Hyperthyroidism can cause symptoms like rapid heartbeat, anxiety, weight loss, and heat intolerance. At Grant Thyroid Surgery, Dr. David Grant—an expert in thyroid and parathyroid conditions—offers world-class care with compassion. We guide you through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
What is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland becomes overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone. These hormones control your metabolism, so when levels are too high, your body’s processes speed up. This can lead to symptoms such as weight loss, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating, tremors, and nervousness. Hyperthyroidism is often caused by autoimmune conditions like Graves’ disease, thyroid nodules, or inflammation of the thyroid. Early diagnosis and expert treatment are key to restoring hormonal balance.
Signs & Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism:
- Feeling unusually anxious, nervous, or irritable
- Unexplained or sudden weight loss
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Excessive sweating or heat intolerance
- Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
- Trouble sleeping or insomnia
- Shaky hands or tremors
- Thinning hair or brittle nails
- Enlarged thyroid or visible neck swelling
- Increased appetite despite weight loss
- Fatigue or muscle weakness
- Changes in menstrual patterns
If Left Untreated:
If hyperthyroidism is left untreated, it can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Prolonged hormone imbalance may strain your heart, increasing the risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Bone loss, known as osteoporosis, can occur due to accelerated calcium depletion. In severe cases, untreated hyperthyroidism may also lead to thyroid storm—an acute, life-threatening state requiring emergency care. Early diagnosis and expert intervention are essential to prevent long-term damage.
Possible Causes of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces an excess amount of thyroid hormones, which overstimulate the body’s metabolism. This can result from several underlying conditions or triggers. Identifying the root cause is essential for tailoring effective treatment. These are some of the possible causes of hyperthyroidism:
- Autoimmune stimulation from Graves’ disease
- Overactive thyroid nodules (toxic nodular goiter)
- Inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis)
- Excessive iodine intake from diet or medications
- Overmedication with synthetic thyroid hormone
- Functioning thyroid adenomas (benign tumors)
- Postpartum hormonal shifts affecting thyroid function
How is Hyperthyroidism Diagnosed?
To diagnose hyperthyroidism, your doctor will begin by reviewing your symptoms and performing a physical examination. You’ll likely undergo blood tests to measure your levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). If your hormone levels indicate overactivity, additional imaging tests—such as a thyroid scan or ultrasound—may be recommended to assess the structure and function of your thyroid. These tests help pinpoint the cause of your symptoms so your treatment can be tailored effectively.
Your Personalized Hyperthyroidism Treatment
At Grant Thyroid Surgery, your care begins with an evaluation by Dr. Grant, a fellowship-trained thyroid expert. He will consider your specific symptoms, test results, and overall health to create a treatment plan. Whether your condition requires medical management, minimally invasive intervention, or surgical care, Dr. Grant ensures your treatment is effective and carefully coordinated. You’ll receive ongoing support at every step of your treatment.
Schedule Your Consultation
With Dr. Grant
Dr. David Grant is a board-certified head and neck surgeon with fellowship training in thyroid care. With his expertise and compassionate approach, you can expect world-class treatment tailored to your unique needs. If you’re experiencing symptoms of hyperthyroidism or have been recently diagnosed, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Grant today. We help you begin your path toward restored hormonal balance and improved health.
