It is a treatable condition that happens when you have too much thyroid hormone in your body. Common symptoms include unexplained weight loss, a rapid heart rate and shakiness. The treatment for thyrotoxicosis depends on what’s causing it.
An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) is the most common cause of thyrotoxicosis.
Symptoms of mild and moderate thyrotoxicosis include:
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia) — usually more than 100 beats per minute.
- Shakiness.
- Feeling nervous, anxious and/or irritable.
- Increased sensitivity to heat.
- Menstrual period changes, like lighter or missed periods.
How is Thyrotoxicosis diagnosed?
The following tests and assessments can lead to a diagnosis:
- A physical exam
- Thyroid blood tests : When you have thyrotoxicosis, levels of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are above normal and TSH is lower than normal.
- Imaging tests: Various imaging tests of your thyroid can help diagnose the cause of thyrotoxicosis. They include a thyroid ultrasound and a radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test and scan.
Treatment :
- Anti-thyroid medications.
- Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy
- Surgery: In some cases, your provider may recommend removing your thyroid gland through surgery (thyroidectomy).
- Beta-blockers.
- Glucocorticoids (corticosteroids).