## Hyperthyroidism Symptoms and Treatment ### Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism - Palpitations - Diarrhea - Excessive Sweating - Nervousness - Tremors - Feeling Short of Breath - Getting Tired Easily - Muscle Weakness ### Risk Factors for Hyperthyroidism Being a biological female and being over 60 years old increase the risk. Other risk factors include: - Having a family history of thyroid disease. - Eating a diet rich in iodine, such as kelp. - Taking medication that contains iodine. - Using nicotine, such as smoking or vaping. - Being pregnant within the previous 6 months. ### Treatment Options for Hyperthyroidism The treatment options include: 1. Medication: - Beta-blockers to treat symptoms like palpitations and anxiety. - Antithyroid medications (e.g., methimazole) to reduce thyroid hormone production, but only if pregnant women use propylthiouracil. 2. Radioiodine Therapy: - A treatment that slowly kills off the cells producing thyroid hormones. 3. Thyroid Surgery: - May be recommended for goiter or when other treatments are harmful during pregnancy. ### When to Contact a Doctor - If experiencing symptoms of hyperthyroidism. - If any side effects occur from taking thyroid medications, such as tiredness, pain in the abdomen, loss of appetite, skin rash, yellowing of the skin, constant sore throat, fever, or chills.