Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid) in Grand Rapids, MI

Around one in 20 people will experience some form of thyroid dysfunction in their lifetime. In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, thyroid problems are commonly diagnosed and treated by local providers such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, happens when your thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. This speeds up many of your body’s functions and can cause a wide range of symptoms.

What Is the Thyroid Gland?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly‑shaped gland located just below your Adam’s apple (larynx), with a lobe on each side of your windpipe. It is part of the endocrine system, which produces hormones that regulate:

  • Metabolism (how your body uses energy)
  • Growth and development
  • Heart rate and body temperature
  • Digestive function and menstrual cycles

The thyroid makes two main hormones:

  • Thyroxine (T4) – contains 4 iodine atoms
  • Tri‑iodothyronine (T3) – contains 3 iodine atoms

The more T3 and T4 circulating in your blood, the faster your metabolism runs.

Your brain controls thyroid hormone production through the pituitary gland, which releases thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). When thyroid hormone levels are high, TSH usually goes down; when thyroid hormone levels are low, TSH goes up.

What Is Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism means your thyroid is overactive and produces too much T3 and T4. This speeds up many body systems.

Key points:

  • More common in women than men
  • Around 2 in every 100 women will experience some degree of hyperthyroidism
  • Can occur at any age, but is more common in middle age

In Grand Rapids, hyperthyroidism is routinely diagnosed and managed by primary care providers, endocrinologists, and hospital systems such as Spectrum Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Because thyroid hormones affect nearly every organ, symptoms can be wide‑ranging. Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Heart and circulation
    • Fast heart rate or palpitations (pounding or racing heart)
    • Increased blood pressure
  • Muscles and energy
    • Muscle weakness
    • Hand trembling or shakiness
    • Fatigue, but with a “wired” feeling
  • Weight and metabolism
    • Unexplained weight loss despite normal or increased appetite
    • Feeling unusually hot or intolerant of heat (even during Michigan winters)
    • Increased sweating
  • Digestive system
    • More frequent bowel movements
    • Diarrhea
  • Sleep and mood
    • Difficulty sleeping
    • Irritability
    • Nervousness, agitation, or anxiety
  • Menstrual and reproductive health
    • Changes in menstrual cycles
    • Lighter (scantier) periods
    • Longer cycles or missed periods
  • Other symptoms
    • Warm, moist skin
    • Thinning hair
    • Shakiness
    • Eye changes (especially in Graves’ disease)

If you live in Grand Rapids and notice these symptoms—especially a racing heart, weight loss, or heat intolerance—contact your primary care provider or an endocrinologist for evaluation.

Thyroid Hormones and Iodine

Your thyroid needs iodine to make T3 and T4. Most adults require about 150 micrograms (mcg) of iodine per day, which usually comes from:

  • Iodized table salt
  • Dairy products
  • Seafood and fish from the Great Lakes and other waters
  • Some breads and processed foods

In West Michigan, where fish from the Great Lakes and dairy products are common, most people get enough iodine without supplements. Too much iodine, however, can sometimes trigger or worsen hyperthyroidism in susceptible individuals.

Common Causes of Hyperthyroidism in Grand Rapids

1. Graves’ Disease (Most Common Cause)

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition.

  • Your immune system normally protects you from infections.
  • In Graves’ disease, the immune system makes special antibodies that mimic TSH, overstimulating the thyroid gland.
  • This causes the thyroid to grow and produce too much hormone.

Key facts about Graves’ disease:

  • Affects less than 1% of the population
  • About 8 times more common in women than in men
  • More common in middle age, but can affect teens and young adults
  • Often runs in families (genetic predisposition)

Symptoms Specific to Graves’ Disease

In addition to general hyperthyroidism symptoms, Graves’ disease can cause:

  • Thyroid eye disease (in up to 50% of cases):
    • Eye swelling
    • Red, irritated eyes
    • Bulging or protruding eyes
    • Sensitivity to light
  • Skin changes:
    • Coarsening and reddening of the skin on the shins (pretibial myxedema), though this is less common

Stress and Graves’ Disease

The exact cause of Graves’ disease is unknown, but factors include:

  • Genetics – tends to run in families
  • Immune system abnormalities – autoimmune reaction
  • Stress (physical or emotional) – can influence immune function and may be associated with the onset or worsening of autoimmune conditions, including Graves’ disease

Residents in Grand Rapids dealing with significant life stress, illness, or postpartum changes may be more likely to notice autoimmune symptoms emerging or worsening.

