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Related Concept Videos

Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology01:24

Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:23

Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction01:25

Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction

Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:27

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
Goiter01:27

Goiter

Goiter refers to an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland that may appear as a diffuse goiter (uniform enlargement) or nodular (single or multiple nodules). Functionally, it is classified as nontoxic (normal/low hormone levels) or toxic (excess hormone production).PathophysiologyDiffuse thyroid enlargement typically results from prolonged stimulation by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or TSH-like agents, commonly seen in hypothyroidism or iodine deficiency. In contrast, in hyperthyroid...
Graves' Disease I: Introduction01:28

Graves' Disease I: Introduction

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence in...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Transoral Robotic Total Thyroidectomy and Bilateral Central Regional Lymph Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
04:01

Transoral Robotic Total Thyroidectomy and Bilateral Central Regional Lymph Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Published on: September 15, 2023

Do patients gain weight after thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer?

Joshua T Weinreb1, Yuching Yang, Glenn D Braunstein

  • 1Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA.

Thyroid : Official Journal of the American Thyroid Association
|November 10, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Weight gain after thyroidectomy is common but not caused by hormone therapy. Studies show no significant weight change compared to patients with thyroid nodules, debunking patient perceptions.

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Transoral Robotic Total Thyroidectomy and Bilateral Central Regional Lymph Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
04:01

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Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach for Thyroid Lobectomy
05:12

Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach for Thyroid Lobectomy

Published on: May 12, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Thyroidology
  • Metabolic Health

Background:

  • Post-thyroidectomy weight gain is a frequent patient concern, often attributed to thyroid hormone therapy.
  • This study investigates the actual weight changes following thyroidectomy and levothyroxine treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess weight changes in patients after total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer.
  • To compare these changes with a control group of euthyroid patients with thyroid nodules.
  • To determine if thyroid hormone replacement or suppressive therapy influences weight gain.

Main Methods:

  • Weight and height were recorded for 102 thyroidectomy patients (67 women, 35 men) and 92 controls (70 women, 22 men).
  • Patients received levothyroxine post-surgery; controls were euthyroid with nodules or goiter.
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) and BMI percentiles were calculated and compared over mean follow-up periods of 8.3 and 7.6 years, respectively, with adjustments for age, gender, TSH, and follow-up duration.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in baseline weight, BMI, or BMI percentile were observed between groups.
  • Despite patient perceptions, there were no significant differences in weight, BMI, or BMI percentile changes over time between thyroidectomy patients and the control group.
  • Baseline TSH levels were lower in thyroid cancer patients compared to nodule patients (p=0.002).

Conclusions:

  • Patient perception of weight gain due to thyroid hormone therapy post-thyroidectomy is not supported by objective data.
  • Thyroidectomy and subsequent levothyroxine treatment do not lead to significant weight gain compared to euthyroid individuals with thyroid nodules or goiter.