Do you find yourself constantly feeling restless, anxious, and irritable? Do you struggle to fall asleep at night, or wake up frequently during the night? Are you experiencing unexpected weight loss, even though your appetite has remained the same? If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may be suffering from hyperthyroidism.

What is hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This hormone controls your body’s metabolism. Too much of this hormone can cause a variety of symptoms and complications.

Hyperthyroidism can be caused by several different factors. For instance, it can be caused by Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune disorder. Another cause of hyperthyroidism is a toxic nodular goiter.

A toxic nodular goiter occurs when one or more nodules in the thyroid gland become overactive and produce too much thyroid hormone. Women are more likely to develop hyperthyroidism than men, and it typically develops between the ages of 20 and 40.

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

The symptoms of hyperthyroidism can vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms include:.

Weight loss
Frequent bowel movements
Irregular menstrual cycle or heavy bleeding
Increased sweating
Insomnia
Anxiety and irritability
Inability to concentrate
Tremors or shakiness
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland)

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with your doctor. Your doctor can perform a physical exam and blood tests to determine if you have hyperthyroidism.

What is the 60-second hyperthyroidism test?

If you are experiencing symptoms of hyperthyroidism, you can take a simple 60-second test to help determine if you may have the condition. The test involves feeling your pulse and observing your eyes in a mirror. Here’s how to do it:.

Find your pulse in your wrist or neck.
Close your eyes and count the number of beats for 15 seconds.
Multiply that number by four to get your heart rate per minute.
Look in a mirror and observe your eyes. If your eyes appear to be bulging or protruding, this could be a sign of hyperthyroidism.

If your heart rate is above 100 beats per minute and you are experiencing eye symptoms, it is important to speak with your doctor. These symptoms could be a sign of hyperthyroidism and require treatment.

How is hyperthyroidism treated?

The treatment for hyperthyroidism depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. The most common treatments include:.

Anti-thyroid drugs: These medications help to reduce the production of thyroid hormone. They are usually taken for several months to a year.
Radioactive iodine therapy: This treatment involves taking a dose of radioactive iodine, which is absorbed by the thyroid gland. The iodine destroys the overactive thyroid cells, which reduces the production of thyroid hormone.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove some or all of the thyroid gland. This treatment is typically only recommended for people who cannot tolerate anti-thyroid medications or radioactive iodine therapy.

Your doctor will determine the best course of treatment based on your individual needs. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your condition.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing symptoms of hyperthyroidism, it is important to speak with your doctor. While the symptoms of hyperthyroidism can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, there are effective treatments available to manage the condition.

By taking a simple 60-second test, you may be able to determine if you have hyperthyroidism, and seek treatment as needed.