Graves Disease

Graves Disease Thyroid Conditions Endocrine Surgeon Sydney

What is hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is the medical term for an overactive thyroid. In hyperthyroidism, too much thyroid hormone is produced by the thyroid gland. This causes an increase in the body’s metabolism and can result in a number of symptoms.

Causes of hyperthyroidism include:

  • Graves’ disease

  • Toxic nodule or toxic nodular goitre – one or more thyroid nodules can produce too much thyroid hormone

  • Thyroiditis – inflammation of the thyroid causing a release of thyroid hormone into the bloodstream

What is Graves’ disease?

Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. The immune system produces an antibody that "switches on” the thyroid gland resulting in overproduction of thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland enlarges (also known as a goitre) and makes excessive amounts of thyroid hormone resulting in symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Some people with Graves’ disease can develop eye problems (Grave’s ophtalmopathy). This causes dry, irritated or red eyes and in severe cases, may result in double vision. In other cases, some people can develop swelling behind or around the eyes causing the eyes to bulge out, or inflammation of muscles in the eyelids causing excessive eyelid opening.

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

Most people with hyperthyroidism have one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Anxiety, irritability, insomnia

  • Tremors

  • Increased perspiration

  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat

  • Fatigue

  • Weakness

  • Weight loss (in spite of normal or increased appetite)

  • Frequent bowel motions

  • In women, irregular or absent periods

  • In men, erectile dysfunction

How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed?

A blood test that measures thyroid function and thyroid hormone levels is used to diagnose hyperthyroidism. Antibody tests (an additional blood test) help determine the cause of the hyperthyroidism and can diagnose Graves’ disease. A thyroid scan may be required to help detemine the cause of hyperthyroidism.

How is hyperthyroidism treated?

Hyperthyroidism can be treated using medicine, radioactive iodine and surgery. Many factors including your age, the severity of your hyperthyroidism, the cause of your hyperthyroidism and your preference are important in deciding which treatment is best.

Most commonly, hyperthyroidism is managed by an endocrinologist. You will be referred to Dr Graham if it is felt that surgery is an option that should be considered. All the treatment options will be discussed in detail so that you can make an informed choice about your management.

Why would surgery be considered for hyperthyroidism?

Surgery is considered for hyperthyroidism in certain circumstances, these include:

  • If the thyroid is very enlarged causing symptoms like difficulty breathing or swallowing

  • If medication is not tolerated and radioactive iodine is not able to be used due to choice or circumstance

  • If there is any suspicion of cancer or if a cancer is diagnoses

  • If you have active Graves’ eye disease

Surgery results in hypothyroidism and will require treatment with thyroid hormone.