Hyperthyroidism

hyperthyroidism, also called thyrotoxicosis, excess production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. Most patients with hyperthyroidism have an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre), but the characteristics of the enlargement vary. Examples of thyroid disorders that give rise to hyperthyroidism include diffuse goitre (Graves disease), toxic multinodular goitre (Plummer disease), and thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis). Hyperthyroidism occurs more often in adults than in children, and it is 5 to 10 times more common in women than in men.