HYPERTHYROIDISM

What It Is

Hyperthyroidism means your thyroid gland is making too much thyroid hormone.
The thyroid is a small gland in your neck that controls how your body uses energy.
Too much hormone makes your body work too fast.

Causes and Risk Factors

You are more likely to have hyperthyroidism if you:

Have an immune system problem called Graves’ disease (most common cause)
Have thyroid nodules (small lumps in the thyroid)
Have swelling or inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis)
Take too much thyroid hormone medicine
Are female
Are between ages 20–40
Have a family history of thyroid disease

Signs and Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms:

Feeling nervous, anxious, or irritable
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Weight loss without trying
Increased appetite
Trembling hands or fingers
Sweating more than usual
Feeling hot when others do not
Trouble sleeping
More frequent bowel movements
Thinning hair
Weakness in muscles

Early warning signs to report:

Very fast heart rate
Feeling faint or dizzy
Sudden worsening of symptoms

Complications if Untreated or if Patient Does Not Follow Plan

If not treated, hyperthyroidism can cause:

Heart problems (fast heart rate, heart failure)
Weak, brittle bones (osteoporosis)
Eye problems (bulging eyes, vision changes)
Thyroid storm (life-threatening very high thyroid levels)
Death

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

Treatment may include:

Antithyroid medicines to lower thyroid hormone
Radioactive iodine to shrink the thyroid gland
Surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid

Self-care steps:

Take your medicines exactly as prescribed
Keep all lab and doctor appointments
Watch for side effects and report them
Avoid over-the-counter supplements unless approved by your doctor
Protect your eyes if you have eye symptoms (wear sunglasses, use eye drops)

Common Types of Medications

Methimazole (Tapazole)
- Purpose: Slows down thyroid hormone production
- Possible side effects: Rash, joint pain, liver problems, low white blood cells
Propylthiouracil (PTU)
- Purpose: Slows thyroid hormone production and blocks hormone conversion
- Possible side effects: Liver problems, rash, low white blood cells
Beta blockers (propranolol, atenolol)
- Purpose: Slow the heart rate and reduce symptoms until thyroid levels are normal
- Possible side effects: Tiredness, dizziness, cold hands/feet

Dietary Needs and Lifestyle Changes

Eat a healthy, balanced diet with enough calories and protein to prevent weight loss
Avoid high-iodine foods (seaweed, kelp, iodized salt) unless your doctor says otherwise
Limit caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks) to help with fast heart rate or anxiety
Avoid smoking (can worsen eye symptoms)
Practice stress-reducing activities (yoga, walking, meditation)

Safety Considerations

Tell your doctor if you have a fever or sore throat while on antithyroid medicine (may mean low white blood cells)
Do not stop medicines suddenly without medical advice
Avoid pregnancy until your thyroid levels are controlled (talk to your doctor first)
Monitor your pulse and note if it is too fast or irregular

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

Keep all lab appointments (TSH, T3, T4 levels)
Follow your treatment plan even if you feel better
Keep a list of your medicines and doses
Wear a medical alert bracelet if you have severe hyperthyroidism or take certain medicines
Let all healthcare providers know you have thyroid disease

When to Call for Help

Call your home health nurse or doctor if you have:

Worsening symptoms like weight loss, tremors, or feeling very anxious
Heart rate faster than your normal
Fever, sore throat, or yellowing of your skin/eyes
Side effects from your medicine

Call 911 or go to the Emergency Room if you have:

Severe chest pain
Shortness of breath
Fainting
Sudden confusion
High fever with very fast heartbeat (possible thyroid storm)

Patient Homework / Assessment — True or False. PLEASE correct all False statements.

True or False: Hyperthyroidism means the thyroid makes too little hormone.
True or False: The thyroid gland is in your neck and controls your body’s energy.
True or False: Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.
True or False: Shaking hands, weight loss, and feeling hot are symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
True or False: Untreated hyperthyroidism can cause heart and bone problems.
True or False: Methimazole is used to lower thyroid hormone levels.
True or False: Beta blockers cure hyperthyroidism.
True or False: You should stop taking your medicine if you feel better.
True or False: Avoiding high-iodine foods may be part of treatment.
True or False: Eye problems can happen with hyperthyroidism.
True or False: Fever or sore throat while taking antithyroid medicine should be reported to your doctor.
True or False: Caffeine can make some symptoms worse.
True or False: Smoking can make thyroid eye problems worse.
True or False: You should keep all lab appointments for TSH, T3, and T4 testing.
True or False: Hyperthyroidism is always caused by cancer.
True or False: Surgery is one possible treatment for hyperthyroidism.
True or False: Wearing a medical alert bracelet can help in an emergency.
True or False: A fast or irregular heartbeat should be reported.
True or False: Stress management can help control symptoms.
True or False: Thyroid storm is a life-threatening condition.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Individualized Patient Questions

What was your most recent TSH level?
What were your last T3 and T4 results?
What medications are you taking to control your thyroid? (Include name, dose, and time)
Have you had any side effects from your thyroid medicine?
What foods or drinks have you been told to avoid?
Do you monitor your heart rate? If so, what is your usual range?
When was your last thyroid lab test, and when is your next one scheduled?