Hyperthyroidis auses, symptoms, and treatments Before discussing hyperthyroidism, it is important to have a basic understanding of the thyroid gland itself. Greek in origin, the term is derived from the word thyreos, meaning shield. The thyroid gland is a component of the endocrine system -- a system that works to communicate with the body, producing hormones in order to maintain homeostasis. The thyroid gland secretes 3 primary hormone hyroxin and triiodothyronine, which control catabolic metabolism and protein synthesis in most body cells. The third hormone is calcitonin, which reduces calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. Located on the anterior portion of the neck, wrapped around the larynx, or voice box, the thyroid is a soft, butterfly shaped organ. Is it composed of a right and left lobe, which are connected by a narrow bridge called the isthmus. The thyroid also contains four parathyroid glands on its posterior portion. The term "hyperthyroidism" is composed of four word part yper-, a prefix meaning excessive, abnormally high, or above, thyr-, a root word meaning shield, -oid, a suffix meaning resembling, and -ism, a suffix meaning condition or disease. Most common amongst those between the ages of 12-50, hyperthyroidism is defined as the "hypersecretion of the thyroid gland, which is characterized by exophthalmos goiter, rapid heart rate, and weight loss. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease. An autoimmune disorder, Graves' disease causes the immune system to attack the body's own cells and organs. In this disease, an antibody called thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin, or TSI, is produced by the immune system. It mimics the action of thyroid stimulating hormones, or TSH, causing the overproduction of thyroid hormones. Another possible cause of hyperthyroidism is the presence of thyroid nodules, lumps in the thyroid which may also be referred to as adenomas. These formations may become overactive and produce too much thyroid hormone. Thyroiditis may also be a perpetrator in the case of hyperthyroidism. Defined as inflammation of the thyroid, it may result in excess hormone being leaked into the bloodstream. This, in turn, raises hormone levels and leads to a condition of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism manifests itself in various ways, showing symptoms throughout the body. More psychological symptoms include feelings of nervousness, excitability, restlessness, emotional instability, and insomnia. Other symptoms include warm, velvety skin, facial flushing, which is marked by redness of the face, exophthalmos, which is the abnormal protrusion of the eyes, and goiter, which is observed by the characteristic enlargement of the neck. Symptoms also include irregularities of the heart which includ alpitation, an experience of pounding, racing, or skipping of the heartbeat, tachycardia, which is a fast heartbeat, and arrhythmia, which is any loss of rhythm in the heartbeat. Tremor, warm, moist palms, localized edema, increased appetite, and weight loss are also symptoms. Others includ uscle wasting, weakness, and fatigue, dyspnea, breast enlargement in men and women, and diarrhea. Ultimately, the goal of treatment for hyperthyroidism is to achieve homeostasis by normalizing levels of thyroid hormone in your body. Medications for the treatment of hyperthyroidism includ adioactive iodine, anti-thyroid medication, and beta-blockers. Taken orally, radioactive iodine medication is absorbed by the thyroid gland and causes it to shrink, slowing down the production of THS. Like radioactive iodine, anti-thyroid medications prevent the thyroid from over-producing hormones. One such medication, Tapazole, generically referred to as methimazole, is used. Beta-blockers may also be used, although these may only help to reduce symptoms of tachycardia and palpitations. Thyroid surgery, also called a thyroidectomy, may also be employed. This procedure involves the surgical excision of either all or part of the thyroid gland, although damage to vocal cords and parathyroid glands are risk factors.