TSH Hyperthyroidism Symptoms

Hyperthyroidism is a condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland. When the the thyroid is overactive, it produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. If your doctor suspects that you have hyperthyroidism, they will perform a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test.

Function

• In healthy persons, the thyroid produces the proper amounts of two hormones, thyroxine-3 and thyroxine-4. These hormones serve the purpose of regulating metabolism.

Hyperthyroidism

• When the thyroid gland produces too much of these hormones, hyperthyroidism results. As the body is flooded with these metabolism boosting hormones, sudden weightless may result. Additionally, a person can experience rapid heartbeat, tremors in the extremities, uncontrolled sweating and greatly increased appetite.

More About Hyperthyroidism

• Hyperthyroidism may cause women to experience sudden changes in menstrual patterns. Also people who suffer from overactive thyroid may get goiter, a condition in which the thyroid becomes enlarged and causes swelling at the base of the neck.

TSH Test

• Your doctor will typically perform a blood test when checking for overactive thyroid. This test measures the levels of thyroxine and TSH (a chemical present in your blood). Your physician may also enquire about whether or not you have a family history of overactive thyroid.

Treatment Options

• There are several treatment options for hyperthyroidism. These include medications to lower the amount of hormones produced by the thyroid, surgery and radioactive iodine therapy.

After Treatment

• After being treated for overactive thyroid, you will have to continue to undergo periodic blood tests to measure the amount of hormones being produced by your thyroid. Additionally, some treatments such as radioactive iodine may work too well, causing your thyroid to produce too little hormones, in which case other medications will be required.