Child Health Information for Parents in Santa Barbara

thermometer

Is Your Child Ill?

Teen Health

Teen Health

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Hyperthyroidism

What is hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism means your thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone controls how your body uses energy, also called metabolism. When you have too much thyroid hormone, your metabolism speeds up. You may lose weight quickly or feel nervous and moody. Or you may have no symptoms at all.

Too much thyroid hormone can also affect your heart, muscles, bones, and cholesterol.

Hyperthyroidism can occur at any age but rarely affects children. It affects women more than men. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your risk.

Your thyroid is a gland in the front of your neck.

What causes it?

Graves' disease, Opens dialog causes most hyperthyroidism. In Graves' disease, the body's natural defense (immune) system attacks the thyroid gland. The thyroid reacts by making too much thyroid hormone. Graves' disease often runs in families. Sometimes hyperthyroidism is caused by a swollen thyroid or small growths in the thyroid called thyroid nodules.

What are the symptoms?

You may have no symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Or, you may feel nervous, moody, weak, or tired. Other symptoms include shaking hands, feeling hot and sweaty, and losing weight, even if you are eating normally.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and past health and will do a physical exam to diagnose hyperthyroidism. If your doctor thinks you may have the condition, the doctor will order blood tests to see how much thyroid hormone your body is making. You may have other tests to find the cause.

How is hyperthyroidism treated?

Treatment includes antithyroid medicine, radioactive iodine therapy, and surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. The kind of treatment you have depends on things like your age, what is causing your condition, and other conditions you may have. You may also take beta-blockers to treat symptoms such as a fast heartbeat.

Next Section:

Cause

Current as of: July 7, 2025

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

 

santa barbara mountains.

Your Child Deserves Personalized Care


Call for an Appointment Today!

 (805) 845-1221