Hyperthyroidism

Thyroid gland The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam's apple. Graves' disease is an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). Although a number of disorders may result in hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease is a common cause. Thyroid hormones affect many body systems, so signs and symptoms of Graves' disease can be wide ranging. Although Graves' disease may affect anyone, it's more common among women and in people younger than age 40. Enlarged thyroid Widespread enlargement of the thyroid can expand the gland well beyond its typical size (left) and cause a noticeable bulge in the neck (right). Common signs and symptoms of Graves' disease include: • Anxiety and irritability • A fine tremor of the hands or fingers • Heat sensitivity and an increase in perspiration or warm, moist skin • Weight loss, despite normal eating habits • Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter) • Change in menstrual cycles • Erectile dysfunction or reduced libido • Frequent bowel movements • Bulging eyes (Graves' ophthalmopathy) • Fatigue • Thick, red skin usually on the shins or tops of the feet (Graves' dermopathy) • Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations) • Sleep disturbance Graves' ophthalmopathy Graves' ophthalmopathy Graves' ophthalmopathy signs and symptoms include bulging eyes, redness and retracting eyelids. About 30% of people with Graves' disease show some signs and symptoms of Graves' ophthalmopath...

Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland is overproducing thyroid hormones. This can cause symptoms that may include weight loss and increased appetite. Several health conditions can lead to hyperthyroidism, most commonly The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck. It produces thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are two primary hormones that control how your cells use energy. Your thyroid gland regulates your metabolism through the release of these hormones. When your A variety of conditions can cause hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease, an Graves’ disease occurs more often in women than in men. A Tell your doctor if any relatives have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, so they can get an accurate picture of your risk factors. Aside from Graves’ disease, • Excess iodine. This mineral is a key ingredient in T4 and T3, and • Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid). Thyroiditis • Benign thyroid nodules. • Toxic thyroid nodules (toxic adenoma). Some thyroid nodules are malignant, or cancerous. Whether a nodule is benign or malignant is • Tumors of the ovaries or testes. • Large amounts of T4 in the blood. High levels of T4 can result from taking certain dietary supplements, or too much of the thyroid hormone medication, levothyroxine. Thyrotoxicosis and hyperthyroidism don’t mean the same thing, even though they’re sometimes used interchangeably. Hyperthyroidism (and its many forms) are actually all under the umbrella of...

What Your Thyroid Does Two major hormones that affect how your body works are made in your Your Another important hormone your Hyperthyroidism, also known as overactive thyroid, can speed up your Hyperthyroidism Signs and Symptoms Common signs include: • Nervousness, anxiety, or crankiness • Mood swings • Fatigue or weakness • Sensitivity to heat • A swollen • • Fast or • Having more • Shaking in your hands and fingers (tremor) • • Thinning • Fine, brittle • Changes in your menstrual cycle If you’re an older adult, you’re more likely to have subtle symptoms like a faster Certain medicines can mask the signs of hyperthyroidism. If you take When you first get hyperthyroidism, you may feel energetic. This is because your Usually, hyperthyroidism develops slowly. If you’re young when you get it, the symptoms might come on suddenly. Hyperthyroidism Causes Several conditions can cause hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease. This immune system disorder is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism (70% of cases). Normally, the antibodies in your • After • When you get a virus or another problem with your • If you take too much thyroid You can also get hyperthyroidism if you get lots of iodine in your diet (like in a medication or supplement) or from taking too much thyroid hormone medication. Thyroid Eye Disease About 30% of people with Graves’ disease get a condition called thyroid eye disease. It involves your vision and • Bulging • A gritty feeling, pain, or pressure in your • Redness...

The term hyperthyroidism refers to any condition in which there is too much thyroid hormone produced in the body. In other words, the thyroid gland is overactive. Another term that you might hear for this problem is thyrotoxicosis, which refers to high thyroid hormone levels in the blood stream, irrespective of their source. Thyroid hormone plays a significant role in the pace of many processes in the body. These processes are called your metabolism. If there is too much thyroid hormone, every function of the body tends to speed up. It is not surprising then that some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are nervousness, irritability, increased sweating, heart racing, hand tremors, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, thinning of your skin, fine brittle hair and weakness in your muscles—especially in the upper arms and thighs. You may have more frequent bowel movements, but diarrhea is uncommon. You may lose weight despite a good appetite and, for women, menstrual flow may lighten and menstrual periods may occur less often. Since hyperthyroidism increases your metabolism, many individuals initially have a lot of energy. However, as the hyperthyroidism continues, the body tends to break down, so being tired is very common. Hyperthyroidism usually begins slowly but in some young patients these changes can be very abrupt. At first, the symptoms may be mistaken for simple nervousness due to stress. If you have been trying to lose weight by dieting, you may be pleased with your success ...