Genetics and phenomics of inherited and sporadic non-autoimmune hyperthyroidism. Mol Cell Endocrinol. Pearce EN, Farwell AP, Braverman LE. Thyroiditis [published correction appears in N Engl J Med. N Engl J Med. Schwartz F, Bergmann N, Zerahn B, Faber J.

Incidence rate of symptomatic painless thyroiditis presenting with thyrotoxicosis in Denmark as evaluated by consecutive thyroid scintigraphies. Scand J Clin Lab Invest. Sweeney LB, Stewart C, Gaitonde DY. Thyroiditis: an integrated approach.

Am Fam Physician. Carney LA, Quinlan JD, West JM. Thyroid disease in pregnancy [published correction appears in Am Fam Physician. Usui T, Izawa S, Sano T, et al. Clinical and molecular features of a TSH-secreting pituitary microadenoma. Silva JE, Bianco SD. Thyroid-adrenergic interactions: physiological and clinical implications.

Duyff RF, Van den Bosch J, Laman DM, van Loon BJ, Linssen WH. Neuromuscular findings in thyroid dysfunction: a prospective clinical and electrodiagnostic study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry.

Gulseren S, Gulseren L, Hekimsoy Z, Cetinay P, Ozen C, Tokatlioglu B. Depression, anxiety, health-related quality of life, and disability in patients with overt and subclinical thyroid dysfunction.

Arch Med Res. Selmer C, Olesen JB, Hansen ML, et al. The spectrum of thyroid disease and risk of new onset atrial fibrillation: a large population cohort study. J N, Francis J. Atrial fibrillation and hyperthyroidism.

Indian Pacing Electrophysiol J. Siu CW, Yeung CY, Lau CP, Kung AW, Tse HF. Incidence, clinical characteristics and outcome of congestive heart failure as the initial presentation in patients with primary hyperthyroidism.

Bartalena L, Fatourechi V. Extrathyroidal manifestations of Graves' disease: a update. J Endocrinol Invest. Hegediüs L, Brix TH, Vestergaard P.

Relationship between cigarette smoking and Graves' ophthalmopathy. Fatourechi V. Pretibial myxedema: pathophysiology and treatment options.

Am J Clin Dermatol. Thyroid dermopathy and acropachy. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. van Deventer HE, Mendu DR, Remaley AT, Soldin SJ. Inverse log-linear relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxine measured by direct analog immunoassay and tandem mass spectrometry.

Clin Chem. Dufour DR. Laboratory tests of thyroid function: uses and limitations. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. Beck-Peccoz P, Persani L.

TSH-induced hyperthyroidism caused by a pituitary tumor. Nat Clin Pract Endocrinol Metab. Werner SC, Ingbar SH, Braverman LE, Utiger RD. Philadelphia, Pa. Cappelli C, Pirola I, De Martino E, et al.

The role of imaging in Graves' disease: a cost-effectiveness analysis. Eur J Radiol. Abraham P, Avenell A, Park CM, Watson WA, Bevan JS. A systematic review of drug therapy for Graves' hyperthyroidism.

Eur J Endocrinol. Abraham P, Avenell A, McGeoch SC, Clark LF, Bevan JS. Antithyroid drug regimen for treating Graves' hyperthyroidism. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.

Liu X, Qiang W, Liu X, et al. A second course of antithyroid drug therapy for recurrent Graves' disease: an experience in endocrine practice. Bartalena L. Diagnosis and management of Graves disease: a global overview. Nat Rev Endocrinol. Nakamura H, Noh JY, Itoh K, Fukata S, Miyauchi A, Hamada N.

Comparison of methimazole and propylthiouracil in patients with hyperthyroidism caused by Graves' disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Huang CH, Li KL, Wu JH, Wang PN, Juang JH. Antithyroid drug-induced agranulocytosis: report of 13 cases. Chang Gung Med J. Wang MT, Lee WJ, Huang TY, Chu CL, Hsieh CH.

Antithyroid drug-related hepatotoxicity in hyperthyroidism patients: a population-based cohort study. Br J Clin Pharmacol. Weetman AP.

Radioiodine treatment for benign thyroid diseases. Clin Endocrinol Oxf. Acharya SH, Avenell A, Philip S, Burr J, Bevan JS, Abraham P. Radioiodine therapy RAI for Graves' disease GD and the effect on ophthalmopathy: a systematic review.

Randolph GW, Shin JJ, Grillo HC, et al. The surgical management of goiter: Part II. Surgical treatment and results. Vidal-Trecan GM, Stahl JE, Eckman MH. Radioiodine or surgery for toxic thyroid adenoma: dissecting an important decision.

