Chapter 20 HYPERTHYROIDISM
Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state that results from excess synthesis and release of thyroid hormone, usually from the thyroid gland. The overall incidence of subclinical and overt hyperthyroidism is estimated to be 0.05% to 0.1% in the general population. Hyperthyroidism occurs in all age groups and is more common in women than in men. Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, causing 60% to 80% of cases. However, toxic nodular goiter is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the elderly.
