What happens if thyroid is too high

What other problems can hyperthyroidism cause? If hyperthyroidism isn't treated, it can cause some serious health problems, including An irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots , stroke , heart failure , and other heart problems An eye disease called Graves' ophthalmopathy.

It can cause double vision, light sensitivity, and eye pain. In rare cases, it can lead to vision loss. Thinning bones and osteoporosis Fertility problems in women Complications in pregnancy, such as premature birth , low birth weight , high blood pressure in pregnancy , and miscarriage How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed? Your health care provider may use many tools to make a diagnosis: A medical history, including asking about symptoms A physical exam Thyroid tests , such as TSH , T3 , T4 , and thyroid antibody blood tests Imaging tests , such as a thyroid scan, ultrasound , or radioactive iodine uptake test.

A radioactive iodine uptake test measures how much radioactive iodine your thyroid takes up from your blood after you swallow a small amount of it. What are the treatments for hyperthyroidism? The treatments for hyperthyroidism include medicines, radioiodine therapy, and thyroid surgery: Medicines for hyperthyroidism include Antithyroid medicines, which cause your thyroid to make less thyroid hormone.

You probably need to take the medicines for 1 to 2 years. In some cases, you might need to take the medicines for several years.

This is the simplest treatment, but it is often not a permanent cure. Beta blocker medicines, which can reduce symptoms such as tremors, rapid heartbeat, and nervousness. They work quickly and can help you feel better until other treatments take effect. Radioiodine therapy is a common and effective treatment for hyperthyroidism. It involves taking radioactive iodine by mouth as a capsule or liquid.

This slowly destroys the cells of the thyroid gland that produce thyroid hormone. It does not affect other body tissues. Almost everyone who has radioactive iodine treatment later develops hypothyroidism. This is because the thyroid hormone-producing cells have been destroyed. But hypothyroidism is easier to treat and causes fewer long-term health problems than hyperthyroidism.

Surgery to remove part or most of the thyroid gland is done in rare cases. It might be an option for people with large goiters or pregnant women who cannot take antithyroid medicines.

If you have all of your thyroid removed, you will need to take thyroid medicines for the rest of your life. Sometimes, though, your…. Learn the symptoms and your treatment…. A T3 test is a blood test that helps your doctor determine if you have a thyroid problem.

For thyroid tests, radioactive iodine is typically used. Your thyroid and most types of thyroid cancer absorb iodine naturally. Subacute thyroiditis is a rare type of thyroiditis. Learn more about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Thyroid surgery removes all or a portion of the thyroid gland. A doctor will perform this surgery in a hospital while the patient is under general….

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Lifestyle remedies Outlook We include products we think are useful for our readers. What is hyperthyroidism? What causes hyperthyroidism? What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism? How do doctors diagnose hyperthyroidism? How to treat hyperthyroidism. What you can do to improve symptoms. Read this next. Hypothyroidism vs. Medically reviewed by Jason C. Baker, MD. Thyroid Storm.

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What Is a T3 Test? Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Thyroid Scan. Subacute Thyroiditis. Your thyroid also produces a hormone that helps regulate the amount of calcium in your blood calcitonin. Normally, your thyroid releases the right amount of hormones, but sometimes it produces too much T4. This may occur for a number of reasons, including:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.

This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Hyperthyroidism overactive thyroid occurs when your thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine.

More Information Thyroid disease: Can it affect a person's mood? Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Thyroid gland Open pop-up dialog box Close. Thyroid gland Your thyroid gland is located at the base of your neck, just below the Adam's apple.

Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Rochester, Minn. De Leo S, et al. The Lancet. Merck Manual Professional Version. Accessed Oct. American Thyroid Association.