In plain words
Thyrotoxicosis means the body has too much thyroid hormone. It can come from an overactive thyroid gland or from inflamed thyroid tissue that releases stored hormone. Symptoms can include a racing or pounding heartbeat, , heat intolerance, shaking, anxiety, and weight loss. After birth, thyroid inflammation can cause a short phase of too much hormone, often in the first months. Some people then move into a low-thyroid phase. Pregnancy has its own version, linked to hormones that stimulate the thyroid. Symptoms can overlap with normal pregnancy changes, so testing is how these are separated. Call your provider today if your heart races or you feel very unwell.
The deeper version
Excess circulating thyroid hormone, from hyperthyroidism (Graves disease, toxic nodules) or from thyroiditis with release of stored hormone. is often biphasic: in a synthesis of cohort data (Stagnaro-Green 2012; ATA 2017), roughly 25 percent are classically biphasic, 43 percent present with isolated hypothyroidism, and 32 percent with isolated thyrotoxicosis. Diagnosis rests on suppressed with raised free thyroid hormone levels, with radioactive uptake used to separate causes where available. Beta-blockers are used for symptoms, and antithyroid drug choice in pregnancy follows guidance.
Where it comes up
- Postpartum thyroid problemsPostpartum: Your Body
- Hyperemesis gravidarum: when sickness is severePregnancy: Your Body
- Nausea and vomiting in pregnancyPregnancy: Your Body
What mothers here say about thyrotoxicosis
No one has posted under this term yet.
Sources
- Alexander EK et al. — Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy and the Postpartum, Thyroid 2017
- Stagnaro-Green A — Postpartum thyroiditis review, 2012