Hyperthyroidism: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that sits in the neck. It makes a hormone called thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone is critical for the maintenance of body’s metabolism and thermoregulation.

Hyperthyroidism refers to too much thyroid hormone in the blood coming from the thyroid gland.

What are the causes of hyperthyroidism?

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is autoimmune hyperthyroidism, also known as Graves’s disease. In this condition, the body makes antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormone.

Other causes of hyperthyroidism are subacute thyroiditis (commonly seen after a viral infection), thyroid nodules and Hashitoxicosis.

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

• Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)

• Weight loss, despite voracious appetite

• Heat intolerance

• Diarrhea

• Palpitations (rapid heart rate)

• Tremors of the hands

• Excessive sweatiness

• Bulging of the eyes

• Restlessness

How is hyperthyroidism treated?

There are 3 main ways of treating hyperthyroidism, depending on the underlying cause.

1. Medications, such as Methimazole decrease the production of thyroid hormone.

2. Radioactive iodine ablation, which involves painlessly destroying the thyroid gland by swallowing a pill, so that the thyroid gland no longer makes thyroid hormone. Following this treatment, the patient will take daily levothyroxine pill lifelong.

3. Surgery, which involves removal of the thyroid gland. Following surgery, the patient will take daily levothyroxine pill lifelong.

It is important to understand the risks and benefits of each of these treatments and discuss them with your pediatric endocrinologist.

Call Dr. Nidhi Gupta at 615-857-5110, if you suspect that your child might have hyperthyroidism. Dr. Gupta provides high-quality, personalized care for thyroid disorders in her private practice, KAP Pediatric Endocrinology in Franklin, TN.