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Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces and releases more thyroid hormones than the body needs. The thyroid gland is a small gland in the front of the neck that plays an essential role in metabolism, i.e. in the way the body converts and uses energy from food. The main hormones produced by the thyroid gland are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which influence the speed of many bodily functions.
The causes of hyperthyroidism can be varied. One of the most common causes is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which the body produces antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more hormones. Other causes can be thyroid nodules that produce hormones independently of the normal thyroid regulatory mechanisms, or inflammation of the thyroid gland that causes stored hormones to leak into the bloodstream.
Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is usually based on symptoms, physical examination and confirmation by blood tests, which show high levels of thyroid hormones and often low levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Treatment for hyperthyroidism may include medications that inhibit the production of thyroid hormones, radioiodine therapy that destroys the overactive thyroid cells, or in some cases, surgical removal of a portion of the thyroid gland. The specific treatment strategy depends on the cause of the hyperthyroidism, the age of the patient, the accompanying health conditions and other factors.
Related terms: thyroid gland / hypothyroidism