2. Thyroiditis (Inflammation of the Thyroid)

Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid gland. It can cause:

  • A temporary release of stored thyroid hormone
  • Short‑term hyperthyroidism, sometimes followed by hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)

Types of thyroiditis include:

  • Post‑viral thyroiditis
  • Postpartum thyroiditis (after pregnancy)
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis

3. Thyroid Nodules or Lumps

Sometimes one or more nodules (lumps) in the thyroid become overactive and produce excess hormone. These are called:

  • “Hot” nodules
  • Toxic multinodular goiter

Nodules are common, especially with age, and are often found during imaging or physical exam.

4. Excessive Iodine Intake

Too much iodine can trigger hyperthyroidism in people who are susceptible. High‑iodine sources include:

  • Certain X‑ray contrast dyes used in imaging studies
  • Some disinfectants and antiseptics
  • High‑dose iodine supplements

If you are scheduled for imaging with contrast at a Grand Rapids hospital (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health), let your provider know if you have existing thyroid disease.

How Hyperthyroidism Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

Hyperthyroidism is usually diagnosed with simple blood tests, often ordered by your primary care provider or an endocrinologist.

Blood Tests

Typical tests include:

  • TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
    • In hyperthyroidism: TSH is usually low
  • Free T4 (Thyroxine)
    • In hyperthyroidism: Free T4 is high
  • Free T3 (Tri‑iodothyronine)
    • Often elevated, especially in more severe cases
  • Thyroid antibodies
    • TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) or thyroid‑stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI)
    • If present, they strongly support a diagnosis of Graves’ disease

These tests are widely available at laboratories throughout Grand Rapids, including hospital labs and independent labs.

Thyroid Imaging

If blood tests suggest hyperthyroidism due to nodules or if the cause is unclear, your doctor may order:

  • Radioactive iodine uptake scan
    • Shows how much iodine your thyroid absorbs
    • “Hot spots” can indicate overactive nodules
  • Thyroid ultrasound
    • Evaluates nodules and thyroid size

These imaging studies are commonly performed at local hospital radiology departments and imaging centers.

Treatment Options for Hyperthyroidism in Grand Rapids

There is no permanent “cure” for hyperthyroidism in most cases, but it can be very effectively managed. Treatment is individualized and often coordinated by an endocrinologist.

1. Anti‑Thyroid Medications

Common medications include:

  • Methimazole (most commonly used)
  • Propylthiouracil (PTU) (used in specific situations, such as early pregnancy)

How they work:

  • Block the thyroid’s ability to use iodine
  • Reduce production of T3 and T4

Key points:

  • Often used as first‑line treatment, especially for Graves’ disease
  • Around 1 in 4 people may experience a prolonged remission after a year or more of therapy
  • Treatment typically lasts 12–18 months, sometimes longer

Possible side effects:

  • Skin rash
  • Joint pain
  • Rare but serious: lowering of white blood cells (agranulocytosis), which can make you vulnerable to infections

Important: If you are taking anti‑thyroid drugs and develop:

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Flu‑like symptoms

Contact your doctor or an urgent care clinic in Grand Rapids immediately (this can be a medical emergency).

2. Radioiodine Therapy

Radioactive iodine (I‑131) is a common, effective treatment:

  • Taken as a capsule or drink
  • The overactive thyroid cells absorb the radioactive iodine
  • These cells are gradually destroyed, reducing hormone production

Key points:

  • Other body cells do not significantly absorb the iodine
  • The radioactive iodine is excreted in urine
  • One dose is often enough, but some people need one or two additional treatments
  • Widely available through nuclear medicine departments at major Grand Rapids hospitals

After treatment:

  • You will receive instructions to limit close contact for a short period:
    • Avoid prolonged close contact with adults for a few days
    • Avoid close contact with children and pregnant women for a longer period, as instructed

Most people eventually develop hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) after radioiodine therapy and will need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement.

