Hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid results in your thyroid gland producing too much of the hormone thyroxine. It accelerates your body’s metabolism causing involuntary weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. This disorder develops in almost one percent of all Americans and usually affects women five to ten times more often than men.
There are two major hormones that affect how your body works which are produced in your thyroid. These hormones are called thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3); their function is to help keep your heart rate, body temperature, and other body functions working properly. T-4 and T-3 accomplish this by helping your body manage carbohydrates and fats appropriately. Another essential hormone that your thyroid produces is called calcitonin, and this aids in keeping a healthy amount of calcium in your blood.
The first step in diagnosis is to obtain a complete medical history and physical exam. There are also tests that may be performed to further evaluate your diagnosis such as a cholesterol test, a thyroid hormones (T-3, T-4, and free T-4) test, a thyroid stimulating hormone level test, a triglyceride test, a thyroid scan and uptake, and an ultrasound, CT or MRI scans. If you would like a second opinion on your treatment and diagnosis contact us at secondopinions.com for your peace of mind.