Hyperthyroidism: an overview of the disease and current treatment approach

Abstract

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone thyroxine and triiodothyronine, affecting approximately 0.2%–2.5% of the global adult population, with rates generally higher in iodine-sufficient areas and more prevalent in women. Hyperthyroidism prevalence in Bangladesh is generally lower than hypothyroidism, with studies indicating rates of approximately 0.86%-1.04% for overt hyperthyroidism and around 0.65%- 1.73% for subclinical hyperthyroidism. The most common type is Graves’ disease (GD), toxic multinodular goiter and toxic adenoma. Hyperthyroidism impacts many different systems of the body including the integument, musculoskeletal, immune, ophthalmic, reproductive, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems. Management options for hyperthyroidism include anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine, and surgery. Anti-thyroid medications are often used temporarily to treat thyrotoxicosis in preparation for more definitive treatment with radioactive iodine or surgery. The present review provides an overview of hyperthyroidism disease, epidemiology of the disease, causes of hyperthyroidism, highlighting the key considerations in diagnosis and current treatment of hyperthyroidism along with providing future directions for research and improved management of the disease.