It's the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies produced by your immune system stimulate your thyroid to produce too much T4. This may occur for a number of reasons, including: Normally, your thyroid releases the right amount of hormones, but sometimes it produces too much T4. Your thyroid also produces a hormone that helps regulate the amount of calcium in your blood (calcitonin). They maintain the rate at which your body uses fats and carbohydrates, help control your body temperature, influence your heart rate, and help regulate the production of protein. Your thyroid gland produces two main hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), that influence every cell in your body. Every aspect of your metabolism is regulated by thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland has an enormous impact on your health. Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck, just below your Adam's apple. Hyperthyroidism can be caused by a number of conditions, including Graves' disease, Plummer's disease and thyroiditis. Your thyroid gland is located at the base of your neck, just below the Adam's apple. If you've been treated for hyperthyroidism or you currently are being treated, see your doctor regularly as advised so that he or she can monitor your condition. It's important to completely describe the changes you've observed, because many signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism may be associated with a number of other conditions. If you experience unexplained weight loss, a rapid heartbeat, unusual sweating, swelling at the base of your neck or other signs and symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism, see your doctor. Light sensitivity, blurry or double vision, inflammation, or reduced eye movement.Excessive tearing or discomfort in one or both eyes.Signs and symptoms of Graves' ophthalmopathy include: Eye problems often improve without treatment. This disorder makes your eyeballs protrude beyond their normal protective orbits when the tissues and muscles behind your eyes swell. Sometimes an uncommon problem called Graves' ophthalmopathy may affect your eyes, especially if you smoke. Older adults are more likely to have either no signs or symptoms or subtle ones, such as an increased heart rate, heat intolerance and a tendency to become tired during ordinary activities. An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), which may appear as a swelling at the base of your neck.Changes in bowel patterns, especially more frequent bowel movements.Tremor - usually a fine trembling in your hands and fingers.Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) - commonly more than 100 beats a minute.Unintentional weight loss, even when your appetite and food intake stay the same or increase.It can also cause a wide variety of signs and symptoms, including: Hyperthyroidism can mimic other health problems, which can make it difficult for your doctor to diagnose.

Thyroid issues in women