HYPERTHYROIDISM: an excess of thyroid hormone, is most commonly seen in a condition called Grave's disease. Symptoms include nervousness, irritability, sweating, and muscle weakness. Is marked especially by increased metabolic rate, enlargement of the thyroid gland, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure.
Postpartum thyroiditis is an overactivity of the thyroid gland occurring a few months after childbirth. The condition may be followed by under activity of the thyroid a few weeks later.
Graves' disease is a common form of hyperthyroidism characterized by goiter and often a slight protrusion of the eyeballs -- called also Basedow's disease, exophthalmic goiter.
PHARMACEUTICAL TREATMENT: Conventional treatment for Graves' disease consists of antithyroid drugs that cause hormone production to drop: methimazole (Tapazole) or propylthiouracil (PTU). The drugs' side effects may include drowsiness and, in rare cases, a blood disease called agranulocytosis. If the drugs fail, a high-dose radioactive iodine capsule or beverage is given that slows the thyroid by permanently damaging overactive cells. However, if too many cells are destroyed (as is often the case), the patient winds up on hormone supplements for life.
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