There are two main disorders of the thyroid: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland (the small, butterfly-shaped gland in the middle of the neck area, above the collar bone) produces too much thyroid hormone, speeding up your body’s metabolism. Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism can lead to heart problems, osteoporosis, eye issues, infertility, and more, which is why detecting it early and finding treatment is crucial.
How do you know if you have hyperthyroidism?
A simple blood test (often included in annual physical exams) will examine levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) in the blood. A high level of T-4 and a low level of TSH is common for those with hyperthyroidism. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Weight loss
- Heat intolerance or sensitivity
- Rapid or irregular heart rate
- Tremors or weakness
- Enlarged thyroid gland or a goiter
- Increased hunger
- Sweating
- Changes in menstrual cycles
- Sleep issues
- Fine, brittle hair
For some adults, symptoms may be harder to notice without the trained eye of a health provider. Annual screening can help those with little to no symptoms detect hyperthyroidism before it can lead to further health issues.
How do you treat hyperthyroidism?
If your doctor determines that you require treatment for overactive thyroid, your options will depend on a number of factors including age, health, severity of symptoms, the underlying cause of your hyperthyroidism, and more. Some more common forms of treatment include:
Anti-thyroid medication
This medication will prevent your thyroid gland from producing too much thyroid hormone. This course of treatment typically lasts around 12-18 months, but you’ll likely see a reduction of symptoms within the first few weeks.  Depending on your response to anti-thyroid medication, you may be able to reduce your dosage or stop completely.  There is a small percentage of people with hyperthyroidism who remain on low-dose, long-term anti-thyroid medication, based on a number of factors. Your provider will likely follow up with blood testing to check your thyroid hormone levels before determining if you require any further treatment.
Beta blockers
Instead of reducing thyroid hormone levels like anti-thyroid medications, beta blockers target the symptoms of hyperthyroidism themselves such as rapid heart rate, tremors, or heart palpitations. Beta blockers are often prescribed in tandem with anti-thyroid medication in order to ease severe symptoms until your hormone levels are back in the standard range.
Radioactive iodine therapy
This is a nuclear medicine treatment that causes destruction of the thyroid gland. Over time, this treatment often leads to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and would require hormone replacement therapy to return thyroid hormone levels to the standard range.
Thyroidectomy
A thyroidectomy is a long-term solution for those who are not able to eventually stop anti-thyroid medications or cannot be on them for any reason. This treatment involves either partial or total surgical removal of the thyroid gland.  Different factors influence the decision to undergo surgery or other therapies for hyperthyroidism, which is why it’s best to consult a trusted physician.
As with treatment for many health conditions, there are risks and side effects associated with these forms of treatment for overactive thyroid. In order to determine which treatment may work best for you, talk to a medical provider about your options. If you suspect you may have hyperthyroidism, don’t delay. Talk to a TPMG healthcare provider today about how you can find relief from your symptoms.
