The thyroid produces a hormone called thyroxine. They control many bodily functions, including metabolism, internal temperature, heart and digestive function, muscle control, and weight regulation.
Overproduction of thyroxine leads to increased metabolism, which can trigger symptoms such as irregular or rapid heartbeat, unexpected weight loss, sweating and irritability.
Introduction to Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
Hyperthyroidism, also known as thyrotoxicosis, is overactivity of the thyroid gland, which results in overproduction of thyroxine hormone. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, which produces thyroxine and triiodothyronine hormones.
These hormones control many bodily functions, including metabolism, internal temperature, heart and digestive function, muscle control, and weight regulation. Overproduction of thyroxine leads to increased metabolism, which can trigger symptoms such as irregular or rapid heartbeat, unexpected weight loss, sweating and irritability.
Hyperthyroidism can be treated using medication, radioiodine therapy, radiofrequency ablation (a minimally invasive treatment) or surgery. In this post, we explain more about hyperthyroidism, including its causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Common Questions About Hyperthyroidism
What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormone than the body needs.
Excess thyroid hormone speeds up many normal body functions, affecting metabolism, heart rate, body temperature and energy levels.
The condition can range from mild to more severe and, if left untreated, may increase the risk of complications affecting the heart, bones and overall health.
What are the common symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
Symptoms often develop gradually, although some people experience a more rapid onset.
Common symptoms include:
- Unexplained weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Feeling anxious or irritable
- Trembling hands
- Heat intolerance
- Excessive sweating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Frequent bowel movements
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue despite feeling restless
Some people may also notice swelling at the front of the neck if the thyroid gland becomes enlarged.
What causes hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism can develop for several reasons.
Common causes include:
- Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition that stimulates excess thyroid hormone production
- Overactive thyroid nodules, where one or more nodules produce excess hormone
- Thyroiditis, which causes temporary inflammation of the thyroid gland
- Excess iodine exposure in some situations
- Certain medications
Understanding the underlying cause is important because treatment differs depending on the diagnosis.
How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually combines clinical assessment with laboratory tests and, when appropriate, imaging.
Investigations may include:
Thyroid function blood tests
These commonly include:
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Free thyroxine (Free T4)
- Free triiodothyronine (Free T3)
Thyroid ultrasound
An ultrasound may be recommended when:
- A thyroid lump is present
- Thyroid nodules are suspected
- The thyroid gland is enlarged
Additional investigations
Depending on the suspected cause, your doctor may recommend further tests to evaluate thyroid function or identify overactive thyroid nodules.
What treatments are available for hyperthyroidism?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, the severity of symptoms and your overall health.
Management options may include:
Medication
Anti-thyroid medications help reduce thyroid hormone production.
Radioactive iodine therapy
This treatment gradually reduces thyroid activity in selected patients.
Surgery
Thyroid surgery may be recommended in certain situations, such as large goitres, suspicious nodules or when other treatments are not suitable.
Management of thyroid nodules
If hyperthyroidism is caused by an overactive thyroid nodule, treatment may involve targeted management of the nodule after specialist assessment.
Who is Predisposed to Hyperthyroidism?
Anyone can develop hyperthyroidism, but some people are at a higher risk than others. In this section, we answer two popular questions about hyperthyroidism – how common it is and the groups most likely to develop the condition.
How Common is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism affects 5-10% of Singapore's population, out of which women are five times more likely to develop the condition than men. In the United States, the prevalence is 1% among those aged 12 years and older.
What Groups are Likely to Develop Hyperthyroidism?
People with an increased risk of hyperthyroidism include:
- Women
- Elderly persons aged 60+ years
- Individuals with a family history of thyroid disease
- Patients who had thyroid surgery
- Pregnant or nursing women who had a baby in the last six months
- Individuals who consume foods or drugs with large amounts of iodine
- Those who use nicotine products
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may differ from one person to another. Common ones include:
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Weight loss
- Frequent bowel movements
- Fast heartbeat
- Trembling hands
- Increased sensitivity to heat
- Irregular menstrual patterns
- Muscle weakness
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Weak hair
Hyperthyroidism can also cause complications such as heart problems, weak bones, and thyroid eye disease.
Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed in various ways, including physical exams, blood tests and imaging.
- Physical exam: The doctor examines the neck to feel the thyroid, check the eyes, skin, and hands, and listen to your heart rate
- Blood tests: The doctor takes a blood sample to check thyroid hormone levels. Higher levels may indicate hyperthyroidism.
- Imaging tests: The doctor examines the thyroid using imaging tests such as radioactive iodine uptake (RAUI), thyroid ultrasound, and thyroid scan.
Hyperthyroidism Treatment
Various treatment options are available for hyperthyroidism, including:
Medicine
The doctor may prescribe beta-blockers or anti-thyroid drugs. Beta-blockers like propranolol and atenolol help reduce symptoms by blocking the effect of thyroid hormone, but they do not cure hyperthyroidism. Similarly, anti-thyroid drugs minimize the symptoms by blocking the production of thyroid hormones.
Radioiodine Therapy
The treatment involves taking a capsule or liquid orally. Radioiodine therapy destroys the thyroid hormone cells and may take several months to take effect. Unlike taking medication, radioiodine therapy is localized and does not affect other body tissues.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment of thyroid nodules that targets radio waves on the hyperthyroidism-causing nodules. This stops their cell activity, and they reduce in size. Understand the symptoms, prevention, causes, risk factors, and more of thyroid nodules and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as a minimally invasive treatment option in our other blog post.
Thyroid Surgery
Surgery involves removing most or part of the thyroid gland, which helps normalize hormone levels. Thyroid surgery is a rare treatment option, mainly used on pregnant women and patients with protruding goitres.
When to Consider a Thyroid Specialist Assessment
Hyperthyroidism can have several causes, and accurate diagnosis is important to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Consider arranging a specialist assessment if you:
- Have symptoms suggestive of an overactive thyroid.
- Have abnormal thyroid function blood tests.
- Notice a lump or swelling in your neck.
- Have been diagnosed with thyroid nodules.
- Experience difficulty swallowing or a sensation of pressure in the neck.
- Have persistent symptoms despite treatment.
- Want a second opinion regarding your diagnosis or treatment options.
- Wish to understand whether a thyroid nodule is contributing to your hyperthyroidism.
At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, assessment includes a detailed review of your symptoms, thyroid blood tests and ultrasound findings. When thyroid nodules are present, your specialist can explain whether monitoring, minimally invasive treatment or surgery may be appropriate based on the characteristics of the nodule and your overall thyroid health.
Reach Out for Hyperthyroidism Treatment in Singapore
Left untreated, hyperthyroidism can interfere with many body functions and affect your quality of life. No matter the cause of the condition, be it a health condition such as Graves' disease, genetics, or family history, a thyroid nodule specialist can help you explore your treatment options and provide treatment.
If you need a specialized thyroid nodules clinic in Singapore, contact us to arrange an appointment with our thyroid specialist, Dr. Manish Taneja.
The Advantages of RFA of Thyroid Nodules
The major advantages of the technique are as below.
- It is done as day surgery procedure under light sedation.
- It takes about 45 minutes to one hour to complete the entire procedure.
- Patients are discharged the same day.
- Normal thyroid tissue adjacent to the nodule is preserved.
- It does not affect thyroid function.
- Multiple nodules can be treated at same time.
- The treated nodules do not regrow again.
- No surgical scar with needle mark on the skin.
- Quick recovery and back to full activity and normal lifestyle.
- The technique is suitable to treat even large thyroid nodules.
Read more about the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic's management and treatment of thyroid nodule radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
Other Health Conditions
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your "go-to" facility for various conditions and pain management. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our thyroid nodules specialist in Singapore, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.