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Main > Specialty Areas > Endocrinology >
Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism can be suspected in patients with tremors, excessive sweating, smooth, velvety skin, fine hair, a rapid heart rate and an enlarged thyroid gland. There may be puffiness around the eyes and a characteristic stare due to the elevation of the upper eyelids. Advanced symptoms are easily detected, but early symptoms, especially in the elderly, may be quite inconspicuous. In all cases, a blood test is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
| The following signs "scream" hyperthyroidism:
Fast heart rate
Trembling hands
Weight loss
Muscle weakness
Warm moist skin
Hair loss
Staring Gaze
If you experience some of the above it is a good idea to see the doctor. |
The blood levels of thyroid hormones can be measured directly and usually are elevated with hyperthyroidism.
Although the blood tests mentioned previously can confirm the presence of excessive thyroid hormone, they do not point to a specific cause.
If there is obvious involvement of the eyes, a diagnosis of Graves' disease is almost certain. A combination of antibody screening (for Graves' disease) and a thyroid scan using radioactively labeled iodine (which concentrates in the thyroid gland) can help diagnose the underlying thyroid disease. These investigations are chosen on a case-by-case basis.
Common tests used to diagnose hyperthyroidism
The main tool for detection of hyperthyroidism is measurement of the blood TSH level. As mentioned earlier, TSH is secreted by the pituitary gland. If an excess amount of thyroid hormone is present, TSH is "down-regulated" and the level of TSH falls in an attempt to reduce production of thyroid hormone. Thus, the measurement of TSH should result in low or undetectable levels in cases of hyperthyroidism. However, there is one exception. If the excessive amount of thyroid hormone is due to a TSH-secreting pituitary tumor, then the levels of TSH will be abnormally high. This uncommon disease is known as "secondary hyperthyroidism."
Thyroid hormones themselves (T3, T4, T7). This is not too common, as most people with hyperthyroidism will have all of their thyroid hormone measurements high (except TSH).
Iodine thyroid scan
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| Random Useful Tip: |
Diabetes Containment To contain diabetes, it pays to do the following:
Pay attention to your diet - avoid sugar as well as saturated fats in any form.
Regular exercise is an important treatment for both types of diabetes.
Weight loss can also help to reverse insulin resistance and lower blood glucose if a person is overweight.
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| Random Drug Info: |
Levothyroxine Levothyroxine is a pure synthetic form of T4 hormone that is made in a laboratory to be an exact replacement for the T4 that the human thyroid gland normally secretes. It comes in multiple strengths, which means that an appropriate dosage can almost always be found for each patient. |
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