KR
1
1
Moderate severity
· Endocrinology
Hyperthyroidism
Overactive thyroid · Graves' disease
The thyroid overproduces hormone, speeding everything up. Causes weight loss, racing heart and anxiety.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Less common than hypo
- Typical age
- 20–50 years
- Outlook
- Treatable
- System
- Hormones
Reviewed by a verified Endocrinology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Graves' autoimmune disease
- Toxic nodular goiter
- Excess iodine intake
- Thyroiditis
- Excess thyroid medication
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Unexplained weight loss despite appetite
- Racing heart, palpitations
- Sweating, heat intolerance
- Anxiety, tremor
- Bulging eyes (Graves')
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Anti-thyroid drugs (methimazole, carbimazole)
- Beta-blockers for fast heart
- Radioactive iodine therapy
- Surgical thyroidectomy if needed
- Treat eye disease with steroids
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Avoid iodine excess (kelp, supplements)
- Stop smoking — worsens Graves' eye
- Family screening if multiple cases
Do’s
- Treat eye disease early
- Stop smoking immediately
- Use lubricant eye drops
- Re-test thyroid as advised
Don’ts
- Take extra iodine 'for thyroid'
- Stop carbimazole without monitoring
- Self-medicate beta-blockers
- Ignore yellow eyes (rare hepatitis from meds)
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all endocrinology doctors Top 4 doctors for Hyperthyroidism
Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
KN
2
2
HG
3
3
AR
4
4
Related conditions
Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.