Hyperthyroidism and Grave's disease

Hyperthyroidism is characterized by increased serum levels of thyroid hormones. The thyroid

releases three hormones, thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin. The hormones of
hyperthyroidism are the T3 and T4, both of which regulate metabolism. Therefore, hyperthyroidism is
simply excessive secretion of thyroid hormones T3 and T4, resulting in an increased metabolic rate.
These two hormones present in two forms, the protein-bound biologically inactive form and the
unbound biologically active form.

Hyperthyroidism may result from increased production and secretion of T3 and T4 due to thyroid
simulators in the blood or thyroid hyperactivity. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is
Grave's Disease. An autoimmune disorder, Grave's disease attacks the thyroid receptor for thyroid
stimulating hormone (TSH) which is released from the pituitary gland in the brain. TSH turn on the
thyroid. Unlike most autoimmune disorders which cause an inhibitory affect, Grave's disease causes a
stimulatory affect, thus producing continuous production and secretion of T3 and T4.

The Grave's disease patient presents with:

• Agitation • Weakness

• Emotional changability • Dyspnea

• Insomnia • Tachycardia

• Poor heat tolerance • Weight loss despite increased appetite

• New onset A-fib without a previous

cardiac history

Sign and symptoms associated with the nervous system are more common in younger patients while
the older patients show more cardiovascular signs and symptoms. Prolonged T3 an T4 stimulation of

the tissues around the eye cause exophthalmos - the protrusion of the eye balls.