What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

By Cristiano Antonino On Oct 11, 2022

Hyperthyroidism is characterized by excess thyroid hormones. Particularly common in women, this situation can have serious consequences on the patient’s health status and quality of life

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

The thyroid gland plays a role in controlling various aspects of metabolism and cardiovascular function, so the symptomatology of hyperthyroidism is complex.

In fact, hyperthyroidism can manifest as:

progressive weight loss;
tachycardia-which can lead to even dangerous cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation especially in elderly patients;
increased appetite;
intestinal disorders;
states of anxiety, nervousness and irritability;
tremors and intense sweating;
in women, menstrual irregularities;
sleep disturbances;
heat intolerance;
fatigue and muscle weakness;
thinning of the skin and brittle hair.

In patients with hyperthyroidism caused by Graves-Basedow’s disease, it may occur in association with an ocular complication, namely, Basedowian ophthalmopathy, which is manifested in the early stages by the appearance of bulging eyes (exophthalmos).

If, on the other hand, hyperthyroidism results from subacute thyroiditis, neck pain and fever may also present.

What are the causes of hyperthyroidism?

The most common causes of hyperthyroidism include:

Graves’ disease (an autoimmune disease );
thyroid nodules (toxic adenoma and toxic multinodular goiter);
thyroiditis, which is inflammation that leads to the release of hormone stored in the thyroid into the bloodstream.

It is worth mentioning that some drugs used in cardiology, neurology, and hepatology, such as interferon or amiodarone, can also induce hyperthyroid conditions.

How is the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism made?

Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism requires measurement in the blood of circulating levels of free fT3 (Triiodothyronine), free fT4 (Thyroxine), TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroid hormone or thyrotropin) and anti-thyroid antibodies, especially those stimulating the TSH receptor.

If necessary, especially in the presence of nodules, the specialist may request thyroid scintigraphy and ultrasound study of the thyroid gland.

How to treat hyperthyroidism?

The treatment of hyperthyroidism depends on several factors, such as its cause, the age of the person, and the severity of its clinical manifestations.

For example, if we talk about hyperfunctioning nodular goiter, therapy is chosen based on the size of the nodular formation.

In small/medium sized goiters, radioactive iodine therapy (radiometabolic therapy) might be the most indicated, while in more voluminous ones, surgical therapy (thyroidectomy) is chosen.

In Basedow’s disease patients generally opt for medical treatment with antithyroid drugs, while in case of disease recurrence or failure to respond to medical therapy, radiometabolic therapy and thyroidectomy are proposed.

Finally, in subacute thyroiditis, treatment requires the use of corticosteroids.

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