Hyperthyroidism is a common condition worldwide. It occurs in 1-2 per cent of the population with greater incidence in iodine-deficient regions and is 10 times more common in women than men between the ages of 20 and 40 years.¹

Hyperthyroidism is estimated to affect about 3 million people in the United States. The disease affects more women than men, breaking down to about 2% of women and .2% of men. As many as 15 percent of cases of hyperthyroidism occur in patients older than 60 years.²

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism can significantly accelerate your body’s metabolism, causing sudden weight loss, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating, and nervousness or irritability.((Mayo Clinic, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hyperthyroidism/DS00344))

1. Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com/bps/additionalcontent/18/39149704/Hyperthyroidism [↩]
2. American Academy of Family Physicians, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20050815/623.html [↩]