The thyroid gland is located in the neck. It produces several hormones which control the way that every cell in the body uses energy (metabolism). The thyroid is part of the endocrine system.
Hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis occurs when the thyroid releases too many of its hormones over a short (acute) or long (chronic) period of time. Many diseases and conditions can cause this problem. These include Graves' disease; non-cancerous growths of the thyroid gland or pituitary gland; tumors of the testes or ovaries; inflammation (irritation and swelling with presence of extra immune cells) of the thyroid due to viral infections or other causes; ingestion of excessive amounts of thyroid hormone; and ingestion of excessive iodine. Graves' disease accounts for 85% of all cases of hyperthyroidism.
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