Hyperthyroidism

A person with hyperthyroidism has a thyroid gland that is producing too much of the thyroxine hormone. Given the importance of the thyroid gland – it impacts all of the body’s cells in one way or another – it’s easy to understand why a dysfunctional thyroid can cause a variety of significant symptoms ranging from unexpected, sudden weight loss to a racing or irregular heartbeat, sweating, fatigue, sleeping difficulties, hair and skin changes, trembling, menstrual changes, sweating and increased sensitivity to heat. Reasons that a thyroid gland would produce excess hormones range from a benign thyroid nodule to an autoimmune disorder known as Graves’ disease, toxic goiters and thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland). Depending on the specific cause of a patient’s hyperthyroidism, potential treatments include multiple medications, radioactive iodine that can be taken orally, and thyroidectomy surgery.