Hyperthyroidism means production of excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease that can cause hyperthyroidism - overactivity of the thyroid. Excess intake of iodine and excessive thyroid medication given to hypothyroid sufferers may also provide hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism causes an overactive metabolism and increased speed of all the body's processes. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism disorder are: increased heart rate, anxiety, weight loss, difficulty sleeping, tremors in the hands, weakness, and sometimes diarrhea. In addition there may be puffiness around the eyes, dryness, irritation, and, in some cases, bulging of the eyes. Visual disturbances and eye sensitivity are also common.

Diagnosis is made after measuring the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood.

Current methods used for treating a hyperthyroid patient are radioactive iodine, anti-thyroid drugs, or surgery. The major and generally accepted modalities for treatment of hyperthyroidism in humans involve initial temporary use of suppressive thyrostatics medication, and possibly later use of permanent surgical or radioisotope therapy.

Surgery is not common treatment of hyperthyroidism, but in some Graves' disease patients who cannot tolerate medicines for one reason or another or patients who are allergic to iodine surgical intervention is preffered. The surgery is quite safe. Some surgeons even perform partial thyroidectomies on an out-patient basis.

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