Crossword clues for hyperthyroidism
The Collaborative International Dictionary
hyperthyroidism \hyperthyroidism\ n. (Med.) An abnormality of the thyroid gland characterized by the pathologically excessive production of thyroid hormones; -- also, the resulting condition characterized by increased metabolism, weight loss, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, an enlarged thyroid gland and sometimes exophthalmos. It leads to, and may be confirmed by, high plasma levels of triiodothyronine or thyroxin.
Syn: thyrotoxicosis.
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
Wiktionary
n. 1 (context medicine English) The excessive production of hormones by the thyroid. 2 (context pathology English) The pathological condition resulting from these excess hormones.
WordNet
n. an overactive thyroid gland; pathologically excessive production of thyroid hormones or the condition resulting from excessive production of thyroid hormones [syn: thyrotoxicosis] [ant: hypothyroidism]
Wikipedia
Hyperthyroidism is the condition that occurs due to excessive production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. Thyrotoxicosis is the condition that occurs due to excessive thyroid hormone of any cause and therefore includes hyperthyroidism. Some, however, use the terms interchangeably. Signs and symptoms vary between people and may include irritability, muscle weakness, sleeping problems, a fast heartbeat, poor tolerance of heat, diarrhea, enlargement of the thyroid, and weight loss. Symptoms are typically less in the old and during pregnancy. An uncommon complication is thyroid storm in which an event such as an infection results in worsening symptoms such as confusion and a high temperature and often results in death. The opposite is hypothyroidism, when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone.
Graves' disease is the cause of about 50% to 80% of the cases of hyperthyroidism in the United States. Other causes include multinodular goiter, toxic adenoma, inflammation of the thyroid, eating too much iodine, and too much synthetic thyroid hormone. A less common cause is a pituitary adenoma. The diagnosis may be suspected based on signs and symptoms and then confirmed with blood tests. Typically blood tests show a low thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and raised T or T. Radioiodine uptake by the thyroid, thyroid scan, and TSI antibodies may help determine the cause.
Treatment depends partly on the cause and severity of disease. There are three main treatment options: radioiodine therapy, medications, and thyroid surgery. Radioiodine therapy involves taking iodine-131 by mouth which is then concentrated in and destroys the thyroid over weeks to months. The resulting hypothyroidism is treated with synthetic thyroid hormone. Medications such as beta blockers may control the symptoms and anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole may temporarily help people while other treatments are having effect. Surgery to remove the thyroid is another option. This may be used in those with very large thyroids or when cancer is a concern. In the United States hyperthyroidism affects about 1.2% of the population. It occurs between two and ten times more often in women. Onset is commonly between 20 and 50 years of age. Overall the disease is more common in those over the age of 60 years.
Usage examples of "hyperthyroidism".
The symptoms in either direction, that of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, can be of varying intensity.
It is likely, for instance, that hyperthyroidism arises not from anything wrong with the thyroid itself but from a flaw in the anterior pituitary.
Certain physical conditions, such as low blood sugar or hyperthyroidism, can cause symptoms that seem to be psychological, such as fears, nervousness, irritability, depression, etc.
An announcer, presumably chosen for hyperthyroidism, was shouting: "Now, here's the surprise star of the games.