Here is the translated text: **Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism** A hyperactive thyroid gland can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• palpitations
• diarrhea
• excessive sweating
• nervousness
• tremors
• shortness of breath
• easy fatigue
• muscle weakness

**Risk Factors** Being a female biological and over 60 years old increase the risk of hyperthyroidism. Pre-existing health conditions, such as pernicious anemia, type 2 diabetes, or primary adrenal insufficiency, also increase the risk. Other risk factors include:

• family history of thyroid disease
• a diet rich in iodine
• taking medication that contain iodine
• using nicotine, such as smoking or vaping
• pregnancy within the previous 6 months

**Treatment Options** Doctors treat hyperthyroidism according to the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Different treatment options work for different people — there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The three main treatment types for hyperthyroidism include:

Thyroid Medications

Medications such as beta-blockers treat the effects of hyperthyroidism, but do not affect thyroid hormone production. Antithyroid medication reduces thyroid hormone production and may temporarily reduce Graves’ disease symptoms. Doctors most commonly prescribe methimazole, but if a person is pregnant, they may recommend propylthiouracil. Some people experience side effects from taking antithyroid medicines, including:

• an adverse reaction, such as a rash and itching
• a reduction in white blood cells
• in rare cases, liver failure

Radioiodine Therapy

Radioiodine therapy slowly kills off the cells that produce thyroid hormone. It does not affect other tissues in the body. Doctors do not prescribe radioiodine therapy during pregnancy as it can harm the fetus. A person is extremely likely to develop hypothyroidism following radioiodine therapy, but doctors consider hypothyroidism easier to treat than hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid Surgery

If a person has a goiter — a swollen neck due to enlargement of the thyroid gland — doctors may recommend surgery. They may also suggest it for a person with hyperthyroidism during pregnancy when other treatments are potentially harmful or inadequate. **When to Contact a Doctor** It is important for a doctor to check a person’s thyroid function if they are experiencing any of the previously mentioned symptoms, including palpitations, diarrhea, and excessive sweating. If a person experiences any of the following symptoms after taking thyroid medication, they should contact their doctor immediately:

• tiredness or weakness
• dull pain in the abdomen
• loss of appetite
• skin rash, itching, or easy bruising
• yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
• a constant sore throat
• fever or chills

**Summary** Hyperthyroidism causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone, which speeds up a range of essential body functions, including heart rate. This may increase a person’s risk for cardiovascular issues, such as raised blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, or stroke. Treatments include medications, radioiodine therapy, or surgery.