Hormonal Disorders

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which there is overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland, causing the levels of thyroid hormone in the blood to be too high. People who have it are often said to have an “overactive thyroid”. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck below and

The vast majority of cases of hypothyroidism (roughly 95% or more) are caused by a problem within the thyroid gland. A much smaller number of cases (roughly 5% or less) are caused by a problem in the brain or pituitary gland, a small gland located beneath the brain. The causes of hypothyroidism include: A condition

These are two major causes of hyperthyroidism. About 95 percent of persons diagnosed with hyperthyroidism are found to have a condition called Graves’ disease. Most of the remaining persons have a condition called nodular thyroid disease. A less frequent cause is inflammation of the thyroid gland, called thyroiditis Uncommon causes include hormone producing tumors of the pituitary gland or ovary and

The presence and severity of symptoms are different for different persons. Although many symptoms of hypothyroidism cause distress, most are not dangerous themselves. Indeed, proper diagnosis may be delayed or missed in older adults because the symptoms are considered “just part of getting old.” An individual may not seek help until tiredness, impaired memory, or

Diagnosis of hypothyroidism is based on a person’s medical history, a physical examination, and blood tests. If a physician suspects hypothyroidism, he or she will look particularly at the cardiovascular system, the skin, hair, eyes, reflexes, and body temperature. The physical exam also may reveal an enlarged thyroid, which is called a goiter. In Hashimoto’s

Individuals with hyperthyroidism usually tell their doctors about symptoms such as rapid heart rate, intense fatigue, inability to tolerate a hot environment, and constant nervousness, jitteriness, or irritability. In addition, doctors look for physical signs such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, slight tremors of the hands, or excessive sweating. The presence of such symptoms and

How serious hyperthyroidism is depends on the severity of the condition causing it. In people whose thyroid hormone levels are only slightly elevated, the symptoms will be fewer and less severe than for those with very high levels of circulating thyroid hormone. The seriousness of hyperthyroidism also depends on how well the body can compensate

There is no known cure for Graves’ disease. Three forms of therapy are available for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. These therapies work by decreasing the amount of thyroid hormone made by the thyroid gland; therefore, an excess amount of hormone does not get into the bloodstream. The treatments available are: Anti-thyroid drugs Radioactive iodine, also

Surgical treatment for hyperthyroidism involves removal of almost all of the thyroid gland. The remaining part of the gland is not able to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. This surgical procedure is known as a near total thyroidectomy. Surgical treatment is less common than in the past. There are important points to know about surgery

Graves’ disease may be associated with particular eye changes. The eye changes are called hyperthyroid eye disease and occur in about 30 percent of people with Graves’ disease. These changes are visible as protruding eyes. There is no relationship between the appearance of eye changes and the severity of the hyperthyroidism. There is increased risk