What is overactive thyroid

Radioactive iodine (RAI) is treatment for overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and certain types of thyroid cancer. The term “radioactive” may sound frightening, but it is a safe, generally well-tolerated, and reliable treatment that targets thyroid cells so there is little exposure to the rest of your body’s cells. Overview What is radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy? Radioactive iodine (RAI) can be used for the treatment of overactive thyroid ( How does radioactive iodine treat hyperthyroidism? Your thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower front of your neck, produces hormones that regulate your body’s metabolism and other functions. Hyperthyroidism speeds up the body’s processes causing nervousness and anxiety, rapid heartbeat, missed or light menstrual periods, sleep problems, hand tremors and other problems. The thyroid gland needs iodine to make these hormones. The thyroid is the most efficient organ at concentrating iodine. RAI treats hyperthyroidism by damaging or destroying thyroid cells through radiation. RAI is taken in an oral capsule form. You don’t need to be hospitalized unless the dose is very high, which is rarely needed. You will be prompted to drink lots of water after taking the pill to flush the remaining radioactive iodine out of your system. Most patients need only one dose before their hyperthyroidism is resolved, which may take a few weeks to several months. If your symptoms are still there after six months, you may have to receive a sec...

Were you recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism? If so, you’re likely aware your body’s thyroid gland is underactive. And you’re probably all too familiar with some of the associated symptoms like tiredness, constipation, and forgetfulness. These symptoms are frustrating. But with the right treatment plan, they can become manageable. What is hypothyroidism? In short, your thyroid gland can’t make enough hormones to function well. The thyroid gland controls every aspect of your body’s metabolism. In hypothyroidism, the gland’s hormone production slows. This, in turn, slows your metabolism, which can lead to weight gain. Hypothyroidism is common, and affects about According to the Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. With this condition, your body attacks its own immune system. Over time, this attack causes the thyroid to stop producing hormones as it should which leads to hypothyroidism. Like many autoimmune diseases, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis occurs more frequently in women than men. As its name suggests, hyperthyroidism occurs when your body makes too much of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), and becomes overactive. If you have hyperthyroidism, you may experience a fast heartbeat, increased appetite, anxiety, sensitivity to heat, or sudden weight loss. Hyperthyroidism most commonly occurs in three ways: • thyroiditis, or an inflammation of the thyroid • a thyroid nodule that produces too much • an autoimmune condi...