What is Graves Disease (Hyperthyroidism)?
Grave’s Disease, a form of Hyperthyroidism is an endocrine condition which occurs when the thyroid gland experiences raised functionality due to an increase in thyroid hormone production. The thyroid is a small, butterfly shaped gland located just above the collarbone. As a member of the endocrine system, the thyroid is responsible for controlling many aspects of bodily function, most notably metabolism and hormone regulation. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much hormone. The result is a host of symptoms which can affect an individual’s quality of life, such as insomnia, sensitivity to heat, irritability, and unnatural weight loss. However, there is a diverse assortment of effective treatments which can alleviate symptoms and calm thyroid hormone production. Approximately 1% of the American population, or around 1 million people, suffer from hyperthyroidism.
