1. Hyperthyroidism Slideshow Pictures
2. Thyroid Medical Anatomy Image Collection
3. Thyroid Conditions Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Ruchi Mathur, MD, FRCP(C)

Ruchi Mathur, MD, FRCP(C)

Ruchi Mathur, MD, FRCP(C) is an Attending Physician with the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and Associate Director of Clinical Research, Recruitment and Phenotyping with the Center for Androgen Related Disorders, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

View Full Profile

In this Article

• What is hyperthyroidism?
• What are the thyroid hormones?
• Thyroid hormone regulation - the chain of command
• What causes hyperthyroidism?
• What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
• How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed?
• How is hyperthyroidism treated?
• What's best for you?
• Hyperthyroidism At A Glance
• Pictures of Hyperthyroidism - Slideshow
• Pictures of Thyroid Medical Anatomy
• Pictures of Thyroid Conditions - Slideshow
• Thyroid FAQs
• Patient Comments: Hyperthyroidism - Treatments
• Patient Comments: Hyperthyroidism - Symptoms
• Find a local Endocrinologist in your town
• Hyperthyroidism Index

If you are concerned that you may have an excess amount of thyroid hormone, you should mention your symptoms to your doctor. A simple blood test is the first step in the diagnosis. From there, both you and your doctor can decide what the next step should be. If treatment is warranted, it is important for you to let your doctor know of any concerns or questions you have about the options available. Remember that thyroid disease is very common, and in good hands, the diseases that cause an excess of thyroid hormones can be easily diagnosed and treated.

• Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which there is an excessive amount of thyroid hormones.
  
  
• Thyroid hormones regulate the metabolism of the cells.
  
  
• Normally, the rate of thyroid hormone production is controlled by the brain at the pituitary gland.
  
  
• There are many possible causes of hyperthyroidism.
  
  
• Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include restlessness, tremors, weight loss despite an increased appetite, sweating, rapid heart rate, intolerance to heat, and frequent bowel movements.
  
  
• Treatments for hyperthyroidism include medications, ablation, and surgery.