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. Control of metabolism is critical in controlling 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. The production of thyroid hormone is increased, causing a wide range of symptoms from anxiety and restlessness to insomnia and weight loss. In addition, the eyeballs may begin to stick out (exophthalmos), causing eye irritation and tearing.
Graves disease is caused by an abnormal immune system response that attacks the thyroid gland, and causes too much production of thyroid hormones. Risk factors are being a woman over 20 years old, although the disorder may occur at any age and may affect men as well.
Hyperthyroidism (4 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Hyperthyroidism is a condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland. The gland makes too much T4 and T3 hormones. Hormones are substances that affect and control many important functions in the body. Reviewer: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare NetworkDate: 08/08/2006
Endocrine glands (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream. Endocrine glands include the: Adrenal; Hypothalamus; Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas; Ovaries; Parathyroid; Pineal; Pituitary; Testes; Thyroid. Reviewer: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 04/26/2007
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. See also: T3 test; T4 test. Reviewer: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 10/24/2007
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. 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
Thyrotoxic storm (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Thyrotoxic storm is a life-threatening condition that develops in cases of untreated thyrotoxicosis (hyperthyroidism. Reviewer: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 10/24/2007
Primary hyperparathyroidism (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Primary hyperparathyroidism is an endocrine disorder in which the body has too much parathyroid hormone (PTH. Reviewer: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 08/08/2006
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