Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options

What Is Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone. The thyroid is a small gland in your neck that produces hormones that regulate your metabolism and other important bodily functions.

Anyone can experience hyperthyroidism, but it is more common in women, people over the age of 40 and those who have had a thyroid issue in the past.

About 1% of American adults experience hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism vary by person, but common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Excessive, uncommon sweating
• Shaky hands
• Nervousness
• Thinning of the skin
• Brittle hair
• High blood pressure
• Diarrhea
• Fast heartbeat

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

Graves' Disease

This is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It is an autoimmune disorder that happens when an antibody overstimulates the thyroid. This condition is most often found in young to middle-aged women. It tends to run in families.

Toxid Nodular Goiter

This condition happens when one or more lumps (nodules) of the thyroid gland make thyroid hormone independently from the normal feedback mechanism. Health experts don't know what causes this to happen. In most cases, the nodules are not cancer (benign). But in rare cases, the overactive thyroid tissue is cancer.

Thyroiditis

This occurs when the thyroid becomes irritated. It temporarily causes the thyroid to release large amounts of thyroid hormone. The thyroid then often becomes underactive until it recovers. Viruses are often the cause of thyroiditis.

Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can look like other health conditions, so a proper diagnosis is critical to getting the right care.

Physical Exam

First, your health care provider will discuss your health history and perform a physical exam. They will check for symptoms of hyperthyroidism, like shaky hands, a fast heart rate or sweaty skin. They’ll lightly press on your neck to feel the thyroid gland and check for abnormalities.

Blood Tests

Next, your provider will order blood tests to measure the levels of thyroid hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. It's important to inform your provider if you are taking the vitamin supplement biotin, as it can interfere with these test results.

Imaging

Your provider also may order imaging scans, such as an ultrasound or a thyroid scan, to check for any nodules on your thyroid gland that could indicate a disorder.

A radioiodine scan and uptake test may also be used. You’ll ingest a small amount of harmless radioactive iodine. Then your provider will examine how much is absorbed by the thyroid cells.

Treatment of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism treatments will depend on your age, symptoms and overall health.

Treatment options include:

• Anti-thyroid medicine to slow thyroid hormone production and lower the level of thyroid hormones in the blood. Many people see improvements in a few weeks or months and may be able to stop taking the medication after about a year.
• Beta blockers to block the action of the thyroid hormone in the body; they help alleviate rapid heart rate and heart palpitations.
• Radioactive iodine, given as a pill or liquid, to gradually destroy thyroid gland cells, reducing the amount of thyroid hormone produced.
• Steroids to soothe the inflammation causing some forms of thyroiditis.
• Surgery to remove all or part of your thyroid (thyroidectomy), although this is not a common treatment.

Complications of Hyperthyroidism

If left untreated, hyperthyroidism may cause:

• Heart conditions including heart failure
• Problems during pregnancy
• Osteoporosis
• Thyrotoxic crisis (or thyroid storm)
• Vision problems including thyroid eye disease

If your symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms, consult with your health care provider. People who are considering becoming pregnant should speak with their provider first.

Managing Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism may go into remission after 12-18 months of taking anti-thyroid medication, but some people may need to take the medication for life.

Hyperthyroidism is not a fatal condition. With proper management, individuals with hyperthyroidism can have a normal lifespan, although they may face a slightly increased risk of certain complications.

Managing Graves’ Disease

People with Graves’ disease can take these steps to alleviate symptoms and reduce risk for complications:

• Quit smoking
• Use eye drops to prevent dryness and scratchiness
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the wind and sun
• Exercise regularly to release endorphins, manage stress and boost energy