What Is High Thyroid?

Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid disorder, is a condition that causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroxine and triiodothyronin, hormones that control metabolism, says the National Institutes of Health (NIH). According to a report from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists in 2005, 1 percent of all Americans suffer from hyperthyroidism.

Cause

• According to the NIH, many conditions can cause hyperthyroidism, including Graves' disease, inflammation, ovarian and testicular tumors, and too much iodine in the diet. Graves' disease is the cause of hyperthyroidism in most patients.

Symptoms

• The NIH reports that symptoms of an overactive thyroid may include fatigue, increased appetite, weight loss, difficulty concentrating, increased sweating, and goiter. A goiter is a swelling of the thyroid gland that is visible as a lump on the throat.

Treatment

• Patients with hyperthyroidism will be treated according to the severity of their symptoms. Usually, doctors treat hyperthyroidism with a combination of medications, radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid, and surgery, says the NIH.

Prognosis

• According to the NIH, most cases of hyperthyroidism are easily treatable and rarely become life-threatening.

Complications

• Possible complications include heart failure, rapid heart rate, and an increased risk of osteoporosis.