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Do you want to know?
Hyperthyroidism
What is it?
Hyperthyroidism is the excessive secretion of the
thyroid hormone, which results in overall increase in
most body activities. The causes of hyperthyroidism
can be several:
• Graves disease: due to the presence of a
substance
made
by
the
body
(immunoglobulin) which stimulates the
gland.
• Toxic multinodular goiter or nodule: these
nodules enlarge and work excessively in
thyroid hormone production
• Thyroiditis: due to inflammation in the
thyroid gland which results in ‘leakage’ of
the thyroid hormones into the blood.
• Certain medications: iodine, amiodarone,
excess thyroid hormone
What do you need to know?
Population at risk
Hyperthyroidism may occur at any age, but is much
more frequent in the following cases:
• In women of reproductive age group (5 times more
than men)
• In the presence of an autoimmune disease (disease
that results from the body’s immune function such as
juvenile diabetes)
• After a viral infection
• After delivering a baby
Symptoms
It is associated with nervousness, irritability,
palpitation (fast heart rate), tachycardia, tremors,
weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, heat
intolerance, perspiration, increased appetite, irregular
menses, and diarrhea. In addition there may be
dryness, burning, bulging and swelling in the eyes.
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Treatment options
In general, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism can be
much improved with drugs that slow down the
adrenergic system: beta-blockers. In addition, the level
of thyroid hormone is lowered in one of three ways:
1 - Antithyroid medication
These slow down the thyroid hormone production and
need to be taken over several months. They are
effective and safe, but after discontinuation, the thyroid
disease may recur.
Very rarely, these medicines can cause a low white
blood cell count, and increase the risk of infection.
Therefore when taking these medications, if you get
any fever (temperature more than 38.5°C) or sore
throat, you need to inform your physician immediately
for a blood test.
2 - Radioiodine
This form of treatment is usually definitive, but may
result in decreased function of the thyroid gland. This
treatment cannot be given if you are pregnant or
planning on it in the next 6 months. Also, if the eye
symptoms are very severe, medicines or surgery are
preferred.
3 - Surgery
In the presence of effective iodine and medicines,
surgery is only needed in special cases.
Drugs
• Use the prescribed drugs (antithyroid drugs) as
advised by your physician.
• Do not use decongestants because they are poorly
tolerated.
• Continue the drug regimen because it may take
several weeks to relieve symptoms, until a
maintenance dose is established.
The content of this educational leaflet is of general information. Ask your physician or health care provider if this content applies to you.
Prepared by the Nursing Services in coordination with other health care disciplines.
© 2005 American University of Beirut Medical Center
Do you want to know?
Hyperthyroidism
Diet
• Follow a high calorie, high protein diet to
compensate for the hypermetabolic state.
• People with hyperthyroidism may have an excessive
appetite. Choose your snacks wisely (for example
raw vegetables) if this happens at unusual times
(right after a meal or middle of the night).
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INSTRUCTIONS
Activity
Allow for adequate rest periods to conserve energy.
Considerations
• Antithyroid drugs can be used if absolutely needed
during pregnancy and prescribed by your physician.
• Emotional reactions may occur due to the disorder
and it will improve with the treatment.
• In case you have any eye irritation, dryness and/or
excessive tearing, avoid smoky environments and
sun light by wearing sun glasses.
• Use artificial tears as per doctor’s approval.
• Relaxation activities such as meditation, breathing
exercises & music therapy are very helpful.
• Keep your head elevated during sleep and decrease
salt intake to decrease swelling around your eyes
• Long term follow up is very important because of the
possibility of hypothyroidism (decreased function of
the thyroid gland) following any form of the above
therapies. The symptoms of low thyroid are the
following: extreme fatigue, hair loss, brittle nails,
constipation, menstrual irregularities, and weight
gain.
The content of this educational leaflet is of general information. Ask your physician or health care provider if this content applies to you.
Prepared by the Nursing Services in coordination with other health care disciplines.
© 2005 American University of Beirut Medical Center