Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland that is normally located in the lower front of the neck.

Iodine is essential for proper function of the thyroid gland, which uses it to make the thyroid hormones, which are secreted into the blood and then carried to every tissue in the body. 150 μg iodine are daily required for thyroid hormone synthesis.

The thyroid is equipped with an active system or “pump” for moving iodine into its cells, where it is concentrated as iodide. The thyroid gland has intrinsic regulatory mechanisms that maintain normal thyroid function even in the presence of iodine excess. When large amounts of iodine are given to subjects with normal thyroid function a transient decrease in the synthesis of the thyroid hormones occurs for approx 48 hours.

The term hyperthyroidism refers to any condition in which there is too much thyroid hormone produced in the body. In other words, the thyroid gland is overactive. Too much thyroid hormone speeds up many of the body’s functions. If untreated, an overactive thyroid can lead to other health concerns, such as heart problems.

The most common cause (in more than 70% of people) is overproduction of thyroid hormone by the entire thyroid gland. This condition is also known as Graves’ disease. Graves’ disease is caused by antibodies in the blood that turn on the thyroid and cause it to grow and secrete too much thyroid hormone. Less often, hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid has one or more nodules (lumps) that make too much thyroid hormone.
Hyperthyroidism