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  1. Home
  2. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormones than are needed by the body. It is also referred to as thyrotoxicosis, or an overactive thyroid. It can occur if you have: 

  • Graves’ disease
  • A toxic multinodular goitre
  • A solitary toxic thyroid adenoma (an adenoma is a clump of cells)
  • Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland) which is temporary

Being diagnosed with hyperthyroidism or Graves' disease can be distressing and isolating. Please see our resources for further information and support. 

Watch our 'Meet the Experts' webinar on hyperthyroidism and thyroid surgery



    Hyperthyroidism

    Hyperthyroidism

    Read about symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and how this thyroid disorder is diagnosed and managed Read more

    Published: 11th September, 2022

    Updated: 8th January, 2026

    Author: Bethany Frost

    Antithyroid drugs alert card

    Antithyroid drugs alert card

    Recognise the symptoms of these rare, but serious, side effects of antithyroid drugs: agranulocytosis and serious liver injury Read more

    Published: 10th September, 2022

    Updated: 8th January, 2026

    Author: Anna Woollven

    Thyroid function tests

    Thyroid function tests

    Learn about how thyroid testing is used to diagnose and manage thyroid disorders Read more

    Published: 10th September, 2022

    Updated: 8th January, 2026

    Author: Bethany Frost

    Antithyroid drug therapy to treat hyperthyroidism

    Antithyroid drug therapy to treat hyperthyroidism

    Read about the different antithyroid drugs offered to people with hyperthyroidism and possible side effects Read more

    Published: 11th June, 2022

    Updated: 8th January, 2026

    Author: Bethany Frost

    Thyroiditis

    Thyroiditis

    Learn about the different forms of thyroiditis, its symptoms and treatment options Read more

    Published: 14th April, 2022

    Updated: 8th January, 2026

    Author: Bethany Frost

    Meet the experts webinar on hyperthyroidism - March 2022

    Meet the experts webinar on hyperthyroidism - March 2022

    Watch the recording of our webinar on hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and thyroid surgery for Graves' disease Read more

    Published: 1st March, 2022

    Updated: 25th June, 2024

    Author: Anna Woollven

    Information about thyroid disorders in BSL

    Information about thyroid disorders in BSL

    Watch these SignHealth films explaining thyroid disorders in BSL Read more

    Published: 26th January, 2022

    Updated: 19th February, 2025

    Author: Anna Woollven

    Psychological wellbeing booklet

    Psychological wellbeing booklet

    Read our resources to support your psychological wellbeing with a thyroid disorder Read more

    Published: 16th December, 2021

    Updated: 24th June, 2024

    Author: Anna Woollven

    Q&As from webinar about thyroid nodules and goitre

    Q&As from webinar about thyroid nodules and goitre

    Read our expert's answers to questions on thyroid nodules and goitre answered at our 'Meet the expert' webinar Read more

    Published: 22nd November, 2021

    Updated: 14th June, 2023

    Author: Anna Woollven

    Meet the Radioactive Iodine therapy (RAI) experts webinar - April 2021

    Meet the Radioactive Iodine therapy (RAI) experts webinar - April 2021

    Learn about the relative advantages and disadvantages of radioiodine therapy (RAI) as a treatment option for an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) Read more

    Published: 27th September, 2021

    Updated: 25th June, 2024

    Author: Bethany Frost

    Meet the thyroid surgeon webinar - July 2020

    Meet the thyroid surgeon webinar - July 2020

    Questions about thyroid surgery? Hear from a leading expert about why and when thyroid surgery may be offered Read more

    Published: 27th September, 2021

    Updated: 25th June, 2024

    Author: Bethany Frost

    Understanding thyroid function tests webinar - November 2021

    Understanding thyroid function tests webinar - November 2021

    Watch the recording of our 'Understanding thyroid function tests' webinar Read more

    Published: 22nd November, 2020

    Updated: 25th June, 2024

    Author: Anna Woollven

    Thyroid surgery

    Thyroid surgery

    Learn more about when thyroid surgery might be offered, what is involves, outcomes and possible complications Read more

    Published: 21st October, 2020

    Updated: 20th June, 2023

    Author: Anna Woollven

    Radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism

    Radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism

    Patient information about radioiodine treatment for hyperthyroidism or Graves' disease Read more

    Published: 17th September, 2019

    Updated: 14th June, 2023

    Author: julia Priestley

    Psychological symptoms and thyroid disorders

    Psychological symptoms and thyroid disorders

    Read how psychological symptoms can accompany thyroid disorders and possible treatment and management options Read more

    Published: 11th September, 2019

    Updated: 8th January, 2026

    Author: Bethany Frost

    Patient journey films - hyperthyroidism

    Patient journey films - hyperthyroidism

    Watch people talking about living with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) Read more

    Published: 3rd September, 2019

    Updated: 30th July, 2025

    Author: Bethany Frost

    Thyroid nodules and swellings

    Thyroid nodules and swellings

    Learn about thyroid nodules and swellings in thyroid patients and their diagnosis and treatment options Read more

    Published: 29th August, 2019

    Updated: 26th May, 2023

    Author: Bethany Frost

    Thyroid disorders and pregnancy

    Thyroid disorders and pregnancy

    Learn how thyroid disorders can affect your pregnancy and fertility: information for women and medical professionals Read more

    Published: 23rd August, 2019

    Updated: 26th May, 2023

    Author: Bethany Frost

    Telephone support

    Telephone support

    Need someone to talk to? Our BTF telephone support contacts are here to listen and chat Read more

    Published: 19th August, 2017

    Updated: 26th January, 2026

    Author: Bethany Frost

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