Which of the following is a symptom of hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is known as overactive thyroid. It occurs when your thyroid gland makes and releases too much thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly. It is in the front of your neck, below your Adam’s apple. The thyroid makes hormones that control your body’s metabolism. It affects your heart rate and the function of your other organs. It also affects your muscles, bones, and menstrual cycles (for women). Hyperthyroidism can be related to Graves’ disease. This is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland.
Hyperthyroidism often begins slowly. Its symptoms can be mistaken for stress or other health problems. Common symptoms include:
Symptoms in older adults may be subtle. Examples are increased heart rate, fatigue during normal activities, and withdrawal. Doctors may mistake hyperthyroidism for depression or dementia. People who have Graves’ disease may have additional symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is swollen or bulging eyes. This can cause your eyes to be dry and red. You may also have:
In more than 70% of cases, hyperthyroidism is caused by Graves’ disease. Normally, the immune system helps protect your body against viruses, bacteria, and other substances. An autoimmune disease causes it to attack your body’s tissues and/or organs. With Graves’ disease, the immune system stimulates your thyroid, making it produce too much hormone. Doctors think Graves’ disease may run in families. It is most common among young women. Two other common causes for hyperthyroidism are:
Consuming foods or medicines that contain high levels of iodine can also lead to hyperthyroidism. In rare cases, the cause could be a benign (noncancerous) tumor on the pituitary gland.
Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of an overactive thyroid. He or she will check for an enlarged thyroid gland, rapid pulse, moist skin, eye changes, and a slight tremor in your fingers or hand. Your doctor also will do a blood test to measure the amount of thyroid hormone in your blood. This confirms the diagnosis. Your doctor may do a thyroid scan to find the cause. If your entire thyroid is affected, you have Graves’ disease. Or the doctor will look for thyroid nodules or an inflammation. Your doctor also may do a radioactive iodine uptake test. This test measures your thyroid’s ability to take up iodine. A high uptake of iodine means your thyroid gland may be producing too much hormone. This indicates Graves’ disease or a hyperfunctioning thyroid nodule. A low uptake of iodine indicates thyroiditis as the cause.
You cannot prevent hyperthyroidism. However, some people are more at risk for the condition. This includes people who:
There are several treatments for hyperthyroidism. The best one for you depends on your age, health, cause, and the severity of your condition. The goal is to control your thyroid levels and make them normal. Doing this relieves symptoms and prevents future health problems. Treatments include:
If it is not treated, hyperthyroidism can lead to other health problems. These include:
People who have Graves’ disease may develop red, swollen skin on their shins and feet. Try using over-the-counter creams with hydrocortisone for relief. You also may have eye problems due to Graves’ ophthalmopathy. To relieve these symptoms:
American Thyroid Association: Hyperthyroidism National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid) Which of the following symptoms may indicate hyperthyroidism?Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include a rapid heartbeat, weight loss, increased appetite and anxiety. Hyperthyroidism can be treated with antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, beta blockers and surgery.
What are early warning signs of thyroid problems hyperthyroidism?7 early warning signs of thyroid issues include:. Fatigue.. Weight gain.. Weight loss.. Slowed heart rate.. Increased heart rate.. Sensitivity to heat.. Sensitivity to cold.. |