What is hyperthyroidism 1
Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid and also called thyrotoxicosis, a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much of the thyroid hormone. It is unpleasant and potentially can cause serious problems that may need treatment. It can affect anyone with a certain degree of magnitude.
Symptoms
- Nervousness, anxiety, irritability
- Mood Swings
- Difficulty sleeping
- Persistent tiredness and weakness
- Sensitivity to heat
- Swelling in your neck from an enlarge thyroid gland
- An irregular and/or unusually fast heart rate
- Trembling
- Weight Loss
- Muscle weakness
- Diarrhoea
- Itchiness
- Excessive sweating
- Eye problems
Main Treatments
The main treatments are:
- Medicine that stops your thyroid producing too much of the thyroid hormones, such as methimazole and propylthiouracil (PTU)
- Radioactive iodine treatment – where a type of radiotherapy is used to destroy cells in the thyroid, reducing its ability to produce thyroid hormones
- Surgery to remove some or all of your thyroid, so that it no longer produces thyroid hormones
Each of these treatments has benefits and drawbacks. You’ll usually see a specialist in hormonal conditions (endocrinologist) to discuss which treatment is best for you.