Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. The condition is often called overactive thyroid.
Causes
The thyroid gland is an important organ of the endocrine system. It is located at the front of the neck just above where your collarbones meet. The gland makes the hormones that control the way every cell in the body uses energy. This process is called metabolism.
Many diseases and conditions can cause hyperthyroidism, including:
• Eating too much of foods that contain iodine
• Graves disease (most cases of hyperthyroidism)
• Inflammation (thyroiditis) of the thyroid due to viral infections, after pregnancy, or other causes
• Noncancerous growths of the thyroid gland or pituitary gland
• Some tumors of the testes or ovaries
• Taking large amounts of thyroid hormone
• Getting medical imaging tests with contrast dye that has iodine
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Frequent bowel movements
• Goiter (visibly enlarged thyroid gland) or thyroid nodules
• Hand tremor
• Heat intolerance
• Increased appetite
• Increased sweating
• Irregular menstrual periods in women
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Sleep problems
• Weight loss (or weight gain, in rare cases)
Other symptoms that can occur with this disease:
• Breast development in men
• Clammy skin
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• High blood pressure
• Itching - overall
• Lack of menstrual periods in women
• Nausea and vomiting
• Protruding eyes (exophthalmos)
• Rapid, forceful, or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• Skin blushing or flushing
• Weakness
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will do a physical exam. The exam may find the following:
• High systolic blood pressure (the first number in a blood pressure reading)
• Increased heart rate
• Enlarged thyroid gland
• Shaking of the hands
• Swelling or inflammation around the eyes
Blood tests are also ordered to measure your