DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

Back to Globe
Endocrine Disorder

Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

MODERATE

A condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone (T3 and T4). Accelerates the body's metabolism, causing unintentional weight loss, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and nervousness. Graves' disease is the most common cause.

Global Affected

15.0M

Countries

138

Symptoms

Unintentional weight loss
Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
Heart palpitations
Increased appetite
Nervousness, anxiety, irritability
Tremor in hands
Sweating
Changes in menstrual patterns
Increased sensitivity to heat
Changes in bowel patterns
Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
Fatigue, muscle weakness
Difficulty sleeping
Skin thinning, brittle hair

Treatment Options

Hormone replacement
Hormone suppression
Medications
Surgery
Radiation therapy
Lifestyle modifications
Regular monitoring

Risk Factors

1Family history
2Autoimmune disease
3Age
4Obesity
5Genetic mutations
6Iodine deficiency/excess
7Medications
8Pituitary tumors

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Hormone level testing
  • 2Imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound)
  • 3Stimulation/suppression tests
  • 4Autoantibody testing
  • 5Genetic testing

Prognosis

Generally excellent with proper hormone replacement or suppression. Lifelong monitoring typically required. Complications preventable with good control.

Prevention

  • Screening for at-risk individuals
  • Iodine sufficiency
  • Avoidance of trigger medications
  • Genetic counseling
  • Lifestyle modifications

Research Status

Anti-thyroid medications (methimazole, carbimazole, PTU). Radioactive iodine to shrink the gland. Thyroidectomy for large goiters or when other treatments fail. Beta-blockers for symptom relief. Treatment depends on underlying cause and patient factors.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanBrazilMexicoNigeriaSouth AfricaIndiaChinaBangladeshPakistanRussiaSwedenNorwayFinlandNetherlandsBelgiumAustriaSwitzerlandPolandCzech RepublicHungaryRomaniaBulgariaCroatiaSloveniaSlovakiaLTLVEEIrelandDenmarkPortugalGreeceTurkeyIsraelUAESaudi ArabiaEgyptMoroccoAlgeriaTunisiaKenyaTanzaniaUgandaGhanaCISenegalMaliBFNETDSSEthiopiaSOERDJRWBIMalawiMozambiqueZambiaZimbabweBWNASZLSSouth AfricaAODR CongoCGGAGQCMCFTDSudanMRMaliGNGWSLLRTGBJNigeriaThailandVietnamIndonesiaMalaysiaPhilippinesSouth KoreaTaiwanHong KongSingaporeNew ZealandFJPGSBVUKITVNRPWMHFMWSTOCKNUTKPFNCWFASGUMPPRVIKYBMVGTCAIMSBLMFSXAWCWBQSX

Sources

  • https://www.endocrine.org
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278949
  • https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.