A Picture of Hyperthyroidism
Broadcast Dates: Monday, October 1 - Sunday, October 7
Right Click to Download MP3 File (1.14 MB) | Get Real Player 
Picture this: you’re irritable . . . losing weight . . . feeling hot and sweaty… your heart is beating fast . . . and you can’t sleep. What could be happening to you?
Hi, I’m Dr. Griffin Rodgers. I’m the Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at the NIH.
If you have the symptoms I just mentioned, you may have hyperthyroidism, a problem with your thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid makes too much hormone.
For people over 60, symptoms of hyperthyroidism can be more subtle, like sweating or feeling weak in the legs.
Hyperthyroidism is also more common in people over 60, and in those with a family history of thyroid disease. Women are 5 to 10 times more likely than men to develop it.
If you have the symptoms I’ve described, see a doctor. Your doctor can test for hyperthyroidism. If you have it, there are good treatment options.
Follow us on Twitter @healthymoments. This is Dr. Griffin Rodgers.
Page last updated: October 01, 2012
