VIDEO: What PCPs should know about hyperthyroidism

In this video, Sun Y. Lee, MD, MSc, an associate professor at Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, discusses her recent review of the literature regarding hyperthyroidism and its clinical management.

The review, published in JAMA, detailed hyperthyroidism pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options, in addition to hyperthyroidism related to COVID-19 and pregnancy.

Hyperthyroidism typically presents with multiple symptoms, including “anxiety, insomnia, palpitations, weight loss, diarrhea or loose stool, excessive sweating and irregular menses,” Lee explained.

She added that although patients will normally present multiple symptoms, older patients may present just one symptom, like weight loss.

For treatment options, “it is important to distinguish whether it is from hyperthyroidism or thyroiditis,” Lee said. “For hyperthyroidism, initial treatment would usually be antithyroid drugs such as methimazole or propylthiouracil to decrease thyroid hormone production.”

References:

• Recognizing clinical signs of hyperthyroidism leads to appropriate treatments, reduces adverse impact on health. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1004801. Published Oct. 17, 2023. Accessed Oct. 23, 2023.
• Lee S, Pearce E. JAMA. 2023;doi:10.1001/jama.2023.19052.