Hyperthyroidism and Graves' Disease

Hyperthyroidism means the thyroid produces too much hormone, speeding up metabolism, heart rate and the nervous system.

Causes

• Graves' disease: autoimmune stimulation by TRAb antibodies; may cause eye disease, made worse by smoking
• Toxic nodular goitre / toxic adenoma
• Thyroiditis: subacute, silent or postpartum — usually temporary. Dr. Demirci took part in the national THYROVAC study on COVID-19 and vaccine-related subacute thyroiditis.
• Excess thyroid medication or iodine

Symptoms

Palpitations, atrial fibrillation, sweating, heat intolerance, weight loss despite good appetite, tremor, anxiety, insomnia, muscle weakness and frequent bowel movements.

Treatment

Antithyroid drugs (methimazole, propylthiouracil), beta-blockers for symptom relief, radioactive iodine and surgery are chosen according to the cause and the patient. Seek urgent care for fever or sore throat while on antithyroid drugs.