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Understanding High Thyroid Levels
Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, and it plays an important role in regulating your metabolism. When your thyroid produces an abnormally high amount of thyroid hormone, it is known as hyperthyroidism, or having high thyroid levels.
What Causes High Thyroid Levels?
There are several potential causes of high thyroid levels, including the following:
- Graves’ disease
- Multinodular goiter
- Thyroiditis
- Taking too much thyroid medication
- Consuming too much iodine
Signs and Symptoms of High Thyroid Levels
It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms that may signal high thyroid levels. These include:
- Weight loss. People with high thyroid levels often lose weight quickly, even without changing their diet or exercise routine.
- Feeling too warm. Those with high thyroid levels often feel warm, and sweat more than usual.
- Rapid heart rate. People with high thyroid levels often have an increased heart rate.
- Tremors. High thyroid levels can lead to tremors, usually in the hands and fingers.
- Nervousness. Those with high thyroid levels often experience nervousness and anxiety.
Treatments for High Thyroid Levels
The most common treatment for high thyroid levels is medication. Depending on the root cause, different medications may be prescribed to help regulate the amount of thyroid hormone in the body.
In some cases, radioactive iodine therapy may be recommended. Radioactive iodine is taken in a pill form, and it helps to reduce the production of thyroid hormone. It is usually reserved for cases of Graves’ disease.
In extreme cases, a surgical procedure may be recommended to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. This is usually only done if other treatment methods are not effective.
Key Takeaways
- Hyperthyroidism, or high thyroid levels, can be caused by Graves’ disease, multinodular goiter, thyroiditis, taking too much thyroid medication, or consuming too much iodine.
- Common symptoms of high thyroid levels include weight loss, feeling too warm, rapid heart rate, tremors, and nervousness.
- Treatment for high thyroid levels typically involves medication, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgical removal of the thyroid gland.
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