Our thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the base of the neck. The gland releases hormones that control metabolism. It makes two hormones that are secreted into the blood: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are responsible for regulating our body's metabolic rate and heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain development, mood and bone maintenance. Its proper functioning depends on geeting a good amount of iodine from the diet.

In the beginning, many patients do not experience any symptoms and therefore do not get diagnosed with hyperthyroidism until it is more advanced. Appetite change, difficulty in sleeping (insomnia), fatigue, changes in bowel movement, heart palpitations, heat intolerance, sweating, irritability etc are some common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Your doctor will do a physical exam, look at your symptoms, and order certain thyroid tests to diagnose the condition. 

Symptoms of Graves' disease include such as anxiety, hand tremor, heat sensitivity, weight loss, puffy eyes and enlarged thyroid. Graves' disease involves an overactive thyroid gland and results in an overproduction of thyroid hormones, or hyperthyroidism. It is an autoimmune condition.

The thyroid gland is a key part of the human endocrine system. It works with your nervous and immune systems to control your body's metabolism. Thyroid problems are quite common now. According to an estimate, more than 12 percent of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime.