Hyperthyroidism

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Brain-thyroid link

Endocrine glands

Hyperthyroidism

Thyroid gland

Thyrotoxicosis; Overactive thyroid

• Weight loss
• Increased appetite
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Heat intolerance
• Increased sweating
• Fatigue
• Frequent bowel movements
• Menstrual irregularities in women
• Goiter (visibly enlarged thyroid) may be present

• Weakness
• Sleeping difficulty
• Clammy skin
• Skin blushing or flushing
• Bounding pulse
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lack of menstruation
• Itching - overall
• Heartbeat sensations
• Hand tremor
• Hair loss
• Diarrhea
• Breast development in men
• High blood pressure
• Protruding eyes (exophthalmos)

Physical examination may reveal thyroid enlargement or goiter. Vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) show increased heart rate. Systolic blood pressure (the first number in a blood pressure reading) may be high.

Laboratory tests that evaluate thyroid function:

• Serum TSH is usually low
• T3 and free T4 are usually high

• Vitamin B-12
• TSI
• Triglycerides
• RT3U
• Radioactive iodine uptake
• Glucose test
• Cholesterol test
• Antithyroglobulin antibody

Review Date: 08/08/2006
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network