Why does hyperthyroidism cause hand tremors, and what can be done about it?

Generally, the main causes of hand tremors due to hyperthyroidism include excessive thyroid hormones, sympathetic nerve excitation, toxic diffuse goiter, thyroid autonomous hyperfunctioning adenoma, and subacute thyroiditis. If discomfort symptoms occur, timely visit to a regular hospital for treatment is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Excessive Thyroid Hormones

Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones in hyperthyroidism accelerates bodily metabolism, increases neuromuscular excitability, and causes hand tremors. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, or carbimazole tablets should be taken to inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis, regulate metabolic rate, reduce neuromuscular excitability, and alleviate hand tremors.

2. Sympathetic Nerve Excitation

Excessive thyroid hormones stimulate the sympathetic nerves, keeping them in a constant state of excitation, which leads to involuntary muscle contractions and hand tremors. In daily life, avoid consuming stimulants like coffee and strong tea to reduce sympathetic nerve stimulation. Additionally, under a doctor's guidance, beta-blockers such as propranolol tablets, atenolol tablets, or metoprolol sustained-release tablets can be taken to suppress sympathetic nerve activity and reduce hand tremors.

3. Toxic Diffuse Goiter

This condition is triggered by abnormal autoimmunity, which produces antibodies that stimulate the thyroid to secrete excessive hormones, leading to hand tremors. In addition to antithyroid drugs like methimazole tablets, radioactive iodine-131 therapy may be selected after doctor evaluation to destroy part of the thyroid tissue, reduce hormone secretion, and improve hand tremors. If drug and radioactive treatments are ineffective, subtotal thyroidectomy can be performed to control hormone levels.

4. Thyroid Autonomous Hyperfunctioning Adenoma

The adenoma autonomously secretes thyroid hormones, leading to hormone excess and hand tremors. Under a doctor's guidance, propylthiouracil tablets can be used to control hormone levels. Alternatively, ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation can be chosen to destroy the adenoma tissue and reduce hormone secretion. Or thyroid adenoma excision surgery can be performed to directly remove the lesion and alleviate hand tremors.

5. Subacute Thyroiditis

Viral infection causes thyroid inflammation, resulting in excessive release of thyroid hormones and hand tremors. Mild cases can be relieved by rest and increased water intake. When symptoms are significant, under a doctor's guidance, medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, indomethacin enteric-coated tablets, or prednisone tablets can be taken to reduce inflammatory responses, decrease hormone release, and improve hand tremors.

Patients should adjust their diet, reduce iodine intake, and increase consumption of vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins. At the same time, appropriate muscle-relaxing exercises such as stretching and yoga should be performed to enhance muscle strength and improve hand tremors.