Symptoms
Symptoms vary but commonly include:
Unintentional weight loss
Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
Increased appetite
Nervousness, anxiety, and irritability
Tremor (usually in the hands)
Sweating
Changes in menstrual patterns
Increased sensitivity to heat
Changes in bowel habits, more frequent bowel movements
Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
Fatigue and muscle weakness
Difficulty sleeping
Skin thinning
Fine, brittle hair
Eye problems (Graves' ophthalmopathy), such as bulging eyes, double vision, or light sensitivity
Causes
Common causes include:
Graves' disease: An autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce too much thyroid hormone.
Toxic nodular goiter: One or more nodules (lumps) on the thyroid gland become overactive and produce excess thyroid hormone.
Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can temporarily cause the gland to release stored thyroid hormone.
Excessive iodine intake: High doses of iodine can sometimes cause the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormone.
Medications: Certain medications, such as amiodarone, can cause hyperthyroidism.
Medicine Used
Anti-thyroid medications: Such as methimazole and propylthiouracil (PTU), these drugs reduce the amount of thyroid hormone the gland produces.
Beta-blockers: These drugs, such as propranolol, don't affect thyroid hormone levels but can help manage symptoms like rapid heart rate and tremors.
Radioactive iodine: Taken orally, radioactive iodine destroys overactive thyroid cells.
Surgery (Thyroidectomy): Removal of all or part of the thyroid gland.
Precautions
Adhere to prescribed medication regimens.
Regular follow-up appointments with your doctor.
Monitor for signs of complications.
Maintain a balanced diet.
Manage stress levels.
Avoid excessive iodine intake (unless directed by a doctor).
If undergoing radioactive iodine treatment, follow radiation safety guidelines provided by your doctor.
How long does an outbreak last?
Hyperthyroidism is not an "outbreak" but a chronic condition. The duration of symptoms and treatment varies greatly depending on the cause and the individual's response to therapy.
Thyroiditis-induced hyperthyroidism: Can be temporary, lasting weeks to months.
Graves' disease or toxic nodular goiter: Require ongoing management, which can last for years. Treatment aims to control hormone levels and manage symptoms. Some people may achieve long-term remission with medication or require definitive treatment with radioactive iodine or surgery.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Physical exam: Checking for enlarged thyroid, tremor, and other physical signs.
Blood tests: Measuring thyroid hormone levels (T4 and T3) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Low TSH and high T4/T3 usually indicate hyperthyroidism.
Radioactive iodine uptake test: To determine how much iodine the thyroid gland is absorbing. This can help determine the cause of hyperthyroidism (e.g., Graves' disease vs. toxic nodular goiter).
Thyroid scan: An imaging test to visualize the thyroid gland and identify nodules or areas of increased activity.
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset and progression of symptoms can vary:
Gradual: Graves' disease often develops gradually over weeks to months.
Sudden: Thyroiditis can cause a more rapid onset of symptoms.
Symptoms may fluctuate in severity over time, especially if the condition is not well-managed.
The specific timeline depends on the underlying cause and individual factors.
Important Considerations
Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to serious complications, including heart problems (atrial fibrillation, heart failure), osteoporosis, and thyroid storm (a life-threatening condition).
Women with hyperthyroidism who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant require careful management to protect both their health and the health of the baby.
Older adults may have atypical symptoms, making diagnosis more challenging.
It's important to communicate openly with your doctor about your symptoms and concerns, and to adhere to your treatment plan.