Hyperthyroidism
April 2008 Thyroid Awareness Month
Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid that is producing too much thyroid hormone.
Common causes include:
Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease that can cause the thyroid to produce too much thyroid hormone
Nodules on the thyroid, known as 'toxic nodules' that produce excess thyroid hormones
excess thyroid medication given to hypothyroid sufferers
excess intake of iodine
thyroiditis - an inflammation of the thyroid most commonly caused by a virus
Common symptoms include:
heat tolerance, sweating
weight loss
alteration in appetite
frequent bowel movements
change in vision
menstrual disturbance
impaired fertility
mental disturbances
sleep disturbances
tremors
thyroid enlargements
Treatment:
radioactive iodine
anti-thyroid drugs
surgery
