Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is overactive, and makes too much thyroid hormone (called thyroxine [T4 ] and triiodothyronine [T3 ]). Hormones are substances that affect and control many important functions in the body.
The thyroid gland is located in the neck. It produces several hormones that control the way every cell in the body uses energy (metabolism). The thyroid is part of the endocrine system.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid releases too much of its hormones over a short (acute) or long (chronic) period of time. Many diseases and conditions can cause this problem, including:
Rapid, forceful, or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
Skin blushing or flushing
Sleeping difficulty
Signs and tests
Physical examination may reveal thyroid enlargement, goiter, or an increased heart rate. Systolic blood pressure (the first number in a blood pressure reading) may be high.
Diabetes insipidus (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Diabetes insipidus is a condition in which the kidneys are unable to conserve water. Reviewer: Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 03/18/2008
Hypoparathyroidism (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Hypoparathyroidism is is an endocrine disorder in which the parathyroid glands in the neck do not produce enough parathyroid hormone (PTH. See also: Hyperparathyroidism Reviewer: Robert Cooper, MD, Endocinology Specialist and Chief of Medicine, Holyoke Medical Center, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston MA Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 07/15/2008
Pheochromocytoma (4 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of the adrenal gland that causes too much release of epinephrine and norepinephrine - hormones that regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Reviewer: Sean O. Stitham, MD, private practice in Internal Medicine, Seattle, Washington; and James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 09/04/2008
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