insufficiency, PregnancyInvestigation Techniques
Thyroid function test for thyroid hormone levels and thyroid stimulating hormone levels, Thyroid autoantibodies , Radioiodine uptake test, Isotope scan, Full blood count, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Ca2+ levels, Liver function testTreatment and Prevention
Antithyroid medications and beta blockers, Radioactive iodine,Thyroidectomy
