Hyperthyroidism is a condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland which produces an excess of thyroid hormones. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis are many and varied – an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre) and weight loss being some of them – and treatment may include medication, radioactive iodine therapy or surgery.
Hyperthyroidism is the opposite of hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid.
The thyroid gland plays an important role in maintaining the body’s metabolism by secreting two hormones, T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), Certain diseases however may upset the functioning of the thyroid gland, resulting in high levels of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism) or low levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism). The prevalence of hypothyroidism is growing globally and one of the most common causes is an autoimmune condition known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (discussed below).
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