Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism (or "overactive thyroid gland") is a clinical syndrome caused by an excess of circulating free thyroxine (T4) or free triiodothyronine (T3), or both.

Major causes

• Graves' disease (the most common etiology with 70-80%)
• Toxic thyroid adenoma
• Toxic multinodular goitre

Other Causes

Other causes of hyperthyroxinemia (high blood levels of thyroid hormones) are not to be confused with true hyperthyroidism and include subacute and other forms of thyroiditis (inflammation). Thyrotoxicosis (symptoms caused by hyperthyroxinemia) can occur in both hyperthyroidism and thyroiditis. When it causes acutely increased metabolism, it is sometimes called "thyroid storm".

• Delayed food allergies
• extreme stress
• a variety of other hormonal imbalances
• bowel infections and digestive problems, especially leaky gut syndrome.

Possible symptoms

• weight loss (despite ravenous appetite)
• nervousness
• hair loss
  
• trembling hands
• fatigue
• weakness
• hyperactivity
• sleeplessness
  
• irritability
• apathy
  
• depression
• polyuria
• heat intolerance
• sweating
• palpitations
• arrrythmias
• dyspnea
• loss of libido
• nausea
• diarrhea
• increase in bowel movement
• decrease in menstrual periods
• eye irritation
  
• tremor
  
• chorea
• myopathy
• muscle pain
  
• periodic paralysis
• mental impairment, memory lapses, diminished attention span
• goiter
• skin rashes
• protruding eyeballs (in Grave's disease only)
  

Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism

A diagnosis is suspected through blood tests, by measuring the level of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) in the blood. If TSH is low, there is likely to be increased production of T4 and/or T3. Measuring specific antibodies, such as anti-TSH-receptor antibodies in Graves' disease, may contribute to the diagnosis. In all patients with hyperthyroxinemia, scintigraphy is required in order to distinguish true hyperthyroidism from thyroiditis.

Treatment

• Drug therapy: methimazole (Tapazole) or propylthiouracil (PTU) pills which are antithyroid agents
  
• Radioactive iodine therapy
• Surgery: thyroidectomy

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The information above is taken from:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperthyroidism
• http://www.healthscout.com
• http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_signs.htm
• http://www.alive.com/2950a9a2.php?subject_bread_cramb=332