Hyperthyroidism

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Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. Excess thyroid hormone can cause symptoms such as tiredness, weight loss, increased heart rate, heat intolerance, sweating, irritability, anxiety, muscle weakness, and thyroid enlargement.

An autoimmune disorder called Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Other causes include growths in the thyroid gland (thyroid nodules), inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis), and taking too much thyroid replacement hormone to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

Hyperthyroidism can be treated with medication, radioactive iodine, or with surgery. In most cases, treatment brings thyroid function back to normal. However, lifelong follow-up with a health professional is needed to closely monitor thyroid hormone levels.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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