Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormone, speeding up the body’s metabolism. It can cause a range of symptoms affecting the heart, weight, and mood, and is treatable once identified.

• Unintentional weight loss despite normal or increased appetite
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat, and palpitations
• Heat intolerance and excessive sweating
• Anxiety, irritability, or tremor
• Increased frequency of bowel movements
• Enlarged thyroid gland (goitre) or bulging eyes may occur, particularly with certain underlying causes

• Most commonly caused by Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition in which the immune system stimulates the thyroid to overproduce hormone.
• Can also result from thyroid nodules that independently produce excess hormone, or from inflammation of the thyroid gland.
• Family history of thyroid or other autoimmune conditions can increase risk.

• Diagnosed with blood tests showing a low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level together with elevated thyroid hormone levels.
• Further testing, such as thyroid antibody testing or imaging, where available, can help identify the specific underlying cause.
• Examination for goitre, eye changes, and heart rate/rhythm supports overall assessment.

An antithyroid medicine, such as carbimazole, is commonly used to reduce thyroid hormone production and is often the first treatment tried.

A beta-blocker may be used in the short term to control symptoms such as rapid heartbeat and tremor while the underlying thyroid overactivity is being treated.

For some people, particularly with certain underlying causes or if medicine is not effective or well tolerated, other definitive treatments — such as radioactive iodine treatment or surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid — may be considered under specialist guidance.

Regular monitoring of thyroid function guides treatment adjustments and helps detect if the thyroid becomes underactive as a result of treatment, which sometimes occurs and requires ongoing management.

• Attend regular follow-up and blood testing to monitor thyroid function and treatment response.
• Take antithyroid medicine consistently as prescribed.
• Seek prompt medical attention for worsening symptoms such as chest pain, severe palpitations, or high fever, which can rarely indicate a serious complication (thyroid storm).
• Discuss thyroid disease and pregnancy planning with a health worker, since hyperthyroidism requires careful management before and during pregnancy.