Hyperthyroidism in Adults

Abstract

In the UK, the prevalence of hyperthyroidism is estimated to be around 2% in women and 0.2% in men. In Europe, the prevalence of overt hyperthyroidism is in the region of 0.6–16% and in the USA, prevalence is reported to be approximately 1.2%.

Hyperthyroidism refers to conditions that cause increased secretion of thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland leading to thyrotoxicosis. Thyrotoxicosis occurs as a result of elevated circulating thyroid hormones, of either free thyroxine or free triiodothyronine, (or both) and can affect almost every organ in the body triggering many symptoms including agitation, rapid weight loss, heat intolerance, and increased heart rate. Left untreated, thyrotoxicosis can have serious health implications on a patient’s well being. A specialist clinical practitioners role is to identify the signs and symptoms of thyrotoxicosis through the undertaking of a detailed patient history, assessment, and physical examination in this way a tailored approach for treatment can be implemented safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively with positive outcomes.

The conditions most commonly associated with hyperthyroidism include Graves’ disease, multinodular goitre, toxic adenoma, thyroiditis (such as subacute and post-partum), and subclinical thyrotoxicosis. These are briefly outlined in this chapter and provide an overview of related definitions, pathologies, and clinical features including diagnosis and treatments, such as medical therapy, radioiodine, and surgery. Furthermore, it also aims to equip and enhance relevant evidence-based knowledge and understanding of the hyperthyroid disorders seen in the endocrine clinical practice, with a view to provide specialist practitioners useful tips and guidance of how to diagnosis, manage, and treat some of the most common hyperthyroid conditions seen in many endocrinology departments.