Disease Paper

Hyperthyroidism, otherwise known as thyrotoxicosis, is a disease where the thyroid is overactive. Although the thyroid is not a large-sized gland located on the front of the neck, it is a big part of the endocrine system that produces a hormone called the thyroid-stimulating hormone. These hormones play a role in regulating different parts in the body, such as metabolism, body temperature, and bone growth (N1). It even plays a role in how your heart beats! The thyroid-stimulating hormone also helps with the development of certain organs of the body in children. (N2) An overactive thyroid gland produces substantial quantities of the thyroid hormone, which can be detrimental to one’s health, especially at a young age. There are studies that suggest individuals with hyperthyroidism may experience bone density issues when they are older (N3). The prevalence of this disease is relatively small, occurring in about 2% of women and only 0.2% of men (N4). If untreated, the effects of this disease can be very severe.
There are several causes for hyperthyroidism, which may include Graves’ disease, thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, the intake of too much iodine, and the overmedication of synthetic thyroid hormone. The most common cause for hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune disorder called Graves’ disease, sometimes referred to as toxic diffuse goiter. With this disorder, the immune system synthesizes an antibody, “TSI” a thyroid-stimulating immunoglobin that preforms the same job as “TSH” the thyroid stimulating hormone2. Because of this mimicking effect, the many “hormones” which act the same way is an amount too extreme for the body.
Thyroid nodules could be another cause of hyperthyroidism. These nodules are simply lumps that may grow into one’s thyroid. The nodules grow and gradually increase the gland’s activity. This increases the amount of hormone in your blood, thus the term hyperthyroidism.

Enlarged thyroid gland (thyroiditis)

This usually can go away