Definition
- Thyrotoxicosis is a clinical state wherein there is an inappropriately high tissue thyroid hormone levels that results to increased thyroid hormone action in tissues
- Hyperthyroidism is a form of thyrotoxicosis wherein the thyroid has an inappropriately high synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones
- Graves’ disease is a systemic autoimmune disorder in which thyrotropin receptor antibodies stimulate the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor, increasing thyroid hormone production
- Most common cause of hyperthyroidism
Signs and Symptoms
Thyrotoxicosis
- Hyperactivity, irritability, insomnia, dysphoria
- Sweating, heat intolerance
- Palpitations
- Weakness, fatigue
- Weight loss with increased appetite
- Weight gain may occur
- Diarrhea, steatorrhea, polyuria
- Decreased libido, oligomenorrhea
- Tachycardia, atrial fibrillation in the elderly
- Tremor
- Goiter
- Alopecia, gynecomastia
- Eyelid lag or retraction
- Rarely periodic paralysis (more often in Asian men)