Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

Discuss any of these symptoms in a routine appointment with your doctor. A blood test can assess thyroid function: if your free T4 is raised above normal and your TSH is low, this suggests you have hyperthyroidism.

Some people may have an enlarged thyroid gland, called a goitre, or that there are little nodules, called a multinodular goitre. If very enlarged, this may be obvious to you, but your doctor will examine your neck for more subtle changes, and they may order a scan.

It can occur in anyone but is more common in women and those aged between 20 and 40. It may also occur alongside other autoimmune conditions, such as Type 1 diabetes or vitiligo, and these may run in the family.

Your doctor will likely refer you to a hospital specialist called an endocrinologist, who will assess your blood test and advise on treatment. Treatment options are all designed to prevent the production of more thyroxine than necessary by the thyroid gland. They may start a medication to block thyroxine production, they may give radiotherapy – called radioiodine treatment – to prevent cells in the thyroid gland producing thyroxine, or surgery may be necessary to remove some or all of the thyroid. If all of the thyroid is removed, you will be on lifelong thyroxine replacement.

Your symptoms and thyroid function will be monitored at regular intervals, depending on your treatment, and any medication doses tweaked as needed. It takes time for medications to change your thyroid function – weeks rather than days, and levels are re-checked no sooner than two months after any changes.

Your doctor might consider treatments to help alleviate symptoms, such as medication to slow a fast or irregular heart rate, or to alleviate any eye symptoms.

Once stabilised on treatment, your specialist may hand it over to your doctor to check your thyroid function every six to 12 months.

Occasionally you may experience a thyroid storm, which is a medical emergency.

This is when hyperthyroidism is left untreated or inadequately treated. During this storm, your heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature soar to very high levels, and this can be life-threatening if you don’t receive prompt treatment. If you feel unwell and you have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, attend the emergency department urgently.

Grave’s disease is an autoimmune condition and a common cause of hyperthyroidism. This is confirmed by testing for an antibody in the blood. It may cause damage to the tissues behind the eyes, causing blurred vision, leaving them feeling gritty and sore, and they may bulge outwards. Smoking can make this worse. Your specialist will start targeted treatment to help this – if left untreated, changes may be permanent and there’s a risk of sight loss.

Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy is managed under specialist guidance, and levels are closely monitored to reduce risk to your baby.