Skip over main navigation
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • Basket
British Thyroid Foundation
    • Basket: (0 items)
    • Search
Contact us Become a member Renew membership Please donate
Menu
  • About us
    • Who we are
    • What we do
    • What we stand for
    • Meet the team
    • Impact
    • Partnership organisations
    • British Thyroid Association
  • Information
    • About your thyroid
    • Living with thyroid disorders
    • Leaflets in other languages
    • Patient leaflets
    • Drugs and medicines updates
    • Articles
    • BTF newsletters
    • Guidelines and statements
    • Films
    • FAQs
  • Support
    • Psychological wellbeing
    • Patient stories
    • BTF Webinars
    • NICE guideline patient info day
    • Local support groups
    • Telephone contacts
    • Patient forums
  • Get involved
    • Our fundraising events
    • Current fundraisers
    • Company giving
    • Leave a legacy
    • In memory of
    • Other ways to give
    • Fundraise your way
    • Recent fundraisers
    • Surveys
    • Volunteer with us
  • Research
    • Research awards
    • BTF co-publications
    • Research news
    • Clinical trials
    • Research partnerships
  • Information for professionals
    • information for professionals
    • BTA Events
  • Shop
  • Admin
    • Log in
    • Basket
  • Basket: (0 items)
  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: 25th July, 2023

    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: 22nd November, 2023

    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: 25th July, 2023

    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: 25th July, 2023

    Author: Bethany Frost

    Thyroiditis

    Thyroiditis

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

    Published: 14th April, 2022

    Updated: 25th July, 2023

    Author: Bethany Frost

    Meet the experts webinar on hyperthyroidism

    Meet the experts webinar on hyperthyroidism

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

    Published: 1st March, 2022

    Updated: 14th June, 2023

    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: 16th October, 2023

    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: 28th June, 2023

    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: 14th June, 2023

    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: 14th June, 2023

    Author: Bethany Frost

    Understanding thyroid function tests webinar

    Understanding thyroid function tests webinar

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

    Published: 22nd November, 2020

    Updated: 31st August, 2023

    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

    Patient forums

    Patient forums

    Patient forums and Facebook groups for people with thyroid disorders Read more

    Published: 9th October, 2019

    Updated: 29th June, 2023

    Author: julia Priestley

    Project DAVIAD: Antigen-specific immunotherapy in Graves’ disease

    Project DAVIAD: Antigen-specific immunotherapy in Graves’ disease

    Information about Project DAVIAD: antigen-specific immunotherapy in Graves’ disease Read more

    Published: 17th September, 2019

    Updated: 26th May, 2023

    Author: julia Priestley

    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: 25th July, 2023

    Author: Bethany Frost

    Patient journey films - hyperthyroidism

    Patient journey films - hyperthyroidism

    British Thyroid Foundation films by people affected by overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) Read more

    Published: 3rd September, 2019

    Updated: 14th June, 2023

    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

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

    Published: 19th August, 2019

    Updated: 29th June, 2023

    Author: Bethany Frost

    Back to top

    Latest

    • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy

    • YoYo, Lexi, and Mar’s - Just Dance Marathon 2024

      YoYo, Lexi, and Mar’s - Just Dance Marathon 2024

      Charity Just Dance marathon!

    • BTA trainees’ Virtual educational meeting 2024 - Medics/professionals only

      BTA trainees’ Virtual educational meeting 2024 - Medics/professionals only

      British Thyroid Association trainees' educational meeting 2024

    • Manchester Half Marathon 2024

      Manchester Half Marathon 2024

      Secure your place in the Manchester Half Marathon 2024! Please note the deadline date for this event is 1 August 2024

    Most read

    • Thyroid and diet factsheet

      Thyroid and diet factsheet

      Are there foods to avoid if you have thyroid disease? Read how some foods and supplements can affect your thyroid health and the effectiveness of your thyroid medication.

    • Your thyroid gland

      Your thyroid gland

      What role does the thyroid gland have in our bodies? Watch our short film which explains more about the thyroid, symptoms of thyroid disorders and how thyroid disorders are diagnosed and treated.

    • Thyroid function tests

      Thyroid function tests

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

    • Thyroid antibodies explained

      Thyroid antibodies explained

      Learn more about thyroid antibodies and how they are tested for

    • Hair loss and thyroid disorders

      Hair loss and thyroid disorders

      Read about hair loss, hormones and thyroid disease

    • Hypothyroidism

      Hypothyroidism

      Read about symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and how this thyroid disorder is diagnosed and managed

    • Psychological symptoms and thyroid disorders

      Psychological symptoms and thyroid disorders

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

    • Pregnancy and fertility in thyroid disorders

      Pregnancy and fertility in thyroid disorders

      Read about how thyroid disease can affect conception and pregnancy and its management

    • Thyroid eye disease

      Thyroid eye disease

      Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis and management of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) and how the risks are greater in smokers

    • Thyroid and weight - the science

      Thyroid and weight - the science

      What is the connection between thyroid disorders and weight management?

    Tag cloud

    British Thyroid Foundation BTF congenital hypothyroidism Graves' disease hyperthyroidism hypothyroidism levothyroxine overactive thyroid support TED thyroid thyroid cancer thyroid disease thyroid disorders thyroid eye disease TSH

    Become a BTF member and receive our newsletter

    Find us

    Registered Office
    Suite 12, One Sceptre House
    Hornbeam Square North
    Hornbeam Park
    Harrogate
    HG2 8PB 

    Contact us

    Registered charity no: 1006391, Scotland SC046037

    Links

    • Sitemap
    • Accessibility
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Safeguarding policy
    • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy

    Follow us

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • Youtube

    Copyright © 2019 British Thyroid Foundation. The British Thyroid Foundation is a registered charity: England and Wales No 1006391, Scotland SC046037

    Manage Cookie Preferences