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Hyperthyroidism refers to the condition where one's thyroid gland goes into overdrive, producing excess thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone serves to regulate body metabolism ie the production of energy. A surplus would produce symptoms such as heat intolerance, tremor, sweating, sleep disturbance, and the classic 'scared' facies. Untreated cases would produce proptosis, that is the jutting out of the eyeballs from their sockets.

Primary hyperthyroidism refers to hyperthyroidism that arises from the thyroid gland itself and it constitutes the majority of cases. It is also known as Graves' disease whereby antibodies are formed in one's body that acts on receptors on the thyroid gland, activating it to produce excess thyroid hormone. Someone who has a related autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis, SLE,) are considered at a higher risk of developing Graves' disease. Besides that, cancer of the thyroid would definitely predispose one to have hyperthyroidism. There are other rare causes, such as thyroiditis or inflammation of the thyroid gland, causing the gland to undergo hyperplasia, producing excess functional tissue.

Secondary hyperthyroidism refers to symptoms that arise from a locality other than the thyroid gland; the majority is constituted by a TSH-secreting pituitary adenoma. TSH is a hormone that is normally secreted by the pituitary gland; a tiny little gland that lies in the brain. An abnormal pituitary growth would produce excess TSH, which in turn, over-activates the thyroid gland. Also, Medications such as amiodarone can cause hyperthyroidism.

Thus, risk factors for hyperthyroidism are protean and it might be well that the community is educated on the signs and symptoms and seek medical attention should one's suspicion is aroused.

Learn more about this author, Ernie Yap.
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