A cost-effectiveness analysis. Ceccarelli C, Bencivelli W, Vitti P, Grasso L, Pinchera A. Outcome of radioiodine therapy in hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules: a 20 years' retrospective study. Burch HB, Wartofsky L. Life-threatening thyrotoxicosis. Thyroid storm.

Eskes SA, Endert E, Fliers E, et al. Treatment of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis type 2: a randomized clinical trial. This content is owned by the AAFP. A person viewing it online may make one printout of the material and may use that printout only for his or her personal, non-commercial reference.

This material may not otherwise be downloaded, copied, printed, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any medium, whether now known or later invented, except as authorized in writing by the AAFP.

search close. PREV Mar 1, NEXT. C 25 , 26 The diagnostic workup for hyperthyroidism includes measuring thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine T 4 , and total triiodothyronine T 3 levels to determine the presence and severity of the condition, as well as radioactive iodine uptake and scan of the thyroid gland to determine the cause.

C 20 , 21 Methimazole Tapazole is the preferred antithyroid medication except in the first trimester of pregnancy and in patients with an adverse reaction to the medication. Order TSH, and if abnormal, follow up with additional evaluation or treatment depending on the findings.

American Society for Clinical Pathology Do not routinely order a thyroid ultrasound in patients with abnormal thyroid function tests if there is no palpable abnormality of the thyroid gland. Etiology and Pathogenesis. Clinical Manifestations.

Laboratory and Radiographic Assessment. Toxic adenoma on radioactive iodine scan. GRAVES DISEASE. THYROID STORM. The author thanks Dr. Harold E. Carlson and Dr. Marie C. Gelato for reviewing this manuscript.

IGOR KRAVETS, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine in the endocrinology division of Stony Brook NY University School of Medicine. kravets stonybrookmedicine.

Vanderpump MP. The epidemiology of thyroid disease. Br Med Bull. Basaria S, Cooper DS. Amiodarone and the thyroid. Am J Med. Continue Reading. More in AFP. More in Pubmed. Copyright © by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians.

All Rights Reserved. The choice of treatment modality for hyperthyroidism caused by overproduction of thyroid hormones depends on the patient's age, symptoms, comorbidities, and preference.

The diagnostic workup for hyperthyroidism includes measuring thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine T 4 , and total triiodothyronine T 3 levels to determine the presence and severity of the condition, as well as radioactive iodine uptake and scan of the thyroid gland to determine the cause.

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While hyperthyroidism describes an overactive thyroid, hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland underperforms. Hyperthyroidism can also lead to your thyroid gland swelling.

This is called a goiter. Hyperthyroidism is often treated with antithyroid drugs, which stop the overproduction of thyroid hormone. In some cases, the thyroid gland might be surgically removed. In addition to medical treatments, some natural hyperthyroidism treatments may help.

One way to manage hyperthyroidism is to have a healthy diet. If you have hyperthyroidism, your doctor might prescribe a low-iodine diet before starting medical treatment. This increases the effectiveness of the treatment. According to the American Thyroid Association , a low-iodine diet means you should avoid:.

In addition, you should avoid soy products such as tofu, soy milk, soy sauce, and soy beans. This is because research from suggests that soy can interfere with thyroid function.

Remember that even if a supplement is available over the counter, it can still have a harmful effect on your body. When it comes to iodine, balance is essential. While excessive iodine can lead to hyperthyroidism, an iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism. L-carnitine is an amino acid derivative that naturally occurs in the body.

Learn about the benefits of L-carnitine here. Carnitine prevents thyroid hormones from entering certain cells. A study suggests that L-carnitine can reverse and prevent the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including heart palpitations, tremors, and fatigue.

Some sources suggest that bugleweed is a thyrosuppressant — that is, it reduces the function of the thyroid gland.

A vitamin B deficiency can lead you to feel fatigued, weak, and dizzy. If you have a vitamin B deficiency, your doctor might suggest that you take a B supplement or have a B injection. Some research suggests that selenium can be used to treat the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Selenium is a mineral that naturally occurs in water, soil, and foods like nuts, fish, beef, and grains. It can also be taken as a supplement. Remember, though, that not everyone with hyperthyroidism has TED.

Overall, the research remains mixed. In theory, this is because it reduces thyroid-stimulating hormone TSH. Lemon balm can be consumed as a tea or in the form of a supplement. Setting down with a cup of lemon balm tea may at least be healing as a stress management technique. Lavender and sandalwood essential oils can, for example, reduce feelings of anxiety and help you feel calm.

This might help you fight nervousness and sleeplessness, both symptoms of hyperthyroidism. A dietary fiber, glucomannan is found in the form of capsules, powders, and tablets.

