Question: What is hyperthyroidism?
Answer: Hyperthyroidism is an overfunctioning of the thyroid gland. The thyroid, the master gland of metabolism, located in the neck area below and behind the Adam's apple, is part of the endocrine system. Thyroid hormone regulates the body's use of energy. When a thyroid is overfunctioning, the gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Because thyroid hormone controls many bodily functions, this increase in the thyroid hormone level causes many bodily functions, such as heart rate or blood pressure, to increase. Digestion can speed up, and overall, symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhea, insomnia, and anxiety point can all point to an abnormally fast metabolism.
More Thyroid Disease Q&A
