We treat all disorders of the thyroid.

Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

This is when the thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than a body needs. This can cause people to feel shaky, anxious, irritable, or tired, experience excessive sweating, irregular heartbeat, rapid unhealthy weight loss, increase in blood pressure and frequent bowel movements.  Hyperthyroidism can also affect a woman’s menstrual cycle and fertility, and can cause sexual problems in men.

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease. This is when the thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormone, due to the immune system’s production of certain antibodies that block regulation of the thyroid by the pituitary gland.  It may also lead to protruding eyes and enlarged thyroid (goiter).  The other less common causes of excessive amount of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream are thyroid nodules, thyroid inflammation and certain non-thyroid medications.

If untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to heart problems such as atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots and stroke) and congestive heart failure, as well as osteoporosis (brittle bones that can lead to fractures and disability).  If treatment is necessary, hyperthyroidism may be treated with special medications, radioactive iodine, or (infrequently) surgery.

Women who are planning to get pregnant are typically advised to have their hyperthyroidism treated first (thyroid & pregnancy).  Inadequately treated hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can cause problems such as preterm birth, miscarriage, heart failure in the mother, low birth weight, thyroid problems in a the baby, and still birth.

How Does TVC Help People with Hyperthyroidism?

TVC clinicians can help to diagnose hyperthyroidism in people with suggestive symptoms, or can provide screening for those who are simply concerned. Our clinicians can determine the cause of your hyperthyroidism and advise if treatment is needed (which is not always the case).  If you already have been evaluated by another physician, TVC clinicians will provide you with a second opinion on diagnosis and treatment.

If treatment is needed, TVC clinicians will recommend the best treatment for your specific situation (medications, radioactive iodine or surgery).  If you are already taking, or should start taking, medications such as methimazole or PTU, TVC clinicians will determine the correct medication, dose and the length of treatment, and provide monitoring (as these medications can have potentially serious side effects).  For pregnant women it is especially important to be properly monitored throughout the course of pregnancy (thyroid & pregnancy).

TVC clinicians will order necessary blood tests or other diagnostic studies when needed, professionally interpret the findings, provide recommendations, and refill your medications in advance. TVC clinicians are always available to answer any questions you may have and will make any appropriate adjustments to your treatment plan, after communicating with you via secure messaging, video/audio conferencing, or live chat through our secure patient portal.