What is hyperthyroidism?

The thyroid is a gland in the neck that helps regulate energy use, temperature, and heart activity. Hyperthyroidism may present with palpitations, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, feeling anxious, difficulty sleeping, diarrhoea, tremor, or unplanned weight loss. Some people notice a swelling in the neck or eye changes, depending on the cause. These symptoms can have other explanations, so they do not establish the diagnosis by themselves.

Arrange a medical review if symptoms persist or several appear together. A clinician may examine your neck and pulse and request thyroid blood tests; further checks depend on the findings. Treatment is tailored to the cause and may include medicine that reduces hormone production, medicine that eases certain symptoms, or another specialist-led option. Tell the clinician about pregnancy, heart problems, and all medicines or supplements.

Seek urgent help for a very fast or irregular heartbeat with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, marked agitation, confusion, high fever, or profound weakness. A sudden severe worsening in someone with known hyperthyroidism needs prompt assessment. Do not alter thyroid medicine without advice.

Which thyroid tests do I need? What cause is most likely in my situation, how will treatment be monitored, and which changes in heartbeat or temperature should prompt urgent care?