thyroidHyperthyroid is a term used to describe an overactive thyroid gland, which results in an overproduction of thyroid hormones (T3, T4, or both). Thyroid hormone affects practically every type of tissue in the body. Symptoms of affects of excessive thyroid hormone include:

Symptoms

  • High Metabolism
  • Weight Loss
  • Increased Appetite
  • Rapid Heart Rate
  • Palpitations
  • Shaking Hands
  • Anxiety
  • Profuse Sweating
  • Increased body Temperature
  • Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea
  • Hair Loss
  • Weakness & Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Apathy and Depression
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Loss of Libido
  • Vision Problems

Thyrotoxic crisis (or thyroid storm) is a rare but severe complication of hyperthyroidism. Its symptoms can include an increase in body temperature to over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, very rapid heart rate, muscle weakness, uneven or missing heartbeats, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, coma and death.

Elevated thyroid levels can be caused by Grave’s Disease (most common cause), Cancer on the thyroid, advanced goiter. Grave’s Diseases is an autoimmune disease.

All elevated thyroid diseases must be treated.

Hyperthyroid conditions can be medically treated with antithyroid drugs, such as methimazole and propylthiouracil (PTU). Radiation and surgical removal are also options when the disease cannot be controlled by medication.