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What is hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism develops when the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone controls your metabolism how your body turns food into energy and influences your heart rate, digestion, muscle and bone strength, and cholesterol levels. When you have too much thyroid hormone, all of your body's functions speed up. What causes hyperthyroidism? Graves' disease, also known in Europe as von Basedow's disease, is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Graves' disease causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone. Graves' disease, like many thyroid problems, often runs in families. Hyperthyroidism can also be caused by thyroid nodules growths in the thyroid gland and by thyroiditis, which is inflammation of the thyroid gland. This topic mostly focuses on hyperthyroidism caused by Graves' disease. However, many of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are similar even when the causes are different. What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism? You may have hyperthyroidism if you: - Feel nervous, moody, weak, or tired.
- Have hand tremors; have a fast or irregular heartbeat; or have trouble breathing, even when you are resting.
- Are sweating a lot, and have warm, red skin that may be itchy.
- Have frequent bowel movements.
- Have fine, soft hair that is falling out.
- Lose weight even though you are eating normally or more than usual.
2011-12-25
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