THYROID SPECIALIST – DHA LAHORE
Dr. Rizwan Niazi (MBBS, MRCP, MCPS, MD) provides specialist hyperthyroidism care for patients across Lahore, DHA, and Pakistan. Clear diagnosis and the right treatment for your specific cause.
جب تھائیرائیڈ ضرورت سے زیادہ ہارمون بنائے تو جسم بہت تیز کام کرنے لگتا ہے۔ دل کی تیز دھڑکن، وزن کم ہونا، گھبراہٹ، اور ہاتھوں کا کانپنا اس کی عام علامات ہیں۔ بروقت علاج نہ ہو تو دل اور ہڈیوں پر بُرا اثر پڑ سکتا ہے۔ آج ہی ماہر سے ملیں۔
Hyperthyroidism means the thyroid gland is overactive, producing too much thyroid hormone. This speeds up the body’s processes, causing symptoms that can feel alarming.
Excess thyroid hormone acts like a car engine running too fast. The heart races, the body burns energy too quickly, and the nervous system becomes overstimulated. Left untreated, it can put significant strain on the heart and bones over time.
The condition is diagnosed with blood tests showing a low TSH alongside raised T3 and/or T4. Once confirmed, identifying the cause, whether Graves’ disease, a toxic nodule, or thyroiditis, is essential, because the treatment approach differs for each.
Hyperthyroidism symptoms can come on gradually or quite suddenly, and many patients attribute them to anxiety or stress for months before getting the correct diagnosis.
Rapid or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, feeling very warm or sweating excessively, increased energy at first then exhaustion, and unexplained weight loss.
Anxiety or nervousness, trembling or shaky hands, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty concentrating.
Frequent bowel movements or diarrhoea, muscle weakness, eye irritation and light sensitivity, visible eye changes (in Graves’ disease), and thinning hair.
Identifying the exact cause of hyperthyroidism is essential, as it directly determines the best treatment option for each patient.
An autoimmune condition where the body produces antibodies that continuously stimulate the thyroid to produce too much hormone. It is the most common cause and can also cause eye changes (Graves’ Eye Disease). Diagnosed by a TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) blood test and responds well to specialist treatment.
One or more nodules in the thyroid can become autonomous, producing thyroid hormone independently without the normal signal from the brain. More common with age, detected on thyroid ultrasound, confirmed by a thyroid scan showing the ‘hot’ nodule, and treatable with radioactive iodine or surgery.
Inflammation of the thyroid can cause it to leak stored hormone into the blood temporarily, often after a viral illness or after delivery (post-partum thyroiditis). It is often temporary and resolves on its own, may be followed by a period of underactive thyroid, and requires monitoring until levels stabilise.
A confirmed diagnosis requires blood tests plus an assessment of the likely cause. Dr. Rizwan reviews all information together before recommending a treatment approach.
A very low or undetectable TSH is the hallmark of hyperthyroidism and is almost always the first abnormality found. TSH alone is enough to suspect the diagnosis.
Free T3 and Free T4 are measured to confirm excess hormone production and assess the severity of the overactivity. Sometimes T3 is raised even when T4 is still normal (T3 toxicosis).
TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) confirm Graves’ disease. This critical test determines whether autoimmune treatment is appropriate and whether the condition is likely to resolve or persist.
A thyroid uptake scan shows whether the whole gland is overactive (Graves’) or whether a single hot nodule is the source, guiding whether radioactive iodine or surgery is more appropriate.
There are three treatment paths for hyperthyroidism. Dr. Rizwan discusses all options with every patient and recommends the most appropriate approach based on the cause, severity, and your personal situation.
Tablets that reduce the amount of hormone the thyroid produces, usually the first option. Typically taken for 12-18 months for Graves’, with around half of patients achieving remission. Safe for most patients, including during pregnancy under close supervision, with regular blood tests to monitor response.
A single oral dose that the thyroid absorbs to permanently reduce its activity. Very effective and widely used for Graves’ disease and toxic nodules. Takes 2-6 months to reach full effect; most patients develop hypothyroidism afterwards, which is easily managed. Not suitable during pregnancy, so timing must be planned.
Removal of part or all of the thyroid gland, considered when the thyroid is very large, nodules need evaluation, or other treatments are not suitable. It has an immediate effect on hormone levels and is the best option for a large goiter or suspicious nodule. Dr. Rizwan coordinates with experienced thyroid surgeons.
Hyperthyroidism is not a one-size-fits-all condition. The treatment that works best for Graves’ disease may be completely different from what is right for a toxic nodule. Dr. Rizwan takes the time to identify the cause and discuss all options with you before deciding on a plan. He is an endocrinologist with postgraduate qualifications from UK Royal Colleges and 21+ years of specialist experience managing all forms of hyperthyroidism in Lahore and DHA.
Hypothyroidism means the thyroid is underactive, with too little hormone, causing fatigue and weight gain. Hyperthyroidism is the opposite, the thyroid is overactive, producing too much hormone, causing weight loss, heart palpitations, and anxiety.
If left untreated, yes. Chronic hyperthyroidism can lead to serious heart rhythm problems (atrial fibrillation) and bone weakening over time. However, with correct specialist treatment it is well controlled and complications are preventable.
Yes. Both radioactive iodine and surgery can permanently resolve hyperthyroidism. Anti-thyroid medication can also lead to long-term remission in around half of Graves’ disease patients. Dr. Rizwan helps each patient choose the best path.
Radioactive iodine reduces thyroid activity permanently. Most patients eventually develop hypothyroidism as a result, which is then managed with thyroid hormone replacement tablets. This is a straightforward, predictable outcome that Dr. Rizwan monitors closely.
Yes, but it requires very careful specialist management. Untreated hyperthyroidism in pregnancy carries risks for both mother and baby. Medication choice and dose need to be adjusted for pregnancy, and monitoring frequency increases significantly. Dr. Rizwan manages this routinely.
Graves’ disease can cause Graves’ Eye Disease (TED), a separate autoimmune condition affecting the tissues around the eyes. Not all Graves’ patients develop eye changes, but any eye symptoms should be assessed. See the dedicated Graves’ Eye Disease page for more detail.
DHA LAHORE
Book a consultation with Dr. Rizwan Niazi for accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.
Suit# 154 CCA, DD, near Nadra office, Phase 4 Sector DD, DHA Phase 4, Lahore · Mon–Sat, by appointment