Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis results from excess quantities of thyroid hormone in the body. This excess of hormones may be caused by tumors of the thyroid or rarely of the pituitary or ovaries, inflammation of the thyroid, or ingestion of excessive amounts of thyroid hormone or iodine. Those with increased thyroid hormone levels experience heat intolerance, increased energy, difficulty sleeping, diarrhea and anxiety.
Review Date: 7/18/2008 Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Deborah Wexler, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Endocrinologist, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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