Hyperthyroidism Health Article
Print
Email
SaveMedia Gallery
 |
Too Much Hormone: Understanding Hyperthyroidism
|
 |
A Champion Battles Thyroid Disease: Gail Devers' Story
|
play video
HYPERTHYROIDISM
Hyperthyroidism is the condition that reflects excessive concentrations of thyroid hormones, due to any cause. The resulting hypermetabolic state causes increased heat production and accelerates many of the bodies' processes. Common causes are Graves' disease, hyperfunctioning benign thyroid tumors, and thyroid inflammations. Untreated, patients may have severe and progressive disability that includes weight loss, muscle weakness, loss of mineral from their bones, and increased risk for dangerous heart arrhythmias. Available treatments include one of several "antithyroid drugs," such as methimazole and propylthiouracil, that prevent overproduction of thyroid hormones, and radioctive iodine (I-131) treatment or surgery, which either destroy or remove the thyroid tissue.
MARTIN I. SURKS
(SEE ALSO: Goiter; Hypothyroidism; Thyroid Disorders; Thyroid Function Tests)
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Wartofsky, L. (1999). "Hyperthyroidism." In Atlas of Clinical Endocrinology, Vol. 1: Thyroid Diseases, ed.M. I. Surks. Philadelphia, PA: Current Medicine.
 |
Author Info: MARTIN I. SURKS, The Gale Group Inc., Macmillan Reference USA, New York, Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health, 2002 |
Related Learning Centers |
 |
 |
 |
Advertise | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy