Hyperthyroidism

Overactive Thyroid

What Is Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)?

Hyperthyroidism, often referred to as an overactive thyroid, is a condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and/or thyroxine (T4). Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. This disorder affects nearly one percent of Americans and is more prevalent in women than men.

The Features of Hyperthyroidism

Fast heart rate, often over 100 beats per minute
Anxiety, irritability, and argumentativeness
Trembling hands
Weight loss despite normal or increased food intake
Intolerance to heat and increased perspiration
Hair loss
Fingernail separation from the nail bed
Muscle weakness in upper arms and thighs
Loose, frequent bowel movements
Smooth skin
Irregular menstrual patterns and increased miscarriage risk
Prominent or protruding eyes, sometimes causing double vision (in Graves’ disease)
Irregular heart rhythm, especially in older patients
Accelerated calcium loss from bones, increasing osteoporosis risk

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THE CAUSES

The Causes of Hyperthyroidism

Graves’ Disease: An autoimmune disorder causing thyroid enlargement and excessive hormone production, often affecting women more than men.
Toxic Multinodular Goiter: Multiple thyroid nodules producing excessive hormones, more common in patients over 50.
Postpartum Thyroiditis: Occurs in 5-10% of women after childbirth, usually resolving within months.
Subacute Thyroiditis: Follows viral infections, causing painful thyroid inflammation and temporary hyperthyroidism.
Toxic Nodule: A single thyroid nodule producing excess hormones.
Silent Thyroiditis: Similar to postpartum thyroiditis but not related to pregnancy.
Excessive Iodine Ingestion: From sources like kelp tablets, certain medications, or x-ray dyes.
Overmedication With Thyroid Hormone: Excessive thyroxine replacement treatment.

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DIAGNOSIS

How Is Hyperthyroidism Diagnosed?

Physicians detect characteristic symptoms and signs of hyperthyroidism. Diagnostic tests include:

TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) Test: Low TSH levels indicate hyperthyroidism, confirmed by checking thyroid hormone levels.

THE TREATMENT

How Is Hyperthyroidism Treated?

Hyperthyroidism treatment depends on its cause, severity, and other conditions. Treatment options include:

Anti-Thyroid Drugs: Propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole (Tapazole) slow hormone production. Remission is possible, but recurrence is common.
Radioactive Iodine Treatment: Destroys thyroid cells by feeding them radioactive iodine, usually resulting in hypothyroidism and requiring lifelong hormone replacement.
Surgical Removal: Reserved for specific cases, such as severe uncontrolled hyperthyroidism in pregnant women. Surgery leads to permanent hypothyroidism.
Other Treatments: Beta-blockers manage symptoms temporarily. Cases caused by thyroiditis or excessive iodine or hormone ingestion may only need this treatment.

Appropriate management requires careful evaluation and ongoing care by an experienced physician.

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Meet Our Endocrinologists

Our Endocrinologists, Dr. Carlo A. Fumero, Sean Amirzadeh, DO, Alberto Garcia Mendez, Lauren Sosdorf, and Pedro Troya, are board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and have a wealth of experience treating thyroid conditions. They will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

OUR TESTIMONIALS

What our patients say about us

As a patient of Dr. Troya’s for several years, I would highly recommend this endocrinologist to anyone. He gives full attention to you and your needs without being pressed for time. His diagnosis and treatments are thorough with up-to-date technology and years of experience. His concern and compassion are genuine with your best interest at heart. After having multiple biopsies performed by Dr. Troya, I am definitely a loyal follower.

I have been going to Dr. Troya for a year. He has treated my Diabetes with great success. He communicates with my other doctors, so he has a complete medical history of all my health issues. We need more caring doctors like Dr. Troya who has the patient’s best interest at heart. I am very thankful for Dr. Pedro Troya.

I was a private pilot for 34 years before contracting Type 1 diabetes after a severe case of food poisoning in March of 2008. My first endocrinologist refused to assist me in working with the FAA to retain my pilot’s license. I became a patient of Dr. Troya in 2010. Since that time, he has put me on a Continuous Glucose Monitoring regime and helped me stabilize my blood glucose levels to levels that allow me to pass my FAA medical exam. His caring and interest in each patient's personal issues, as well as their medical outcomes, marks him as an outstanding physician.

Dr. Carlos Fumero is a very personable and caring physician. He takes the time to listen and is very thorough in his evaluations and explanations. He exercises incredible care and concern. I have been referring family members and friends to Dr. Carlos Fumero for almost two years now. We are all exceptionally grateful to have found such a trusted physician. Thank you, Dr. Carlos Fumero. Your kindness and medical expertise are more appreciated than I could ever express in words.

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Hyperthyroidism

Overactive Thyroid

What Is Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)?

The Features of Hyperthyroidism

Office locations

Opening Hours

THE CAUSES

The Causes of Hyperthyroidism

DIAGNOSIS

How Is Hyperthyroidism Diagnosed?

THE TREATMENT

How Is Hyperthyroidism Treated?

Meet Our Endocrinologists

OUR TESTIMONIALS

What our patients say about us

Company

Services

Operating Hours

Wesley Chapel Office: