AN OVERACTIVE THYROID SPEEDING UP METABOLISM
Hyperthyroidism
An overactive thyroid that speeds up metabolism, causing weight loss, fast pulse, heat intolerance and tremor. Effectively managed with medical, radioactive iodine or surgical options.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, speeding up the body's metabolism. Common symptoms include unintentional weight loss despite a good or increased appetite, fast or irregular heart rate, palpitations, heat intolerance, sweating, tremor, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, frequent bowel motions and eye changes in some cases. The most common cause is Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition, but other causes include thyroid nodules, thyroiditis and excessive iodine or thyroid hormone intake. Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to serious complications such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure, osteoporosis and thyroid storm. Treatment options include antithyroid medication, radioactive iodine therapy and surgery, with the choice tailored to the underlying cause and individual factors. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides complete hyperthyroidism care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Graves' disease (autoimmune)
- Toxic thyroid nodules or multinodular goitre
- Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid)
- Excess iodine intake or certain medications
- Over-replacement of thyroid hormone in hypothyroid patients
- Pituitary causes (rare)
- Pregnancy-related changes
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
TSH and free thyroid hormones, antibody testing, ultrasound and thyroid scan
Antithyroid medical therapy, radioactive iodine or surgery
Atrial fibrillation and heart failure risk in untreated disease
Specific care needed in Graves' eye involvement
Most patients achieve good control with the right treatment
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Individualised Treatment Plan
The most effective approach combines accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause with an individualised treatment plan — antithyroid medical therapy, radioactive iodine or surgery — chosen based on the cause, severity, age, pregnancy plans and patient preference.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews your symptoms, examines the thyroid, heart and eyes and orders blood tests, ultrasound and thyroid scan where needed.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created with you — antithyroid medical therapy, radioactive iodine or surgery — based on the cause, severity and individual factors.
- 3
Medical Management
Antithyroid therapy, rate-control medication for symptoms, and coordination of radioactive iodine or surgical referral if indicated.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Regular monitoring of thyroid function, management of any complications including eye involvement, and long-term care after definitive treatment.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Antithyroid Medical Therapy
Specific medication reduces thyroid hormone production and brings symptoms under control over weeks to months.
Heart-Rate Control Medication
Additional medication is used short-term to control fast heart rate, palpitations and tremor while definitive treatment takes effect.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy (Referral for nuclear medicine / endocrinology)
Radioactive iodine is a highly effective definitive treatment, given as an oral dose under specialist supervision.
Thyroidectomy in Select Cases (Referral for surgical evaluation)
Surgery is considered for large goitres, suspicion of cancer, pregnancy considerations or when other therapies are not suitable.
Regular Thyroid Function Tests
Periodic blood testing is essential to track response, fine-tune therapy and detect transition to hypothyroidism, which is common after definitive treatment.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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