Not every thyroid problem makes you slow. Sometimes the thyroid goes into overdrive. The person feels fast, hot and restless, like a car with the accelerator stuck.
What is hyperthyroidism?
It means too much thyroid hormone in the blood. Everything speeds up: the heart, the bowels, the mind. It is less common than hypothyroidism but needs attention.
Symptoms
- Weight loss despite eating well.
- Fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations.
- Sweating and feeling hot.
- Shaky hands, anxiety, trouble sleeping.
- Frequent loose motions.
- Light periods.
- Bulging eyes or neck swelling in some types.
Common causes
- Graves’ disease: an autoimmune condition, the most common cause.
- Toxic nodules or a toxic goitre: lumps that make extra hormone.
- Thyroiditis: inflammation that releases stored hormone for a short time.
- Too much thyroid medicine, taken for hypothyroidism.
Tests
TSH is low, while T3 and T4 are high. Your doctor may also advise antibody tests, an ultrasound, or a thyroid scan to find the cause.
Treatment options
- Anti-thyroid tablets like carbimazole or methimazole to reduce hormone production.
- Beta-blocker tablets to calm the heart and tremor while hormone levels settle.
- Radioactive iodine or surgery for selected cases.
Why not delay?
A very fast heart rhythm can strain the heart and weaken bones if left untreated. Pregnant women need careful treatment, as medicines differ in pregnancy. Please see a doctor if you notice these symptoms, and do not take thyroid supplements from the internet.
We see people from Gopanpally, Gowlidoddi, Nallagandla, Tellapur and the Financial District for thyroid concerns. Contact the clinic to set up a test and consultation.
Living well during treatment
Treatment often brings quick relief, but the first weeks need patience. Follow-up blood tests every 4 to 6 weeks help your doctor adjust the dose. Avoid heavy caffeine, which can make palpitations worse. Eat regular meals with enough protein and calcium, because a fast metabolism can weaken bones over time. Tell your doctor if you plan a pregnancy, since the choice of medicine can change. Most people do well and return to their normal routine, and many can later reduce or even stop medicines under supervision.
Keep reading
Your family doctor,
Akhila Reddy
MBBS, DNB (Family Medicine) | TSMC Reg. No. APMC/FMR/74261
AMC Hospital, Gopanpally, Gachibowli, Hyderabad
This article is for general health education and does not replace a check-up. Every person is different, so please speak to your doctor before changing any medicine. In an emergency, call 108 or go to the nearest hospital.
References
- Ross DS et al. 2016 American Thyroid Association guidelines for diagnosis and management of hyperthyroidism and other causes of thyrotoxicosis. Thyroid 2016;26(10):1343-1421.
- American Thyroid Association. Hyperthyroidism. https://www.thyroid.org/hyperthyroidism/
- Smith TJ, Hegedus L. Graves’ disease. N Engl J Med 2016;375:1552-1565.