One promising study from suggests that glucomannan could be used to lower the levels of thyroid hormones in people with hyperthyroidism, but more evidence is needed.

Eating well, exercising, and practicing self-care and stress management can all help. When managed with medication and a healthy lifestyle, thyroid function can return to normal. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

It may occur due to your treatment, an…. Here are some facts you should know about hypothyroidism and how it differs from hyperthyroidism. Iodized salt is a kitchen staple that can help prevent iodine deficiency.

This article explores how iodized salt affects your health and if you should…. Hyperthyroidism can overstimulate the sympathetic nervous system and cause diarrhea and other GI tract symptoms.

Here's what you need to know. Hyperthyroidism is a condition where your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This overproduction of thyroid hormone speeds up your…. If a person is taking too much thyroid medication on purpose, this is known as factitious hyperthyroidism.

For You Children Women Patient Handouts. What is hyperthyroidism? What causes hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism has several causes. They include: Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system attacks your thyroid and causes it to make too much hormone.

This is the most common cause. Thyroid nodules, which are growths on your thyroid. They are usually benign not cancer. But they may become overactive and make too much thyroid hormone.

Thyroid nodules are more common in older adults. Thyroiditis, inflammation of the thyroid. It causes stored thyroid hormone to leak out of your thyroid gland. Too much iodine. Iodine is found in some medicines, cough syrups, seaweed and seaweed-based supplements.

Taking too much of them can cause your thyroid to make too much thyroid hormone. Too much thyroid medicine. This can happen if people who take thyroid hormone medicine for hypothyroidism underactive thyroid take too much of it.

Who is at risk for hyperthyroidism? You are at higher risk for hyperthyroidism if you: Are a woman Are older than age 60 Have been pregnant or had a baby within the past 6 months Have had thyroid surgery or a thyroid problem, such as goiter Have a family history of thyroid disease Have pernicious anemia , in which the body cannot make enough healthy red blood cells because it does not have enough vitamin B12 Have type 1 diabetes or primary adrenal insufficiency, a hormonal disorder Get too much iodine, from eating large amounts of foods containing iodine or using iodine-containing medicines or supplements What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

The symptoms of hyperthyroidism can vary from person to person and may include: Nervousness or irritability Fatigue Muscle weakness Trouble tolerating heat Trouble sleeping Tremor , usually in your hands Rapid and irregular heartbeat Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea Weight loss Mood swings Goiter, an enlarged thyroid that may cause your neck to look swollen.

Sometimes it can cause trouble with breathing or swallowing. What other problems can hyperthyroidism cause? If hyperthyroidism isn't treated, it can cause some serious health problems, including: An irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots , stroke , heart failure , and other heart problems An eye disease called Graves' ophthalmopathy.

It can cause double vision, light sensitivity, and eye pain. In rare cases, it can lead to vision loss. Thinning bones and osteoporosis Fertility problems in women Complications in pregnancy, such as premature birth , low birth weight , high blood pressure in pregnancy , and miscarriage How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed?

Your health care provider may use many tools to make a diagnosis: A medical history, including asking about symptoms A physical exam Thyroid tests , such as TSH , T3 , T4 , and thyroid antibody blood tests Imaging tests , such as a thyroid scan, ultrasound , or radioactive iodine uptake test.

A radioactive iodine uptake test measures how much radioactive iodine your thyroid takes up from your blood after you swallow a small amount of it. What are the treatments for hyperthyroidism? The treatments for hyperthyroidism include medicines, radioiodine therapy, and thyroid surgery: Medicines for hyperthyroidism include Antithyroid medicines, which cause your thyroid to make less thyroid hormone.

You probably need to take the medicines for 1 to 2 years. In some cases, you might need to take the medicines for several years. This is the simplest treatment, but it is often not a permanent cure. Beta blocker medicines, which can reduce symptoms such as tremors, rapid heartbeat, and nervousness.

They work quickly and can help you feel better until other treatments take effect. Radioiodine therapy is a common and effective treatment for hyperthyroidism.

It involves taking radioactive iodine by mouth as a capsule or liquid. This slowly destroys the cells of the thyroid gland that produce thyroid hormone. It does not affect other body tissues. Almost everyone who has radioactive iodine treatment later develops hypothyroidism.

This is because the thyroid hormone-producing cells have been destroyed. But hypothyroidism is easier to treat and causes fewer long-term health problems than hyperthyroidism.

Surgery to remove part or most of the thyroid gland is done in rare cases. It might be an option for people with large goiters or pregnant women who cannot take antithyroid medicines. If you have all of your thyroid removed, you will need to take thyroid medicines for the rest of your life.

Some people who have part of their thyroid removed also need to take medicines. NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.