3. Thyroid Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be recommended:

  • Subtotal or total thyroidectomy – removal of part or all of the thyroid gland under general anesthesia

Surgery may be considered if:

  • You have a very large goiter causing pressure or swallowing problems
  • Suspicious nodules are present
  • You cannot tolerate medications
  • You are pregnant and other treatments are not suitable

Risks of surgery include:

  • General surgical and anesthesia risks
  • Possible damage to the parathyroid glands (which control calcium levels)
  • Possible injury to the nerve supplying the vocal cords, which can affect your voice

Thyroid surgery is typically performed by experienced endocrine or head and neck surgeons at major hospital systems in Grand Rapids.

From Overactive to Underactive: Hypothyroidism After Treatment

Most people treated for hyperthyroidism—especially with radioiodine or surgery—will eventually develop hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). This is expected and is usually easier to manage than untreated hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

  • Fatigue and lethargy
  • Unexpected weight gain
  • Feeling cold (especially noticeable during West Michigan winters)
  • Constipation
  • Dry skin and hair

Treatment:

  • Levothyroxine (synthetic T4) tablets taken once daily
  • Doses are adjusted based on regular blood tests (TSH, T4, and sometimes T3)

While it may feel like “trading one condition for another,” hypothyroidism is usually well controlled with medication and has minimal side effects when properly managed. In contrast, untreated hyperthyroidism is serious and can be life‑threatening, leading to heart problems, bone loss, and a dangerous condition called thyroid storm.

Living With Hyperthyroidism in Grand Rapids

With proper treatment and follow‑up, most people with hyperthyroidism in Grand Rapids can live full, active lives.

Ongoing Monitoring

You should have your thyroid levels checked regularly:

  • TSH, Free T4, and sometimes Free T3
  • Frequency depends on your treatment phase, but often every 6–12 weeks at first, then every 6–12 months once stable

Your care team may include:

  • Primary care provider (family medicine or internal medicine)
  • Endocrinologist
  • Eye specialist (for Graves’ eye disease)
  • Surgeon (if surgery is needed)

Local Health Resources

  • Spectrum Health – Endocrinology clinics and thyroid specialists
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids – Endocrinology and nuclear medicine services
  • Metro Health and Mercy Health – Primary care, endocrine, and surgical services
  • Kent County Health Department – Public health information and community resources
  • Grand Rapids public health and community clinics – Support for those without regular insurance or primary care

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Seek medical care if you notice:

  • Persistent rapid heartbeat or palpitations
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Feeling unusually hot or sweaty
  • New or worsening anxiety, irritability, or sleep problems
  • Changes in your menstrual cycle
  • Eye swelling or bulging

You can start with:

  • Your primary care provider
  • An urgent care clinic if symptoms are more urgent
  • An endocrinologist for specialized thyroid evaluation

If you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, confusion, or very high heart rate, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department (e.g., Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids).

Key Takeaways About Hyperthyroidism in Grand Rapids

  • Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid that speeds up metabolism.
  • The most common cause is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition.
  • Other causes include thyroiditis, thyroid nodules, and excessive iodine intake.
  • Symptoms can include rapid heartbeat, weight loss, heat intolerance, anxiety, tremors, diarrhea, and menstrual changes.
  • Diagnosis is made with blood tests (TSH, T3, T4, antibodies) and sometimes thyroid scans or ultrasound.
  • Treatment options available in Grand Rapids include:
    • Anti‑thyroid medications
    • Radioiodine therapy
    • Thyroid surgery
  • Most people eventually develop hypothyroidism after treatment, which is managed safely with thyroid hormone replacement.
  • Regular follow‑up with a healthcare provider in Grand Rapids is essential for long‑term thyroid health.