HORMONES & YOU

Patient Information Page

www.hormone.org
Hyperthyroidism
What is the thyroid gland? the immune system attacks the thyroid cure the thyroid problem, but usually
gland, causing it to enlarge and make too leads to permanent destruction of the
The thyroid gland is located in the neck,
much thyroid hormone. It is chronic (long- thyroid. You will likely need to take
just below your larynx (voice box). It
PLEASE TEAR HERE

term) and typically runs in families with a thyroid hormone pills for the rest of
produces two hormones, triiodothyronine
history of thyroid disease. A common your life to provide normal hormone
(T3) and thyroxine (T4). T3 and T4 travel
characteristic of patients with Graves levels.
through the bloodstream to all parts of the
disease is swelling behind the eyes that Surgery. Surgical removal of the
body where they regulate how the body
causes them to bulge outward. thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) is a
uses and stores energy. This is sometimes
Less commonly, other causes of hyper- permanent solution, but not usually
called your metabolism.
thyroidism include: preferred, because of the risk of damage
Thyroid function is controlled by the
Thyroid nodules: Lumps on the to the parathyroid glands (which
pituitary gland (located in your brain). The
thyroid gland that may secrete too much control calcium metabolism in the
pituitary produces thyroid-stimulating
thyroid hormone. body) and to the nerves to the larynx
hormone (TSH), which stimulates the
Subacute thyroiditis: A painful inflam- (voice box). Surgery is recommended
thyroid to produce T3 and T4.
mation of the thyroid typically caused by when either antithyroid medication or
What is hyperthyroidism? a virus. radioactive iodine therapy would not be
Lymphocytic thyroiditis: A painless appropriate.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in Beta blockers. These drugs (e.g.,

HYPERTHYROIDISM
inflammation caused by lymphocytes (a
which the thyroid gland is overactive and atenolol) can control many troubling
type of white blood cell) inside the
produces too much thyroid hormone. symptoms, especially rapid heart rate,
thyroid.
Hyperthyroidism is most common in trembling, and anxiety caused by this
Postpartum thyroiditis: Lymphocytic
women between ages 20 and 40, but men condition.
thyroiditis that develops shortly after
can also develop this condition.
pregnancy.
All of these therapies have risks. Your
How is hyperthyroidism doctor will work with you to determine
Signs and Symptoms of which treatment option is best for you.
Hyperthyroidism diagnosed?
Your doctor will perform a physical What should you do with this
Feeling too hot
examination and order blood tests to information?
Increased sweating
measure your hormone levels. You have
Muscle weakness Many of the signs and symptoms of
hyperthyroidism when the levels of T4 and
Trembling hands hyperthyroidism may be associated with
T3 are higher than normal and the level of
other conditions. An endocrinologist, a
Rapid heartbeat TSH is lower than normal.
specialist in hormone-related conditions,
Tiredness/fatigue To determine the type of hyper-
can help diagnose and treat
Weight loss thyroidism you have, your doctor may do a
hyperthyroidism.
thyroid radioactive iodine uptake test to
Diarrhea or frequent bowel If you have ever been treated for
measure how much iodine your thyroid
movements hyperthyroidism, or are currently being
takes up, and take a picture of your thyroid
Irritability and anxiety treated, see your doctor regularly so that
(a thyroid scan) to see its shape and size,
Eye problems (e.g., irritation, your condition can be monitored. It is
and if there are any nodules present. (Other
discomfort) important to ensure that your thyroid
tests can also be used to evaluate nodules).
Menstrual irregularities hormone levels are normal and that youre
How is hyperthyroidism treated? getting enough calcium from your diet,
Infertility
supplements or both.
Treatment for hyperthyroidism will
depend on its cause, your age and physical Resources
If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can condition, and how serious the condition
lead to other health problems. Some of the is. Available treatments include: Find-an-Endocrinologist:
most serious involve the heart (e.g., rapid www.hormone.org or call
Antithyroid medications. These drugs 1-800-HORMONE (1-800-467-6663)
or irregular heart beat, and congestive lower the amount of hormone the
heart failure) and the bones (e.g., brittle American Thyroid Association:
thyroid gland makes. The preferred
bones, known as osteoporosis). www.thyroid.org
drug is methimazole. For pregnant or
lactating women, propylthiouracil National Graves Disease Foundation:
What causes hyperthyroidism? www.ngdf.org
(PTU) is preferred. These drugs control,
Graves disease is the most common but may not cure, the condition. Thyroid Foundation of America:
cause of hyperthyroidism. It occurs when Radioactive iodine. This treatment will www.allthyroid.org or call 1-800-832-8321

EDITORS:
David Cooper, MD
Michael McDermott, MD
Leonard Wartofsky, MD
May 2006
For more information on how to find an endocrinologist, download free publications, translate this fact sheet into other languages, or make a
contribution to The Hormone Foundation, visit www.hormone.org or call 1-800-HORMONE. The Hormone Foundation, the public education
affiliate of The Endocrine Society (www.endo-society.org), serves as a resource for the public by promoting the prevention, treatment, and cure of
hormone-related conditions. This fact sheet may be reproduced by health care professionals and health educators to share with patients and students.
The Hormone Foundation 2006

The Endocrine Society. Downloaded from press.endocrine.org by [${individualUser.displayName}] on 23 January 2017. at 04:22 For personal use only. No other uses without permission. . All rights reserved.