Is Graves' disease a serious condition?

Graves' disease can lead to serious complications, if left untreated. It can cause episodes of alarmingly high blood pressure and pulse rates. A patient can also suffer from a life-threatening condition called thyroid storm, where the blood pressure and heart rate spike uncontrollably.

Is hyperthyroidism genetic?

Hyperthyroidism tends to run in families, hence suggesting a genetic link. Graves' disease is a genetic condition and the most common cause of primary hyperthyroidism. If your relatives have this condition, talk to your doctor about regular health checkups. Factors like excessive iodine also influence the development of hyperthyroidism.

How long will it take to get my thyroid levels under control?

Usually, antithyroid medications take more than six weeks to lower thyroid levels to an acceptable range. This is a temporary solution for hyperthyroidism and requires time.

Why am I losing weight suddenly?

Hyperthyroidism causes your metabolism to go into overdrive. This causes your body to burn through carbohydrates and fats faster than normal, leading to unexplained weight loss. Patients with hyperthyroid often find it difficult to gain weight despite an increased appetite.

Can I get hypothyroidism from my hyperthyroidism treatments?

You can get hypothyroidism from hyperthyroidism treatments. It is easier to manage hypothyroidism by adding hormones to your body using regular thyroid pills rather than removing excessive hormones from the body.

Can hyperthyroidism cause female infertility?

Hyperthyroidism causes irregular menstrual cycles. The imbalance of thyroid hormones negatively impacts several organs. Women often learn about their thyroid condition when they reach out to a doctor for infertility issues.

Is there a permanent cure for hyperthyroidism?

Thyroid surgery involving the removal of the complete thyroid gland cures hyperthyroidism permanently. Once the gland is removed, the patient needs to take lifelong thyroid replacement hormones to maintain the required hormone level in the blood.

Hyperthyroidism

Written By Dr. NaveenkumarMBBS

Reviewed By Dr. Rajeev Sharma

MBA, MBBS

Last updated on: 27 Sep 2022 | 06:23 PM (IST)

Overview

Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland releases high levels of thyroxine hormone into the body. This condition can speed up a person’s metabolism rate and cause them to experience symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, increase in appetite, weight loss, and anxiety.

Different medical conditions can lead to the development of hyperthyroidism. These conditions include grave’s disease, thyroid nodules, and inflammation of thyroid gland. This condition is more common in women rather than men.

There are various treatment options available for hyperthyroidism. If you have been diagnosed with the condition, make sure you take your anti-thyroid drugs and implement lifestyle modification as suggested by your healthcare provider. Untreated hyperthyroidism can have a detrimental effect on different body organs such as the heart and skeletal system.

Making healthcareUnderstandable, Accessible & AffordableMade with ❤ by Tata 1mg

Overview

Key Facts

Causes

Symptoms

Risk factors

Diagnosis

Celebs affected

Prevention

Specialist to visit

Treatment

Home-care

Complications

Alternatives therapies

Living with

FAQs

References