Hyperthyroidism Assessment

Quick Intro

VEI Clinic Apgujeong provides English-friendly evaluation and management for hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

What Hyperthyroidism Is

Hyperthyroidism means your thyroid gland is producing too much thyroid hormone, which speeds up your body’s metabolism.

Common symptoms:

• Unexplained weight loss despite normal appetite
• Palpitations or rapid heartbeat
• Tremor, sweating, heat intolerance
• Anxiety, irritability, sleep problems
• Diarrhea or increased bowel movements
• Hair loss or brittle nails
• Irregular or light periods
• Enlarged thyroid (goiter) or eye changes (bulging, irritation in Graves’ disease)

Our Assessment Approach

We use a doctor-led, evidence-based pathway to confirm hyperthyroidism, find the cause, and plan treatment.

Step 1: History & exam

• Detailed symptom review, medication/supplement history
• Check for goiter, eye changes, tremor, pulse, blood pressure

Step 2: Targeted labs

• TSH (usually low in hyperthyroidism)
• Free T4 & Free T3 (usually high)
• TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb/TSI) if Graves’ disease is suspected
• Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) for autoimmune context
• CBC, liver enzymes (baseline before antithyroid meds)

Step 3: Imaging (if indicated)

• Thyroid ultrasound to assess nodules or goiter
• Radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) scan via a partner hospital to differentiate causes (Graves’ vs. toxic nodules vs. thyroiditis)

Step 4: Additional checks

• Calcium/vitamin D baseline if at risk of bone loss
• Pregnancy test for women of childbearing age before certain therapies

Treatment Planning (After Results)

We’ll review your options (sometimes with referral to an endocrinologist):

• Antithyroid medication (methimazole/carbimazole; PTU in special cases)
• Beta-blocker for symptom relief
• Radioiodine therapy (via a partner hospital)
• Surgery referral if indicated (large goiter, eye disease, suspicious nodules)
• Follow-up labs every 4–6 weeks initially

When to See Us Urgently

• New palpitations, tremor, weight loss
• Suspected relapse after stopping medication
• Women planning pregnancy or already pregnant who need hyperthyroid management

Red Flags Needing Emergency Care

• Chest pain, severe palpitations, fainting, high fever with agitation (thyroid storm) → call 119 or go to an ER immediately.

Visit Flow (What to Expect)

• Brief consult → symptoms, history, medications
• Blood draw ± ultrasound at the same visit
• Review results in English (in clinic or by message)
• Start/adjust treatment or arrange referral as needed
• Follow-up labs to monitor progress

Preparation (Simple Checklist)

• Bring your medication & supplement list (especially biotin, amiodarone, thyroid meds)
• Bring prior thyroid labs or imaging if available
• Ask if you should pause high-dose biotin (often 48–72 hours) before testing
• For RAIU scans: you may need to avoid iodine and certain meds beforehand—we’ll provide instructions

Pricing & Insurance Notes

• Fees vary by panel size, imaging, and follow-up
• Most visitors pay upfront; many insurers reimburse with documentation
• Ask for an itemized English receipt (diagnosis/procedure codes)

Safety Note (Not an Emergency Service)

If you have chest pain, severe shortness of breath, confusion, very high fever, or stroke symptoms, call 119 or go to an ER. Our clinic focuses on non-urgent hyperthyroid evaluation and follow-up.

What to Bring

• Medication & supplement list, prior thyroid test results
• Payment method (card/cash); insurer details if you’ll file a claim