Q) What do you mean by hyperthyroidism ?
A) Hyperthyroidism means that your thyroid gland is producing excessive hormone – thyroxine resulting in your symptoms.
Q) What are the symptoms ?
A)
- Unintentional weight loss
- Anxiety, Tremors, Palpitations
- Sweating and hot flushes
- Bulging eyes, double vision
- Irregular Periods
- Persistent fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Muscle weakness
Q) What is the cause of this ?
A) The cause for hyperthyroidism can vary, but most common are :
- autoimmune / Graves’ disease
- hyper functioning nodule
- Thyroiditis
- During Pregnancy
Q) How do you diagnose hyperthyroidism?
A) It can be diagnosed primarily by blood tests for the thyroid functions and by Technitium scan of the thyroid gland. The scan helps to identify the underlying reason for the extra hormone production.
Q) Is this a lifelong condition like hypothyroidism ?
A) Hyperthyroidism is not lifelong, it is managed by oral tablet and usually resolve by 15-18 months of treatment. The tablets are then discontinued. Blood tests are done during the course of the treatment to monitor the response.
Q) Do the bulging of the eyes and other symptoms go away completely?
A) Yes, the bulging of the eyes and the other associated symptoms resolve over time with treatment.
