Hyperthyroidism
Our hyperthyroidism specialists in New York are here for you. Our team of endocrine doctors near you are dedicated to supporting your success and ensuring that you regain your metabolic health and overall wellness.
What Is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a condition characterized by an overproduction of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormone controls how the body uses and stores energy. In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces an abnormally high amount of thyroid hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Biochemically, hyperthyroidism is often confirmed by suppressed serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels with elevated serum T4 and/or T3 concentrations. The overactive thyroid state impacts multiple systems, resulting in increased basal metabolic rate, enhanced thermogenesis, and altered cardiovascular dynamics.
What Are the Causes of Hyperthyroidism?
The most common causes of hyperthyroidism include:
Graves' disease: An autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to overproduce thyroid hormones
Toxic nodular goiter: The presence of one or more autonomously functioning thyroid nodules
Subacute thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland, often resulting in the release of stored thyroid hormones
Excessive intake of thyroid medications (iatrogenic hyperthyroidism)
The symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include:
Rapid or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia)
Unintentional weight loss
Increased appetite
Tremors
Anxiety, irritability, and restlessness
Heat intolerance and excessive sweating
Muscle weakness and fatigue
Irregular menses and possibly difficulty getting pregnant
Swelling in the neck or goiter
Bulging eyes (if caused by Graves’ disease)
Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed through blood tests that measure the levels of thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Additional tests, such as radioiodine uptake or thyroid imaging, may be performed to determine the underlying cause.
What Are the Treatments and Therapies for Hyperthyroidism?
Treatment options for hyperthyroidism include:
Antithyroid medications to block the production of thyroid hormones
Radioactive iodine therapy to destroy the overactive thyroid gland (can worsen symptoms specifically from Graves’ disease)
Surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy)
Beta-blockers to manage the symptoms of hyperthyroidism
Many patients who undergo surgery or radioactive iodine therapy end up making too little thyroid hormone after treatment requiring them to take thyroid hormone therapy for the rest of their life.
How Can Well by Messer Help You with Hyperthyroidism?
At Well by Messer, our endocrinologists are highly skilled hyperthyroidism specialists—diagnosing the condition, determining the cause, and deciding on the appropriate treatment. Hyperthyroidism requires close follow up to ensure patients are on adequate antithyroid medication and frequent blood testing. Given the potential for cardiac problems with hyperthyroidism, we can test thyroid hormone as often as possible (done in office) to bring the levels into the normal range. If patients are a surgical candidate, we can also refer them for surgery.
Meet the Well by Messer (WBM) Team
Under the leadership of top endocrinologist in New York, Dr. Caroline Messer, our caring and talented team of board-certified endocrinologists, psychologists, nutritionists, and personal trainers will be dedicated to supporting your success and regaining your metabolic health at our metabolic centers in Manhattan.
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