HYPERTHYROIDISM Disease

This refers to the surplus production of a hormone (thyroxine) by the butterfly-shaped gland in the neck (thyroid). Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which an overactive thyroid gland is producing an excessive amount of thyroid hormones that circulate in the blood. “Hyper” means “over” in Greek). Thyroid hormones include thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). T3 is actually the most active thyroid hormone. Much of the T4 is converted to T3 in the bloodstream. As such, it is also called the OVERACTIVE THYROID. Normally, the rate of thyroid hormone production is controlled by the brain from the pituitary gland, which is in turn regulated by the hypothalamus.
The statistic shows that in more than 70% of cases, hyperthyroidism is caused by Graves' disease and can be associated with an eye disease (Graves' ophthalmopathy). Normally, the immune system helps protect your body against viruses, bacteria, and other substances. The autoimmune disease causes it to attack your body's tissues and/or organs. With Graves' disease, the immune system stimulates your thyroid, making it produce too much hormone. Doctors think Graves' disease may run in families. It is most common among young women.

Two other common causes for hyperthyroidism are:

1. Hyperfunctioning (overactive) thyroid nodules. One or more nodules or lumps in the thyroid grow. This increases the production of the thyroid hormone.

2.A problem with the immune system or viral infection causes the thyroid gland to become inflamed. This causes extra thyroid hormone to leak into your bloodstream. Thyroiditis could lead to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) over time.