Hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid

We're talking about a serious medical problem that can easily be misdiagnosed as stress, but is actually an imbalance in the metabolism caused by overproduction of the thyroid hormone.

Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, stems from the bowtie-shaped gland located just below the Adam's apple. It controls the release of certain hormones related to digestion, growth, and the use of nutrients. When the thyroid gland is over-stimulated -- there are several possible causes -- it produces too much of the thyroid hormone, essentially causing the body to go into overdrive.

Weight loss and general jitteriness, increased heart rate and more frequent bowels movements are the most common symptoms, and the condition is easily treatable once it is diagnosed. The most common treatment method uses radioactive iodine to destroy part of the gland, thus reducing the amounts of hormone it can produce. And since the thyroid gland is the only organ in the body that can absorb iodine, nothing else is harmed. Medications will also slow down the gland's activity, but needs to be taken for much longer and can allow relapses.

The thyroid can also be under-active, causing hypothyroidism, which generally presents with the opposite symptoms, such as sluggishness, weight gain and constipation.

Resources

Get more information on hyperthyroidism and other thyroid conditions from the EndocrineWeb.com.