The Causes of Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland is in front of the neck and creates two major hormones. The hormones are called troxins (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Together, these hormones regulate growth and development by increasing cellular energy, help maintain body temperature, and help consume oxygen to regulate body metabolism. These two hormones are regulated by hormones produced by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus senses changes in the metabolic rate of the body and releases hormones called thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH).

Hyperthyroidism (pronunciation: hi-per-THIGH-roy-dih-zum). Hyperthyroidism is caused by overactive thyroid glands. The thyroid gland releases too much hormone thyroxine, so the human BMR is high. It causes weight loss, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, prominent eyes and thyroid swelling (goiter) causing swollenness of the neck. The disease can be managed by medication or by surgery or radiotherapy. Hypothyroidism (pronunciation: hi-po-THIGH-roy-dih-zum). Hypothyroidism is caused by absent or insufficient thyroid glands. BMR is very low because there are too few thyroxine released from the thyroid gland. Untreated hypothyroidism can cause brain and growth problems in infants and children. Hypothyroidism retards the body process, causing fatigue, heart rate reduction, weight gain and constipation. Young people with it can be treated with oral thyroid hormone

If goiter is the cause of hyperthyroidism, the treatment will depend on the cause of hyperthyroidism (see hyperthyroidism and Graves disease brochure). For some reasons of hyperthyroidism, treatment may lead to the loss of goitre. For example, treatment of Graves' disease with radioactive iodine usually results in the reduction or loss of goitre. Many goitrets, such as multiple nodular goiter, are associated with normal levels of thyroid hormone in the blood. These thyroid glands usually do not require special treatment after proper diagnosis. If a specific treatment is not recommended, you may be warned that there is a risk of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism in the future. However, if there is a problem with the size of the thyroid itself (such as goiter which may contract the airway), the doctor may recommend surgical resection of the goiter.