Hyperthyroidism

Definition: Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which thyroid glands performs excessive functional activity and produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism, thus, accelerate body?s metabolic rate, cause enlargement of the thyroid gland, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure.

Symptoms: The symptoms of hyperthyroidism include rapid heartbeat, fatigue, skin dryness, hand tremors, nervousness or anxiety, irregular heartbeat, weight loss, Increased frequency of bowel movements.

Treatment and Statistics: Hyperthyroidism can be treated with antithyroid medications like methimazole and propylthiouracil that suppress the production of thyroid hormones. Another way is radioactive iodine therapy which disrupt the cells that produce thyroid hormones. Also, surgery can be used to treat by removing the part or entire thyroid. In about 80% of people with primary hyperparathyroidism, a benign, or noncancerous, tumor called an adenoma has formed in one of the parathyroid glands.