Thyroid Over Active
Introduction
Source: NHS
In this topic (6)
An overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism, is where the thyroid gland produces too much of the thyroid hormones.
The thyroid is found at the front of the neck. It produces hormones that affect things such as your heart rate and body temperature.
Extra levels ofthesehormones can cause unpleasant and potentially serious problems thatmay require treatment.
An overactive thyroidcan affect anyone, but it's about 10 times more common in women than men and it typically startsbetween 20 and 40 years of age.
This page covers:
Symptoms of an overactive thyroid
An overactive thyroid can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
- nervousness, anxiety and irritability
- mood swings
- Insomnia
- persistent tiredness and weakness
- sensitivity to heat
- swelling in your neck from an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre)
- an irregular and/orunusually fast heart rate (palpitations)
- twitching or trembling
- weight loss
You'll normally see an endocrinologist (specialist in hormone conditions) to discuss which is best for you.
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Causes of an overactive thyroid
There are a number of reasons why the thyroid can become overactive.
These include:
- Graves' disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the thyroid
- lumps (nodules) on the thyroid this results in extra thyroid tissue, whichcan mean extra thyroid hormones are produced
- certain medications such asamiodarone, a medication for an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
About three in every four cases arebecause ofGraves' disease.
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Further problems
An overactive thyroid, particularly if it's not treated or well controlled, can sometimes lead to further problems.
These include:
- eye problems such as eye irritation, double vision or bulging eyes
- pregnancy complicationssuch as pre-eclampsia , premature birth or miscarriage
- a thyroid storm a sudden and life-threatening flare-up of symptoms
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Articles for Thyroid Over Active
Causes
Find out about the main causes of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), such as a condition called Graves' disease.
Complications
Find out about the complications that can occur as a result of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), including eye problems and pregnancy problems.
Diagnosis
Find out about the main tests used to diagnose an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), including a thyroid function blood test.
Introduction
Find out about an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), including what the symptoms are, why it happens and how it's treated.
Symptoms
Find out about the main symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and when to get medical advice.
Treatment
Find out about the main treatments for an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), including medication and surgery.
