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Learn about hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism: Overactivity of the Thyroid Gland

Hyperthyroidism is a large topic, so we have split it into four manageable sized portions. This page introduces hyperthyroidism. Subsequent pages are listed at the bottom which address more specific details of making the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, the causes of hyperthyroidism, and different treatment options available for hyperthyroidism.

Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis is an inflammation (not an infection) of the thyroid gland. Several types of thyroiditis exist, and the treatment is different for each.

Hyperthyroidism: Overactivity of the Thyroid Gland

There are several causes of hyperthyroidism. Most often, the entire gland is overproducing thyroid hormone. This is called Graves' disease. Less commonly, a single nodule is responsible for the excess hormone secretion.

Thyroid Nodules

Basic Facts about Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid Problems and Pregnancy

The most common thyroid disorder occurring around or during pregnancy is thyroid hormone deficiency, or hypothyroidism. The details of hypothyroidism are covered on several other pages on our site, so only those factors pertaining to pregnancy are discussed here.

Thyroid Cancer

There are about 37,000 new cases of thyroid cancer each year in the US, according to the National Cancer Institute. Females are more likely to have thyroid cancer at a ratio of three to one. Thyroid cancer can occur in any age group, although it is most common after age 30, and its aggressiveness increases significantly in older patients.

Hyperthyroidism: Overactivity of the Thyroid Gland

There are readily available and effective treatments for all common types of hyperthyroidism. Some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism (such as tremor and palpitations, which are caused by excess thyroid hormone acting on the cardiac and nervous system) can be improved within a number of hours by medications called beta-blockers (eg, propranolol; Inderal).

Thyroid Goiter

The term non-toxic goiter refers to enlargement of the thyroid that is not associated with overproduction of

Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism: Overactivity of the Thyroid Gland

The actual diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is easy to make once its possibility is entertained.

Your Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is the biggest gland in the neck. It is situated in the anterior (front) neck below the skin and muscle layers.
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