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Symptoms and Causes - Mayo Clinic
Symptoms and Causes - Mayo Clinic
Several treatments are available for hyperthyroidism. Anti-thyroid medicines and radioiodine can be used to slow the amount of hormones the thyroid
gland makes. Sometimes, hyperthyroidism treatment includes surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. In some cases, depending on what's
causing it, hyperthyroidism may improve without medication or other treatment.
Symptoms
Hyperthyroidism sometimes looks like other health problems. That can make it hard to diagnose. It can cause many symptoms, including:
Older adults are more likely to have symptoms that are hard to notice. These symptoms may include an irregular heartbeat, weight loss, depression,
and feeling weak or tired during ordinary activities.
After a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, most people need regular follow-up visits with their health care provider to monitor the condition.
Causes
Hyperthyroidism can be caused by several medical conditions that affect the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of
the neck. It has a big impact on the body. Every part of metabolism is controlled by hormones that the thyroid gland makes.
The thyroid gland produces two main hormones: thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3). These hormones affect every cell in the body. They support
the rate at which the body uses fats and carbohydrates. They help control body temperature. They have an effect on heart rate. And they help control
how much protein the body makes.
Hyperthyroidism happens when the thyroid gland puts too much of those thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. Conditions that can lead to
hyperthyroidism include:
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Graves' disease. Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the thyroid gland. That prompts the thyroid
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to make too much thyroid hormone. Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.
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12/9/23, 6:34 PM Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Overactive thyroid nodules. This condition also is called toxic adenoma, toxic multinodular goiter and Plummer disease. This form of
hyperthyroidism happens when a thyroid adenoma makes too much thyroid hormone. An adenoma is a part of the gland that is walled off from the
rest of the gland. It forms noncancerous lumps that can make the thyroid bigger than usual.
Thyroiditis. This condition happens when the thyroid gland becomes inflamed. In some cases, it's due to an autoimmune disorder. In others, the
reason for it is unclear. The inflammation can cause extra thyroid hormone stored in the thyroid gland to leak into the bloodstream and cause
symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Risk factors
Risk factors for hyperthyroidism include:
Complications
Hyperthyroidism can lead to the following complications.
Heart problems
Some of the most serious complications of hyperthyroidism involve the heart, including:
A heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation that increases the risk of stroke.
Congestive heart failure, a condition in which the heart can't circulate enough blood to meet the body's needs.
Brittle bones
Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to weak, brittle bones. This condition is called osteoporosis. The strength of bones depends, in part, on the amount
of calcium and other minerals in them. Too much thyroid hormone makes it hard for the body to get calcium into bones.
Vision problems
Some people with hyperthyroidism develop a problem called thyroid eye disease. It's more common in people who smoke. This disorder affects the
muscles and other tissues around the eyes.
Bulging eyes.
Gritty sensation in the eyes.
Pressure or pain in the eyes.
Puffy or retracted eyelids.
Reddened or inflamed eyes.
Light sensitivity.
Double vision.
Thyrotoxic crisis
This rare condition also is called thyroid storm. Hyperthyroidism raises the risk of thyrotoxic crisis. It causes severe, sometimes life-threatening
symptoms. It requires emergency medical care. Symptoms may include:
Fever.
Fast heartbeat.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Dehydration.
Confusion.
Delirium.
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