Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces and releases more thyroid hormones than the body needs. Excess thyroid hormone can accelerate metabolism and disrupt multiple organ systems.

Thyroid hormone: Hormones produced by the thyroid that regulate metabolism, growth, and development. Their excess in the blood produces the metabolic effects of hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid function tests: Blood tests that assess thyroid regulation and hormone levels, commonly including TSH and free T4. A suppressed TSH with elevated thyroid hormones commonly supports the diagnosis.
Hypothyroidism: A condition in which the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone for the body's needs. It is the opposite pattern of thyroid hormone availability and metabolic effect.
Atrial fibrillation: A heart rhythm disorder characterized by rapid, disorganized electrical activity in the atria. Thyroid hormone excess increases the risk of this irregular rhythm, especially in older adults.
Robert Graves: An Irish physician who described the thyroid-associated disorder now known as Graves' disease. His clinical account gave the eponym to a major cause of hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone: A pituitary hormone that signals the thyroid gland to produce and release thyroid hormones. Excess circulating thyroid hormone usually suppresses this regulatory signal.
Radioactive iodine uptake test: A test measuring how much radioactive iodine the thyroid absorbs over a set period. Uptake patterns help distinguish active hormone production from thyroid hormone leakage.
Thyrotoxicosis: A clinical state caused by excessive thyroid hormone action in body tissues, whatever its source. Hyperthyroidism is one cause of thyrotoxicosis, but hormone leakage can cause thyrotoxicosis without overproduction.
Osteoporosis: A skeletal disorder in which reduced bone strength raises the risk of fractures. Prolonged untreated hyperthyroidism can accelerate bone loss.
Karl Adolph von Basedow: A German physician who described a syndrome involving goiter, eye prominence, and palpitations. His observations independently characterized the syndrome also called Basedow disease.

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