Overactive Thyroid Health Video

Last Update: October 23, 2008

Video By: LIVESTRONG.COM

Anyone know where their thyroid is located? Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck, just below your Adam's apple. Although it weighs less than an ounce, the thyroid gland has an enormous impact on your health. Every aspect of your metabolism, from your heart rate to how quickly you burn calories, is regulated by thyroid hormones. You cannot live without your thyroid gland or the thyroid hormone, thyroxin. Learn about the different causes, symptoms, and treatments for overactive thyroid in this health video.

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About this Author

Dr. Susan McGladdery is a medical graduate from Oxford University in the UK and has a Master's Degree in Medical Sciences from Cambridge University. She has been a member of the Royal College of Physicians since 1991 and a member of the American Academy of Urgent Care since 2006. She trained as a Family Physician in the UK in Oxford and then in London. In a medical career that spans over 20 years, she has worked as a doctor in 5 countries on 3 continents and cared for patients from a multitude of different nationalities and backgrounds. Dr. McGladdery joined FirstMed Centers in mid 2002 and became Regional Medical Director in 2003.

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SUSAN MCGLADERRY, BM, BCH, MRCP: Hello. My name is Dr. Susan McGladerry. I'm the medical director from the FirstMed Centers in Budapest Hungary. I would like to give you some information about overactive thyroid. Another name for this condition is hyperthyroidism and it's caused when the thyroid gland becomes overactive. In this case, too many of the hormones are released and this may happen over a short period as in acute hyperthyroidism or it may be a long term or chronic condition. What are hormones? Hormones are chemical messengers that control many important body functions. Too much hormone and too little hormone both conditions are not good for us. What causes hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid? There are many diseases and conditions including most commonly Graves disease. This is the cause of about 85% of all cases of overactive thyroid. In addition, there may be noncancerous growths of the thyroid gland or the pituitary gland, also tumors of the testes or the ovaries, inflammation of the thyroid due to viral infections or other causes, and ingesting too much thyroid hormone or excessive iodine. What are the symptoms and the signs of overactive thyroid or excess thyroid hormone? Typically, there's weight loss, increased appetite, nervousness or restlessness. There may be heat intolerance increased sweating, fatigue and diarrhea. Physical examination may show signs of an enlarged thyroid or goiter. There may be increased heart rate, tremor, and even protruding eyes, a condition known as exophthalmos. The treatment varies depending on the course of the condition and the severity of symptoms. Hyperthyroidism is generally treatable and rarely fatal. Usually antithyroid medications are effective, sometimes also with radioactive iodine, or sometimes surgery is needed to remove the thyroid gland. If the thyroid must be removed with radiation or surgery, replacement of thyroid hormones will be needed fro the rest of that person's life. You should talk to your healthcare provider if you have symptoms, which could be caused by excessive thyroid hormone production and importantly if the symptoms are associated with rapid irregular heart beat dizziness or changes in conscious level, this is an emergency and you need to call your local emergency number directly.