The thyroid gland is an important organ of the endocrine system. It is located in the front of the neck just below the voice box. This gland releases the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which control body metabolism. Controlling metabolism is critical for regulating mood, weight, and mental and physical energy levels.
If the body makes too much thyroid hormone, the condition is called hyperthyroidism. (An underactive thyroid leads to hypothyroidism.)
Graves disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It is caused by an abnormal immune system response that attacks the thyroid gland, and it causes too much production of thyroid hormones. Graves disease is most common in women over age 20. However, the disorder may occur at any age and may affect men as well.
The purpose of treatment is to control the overactivity of the thyroid gland. Beta-blockers such as propranolol are often used to treat symptoms of rapid heart rate, sweating, and anxiety until the hyperthyroidism is controlled.
Hyperthyroidism (4 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
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 ...Reviewer: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Deborah Wexler, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Endocrinologist, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 07/18/2008
Endocrine glands (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream.When a gland releases a substance, it is called secretion. Hypersecretion is when too many hormones are released. Reviewer: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 05/02/2009
TSH (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
TSH is a laboratory test that measures the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH) in your blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and tells the thyroid gland to make and release the hormones thyroxine(T4) and triiodothyronine(T3).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: 06/17/2008
Thyroid excisional biopsy (3 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in front of the trachea(windpipe) in the neck. In an excisional biopsy, a section of thyroid tissue is removed for diagnostic examination.This procedure is performed in a hospital operating room using gene...Reviewer: Brendan T. Campbell, M.D., MPH, Department of Surgery, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 12/22/2004
Thyroid storm (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Thyroid storm is a life-threatening condition that develops in cases of untreated thyrotoxicosis( hyperthyroidism).Thyroid storm results from untreated hyperthyroidism. It is usually brought on by a stress such as trauma or infection.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: 06/17/2008
Primary hyperparathyroidism (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Primary hyperparathyroidism is an endocrine disorder in which the parathyroid glands in the neck produce too much parathyroid hormone(PTH).Parathyroid-related hypercalcemia; Hyperparathyroidism- primary.The parathyroid glands are located in the ne...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
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