hyperthyroidism

noun

hy·per·thy·roid·ism ˌhī-pər-ˈthī-ˌrȯi-ˌdi-zəm

: excessive functional activity of the thyroid gland

also : the resulting condition marked especially by increased metabolic rate, enlargement of the thyroid gland, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Williams, who has previously taken a hiatus from her show due to her health, opened up to PEOPLE about the disease in 2018, explaining that she was diagnosed with Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism 19 years prior, but was feeling much better after taking some time for herself. —

Robyn Merrett, PEOPLE.com, 4 Sep. 2020 An irregular or fast heartbeat is a symptom of hyperthyroidism, which is when your thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone, according to the Mayo Clinic. —

Korin Miller, Women's Health, 2 May 2023 Endocrine disorders, a class of issues characterized by hormone imbalances and including hyperthyroidism and metabolic disorders, are far more common among those who have survived cancer, two papers published late last month show. —

Ian Graber-stiehl, Discover Magazine, 10 July 2018 The resin also helps alleviate the symptoms of hyperthyroidism (high levels of thyroid hormones) and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol and triglyceride levels). —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 1 Dec. 2020 Those with hyperthyroidism have an overactive thyroid that produces more thyroid hormone than the body needs. —

Women's Health, 2 Feb. 2023 Anxiety can also be triggered by stressful or traumatic life events, or certain medical conditions like hyperthyroidism, heart disease, diabetes, or chronic pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. —

Leah Campano, Seventeen, 6 Jan. 2023 The majority of these patients have hypothyroidism — too little hormone production — while a small percentage suffer from hyperthyroidism (too much hormone production). —

Anna Funk, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2021 People with hyperthyroidism should consult a doctor before taking any supplement containing ashwagandha. —

Dallas News, 12 Aug. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hyperthyroidism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of hyperthyroidism was circa 1900

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near hyperthyroidism

hyperthyroid

hyperthyroidism

hypertonia

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Hyperthyroidism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperthyroidism. Accessed 7 Jun. 2023.

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Kids Definition

hyperthyroidism

noun

hy·per·thy·roid·ism ˌhī-pər-ˈthī-ˌrȯid-ˌiz-əm

-rəd-

: abnormally high activity of the thyroid gland

also : the resulting abnormal state of health

hyperthyroid

-ˌrȯid

adjective

Medical Definition

hyperthyroidism

noun

hy·per·thy·roid·ism -ˌrȯid-ˌiz-əm, -rəd-

: excessive functional activity of the thyroid gland

also : the resulting condition marked especially by increased metabolic rate, enlargement of the thyroid gland, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure

called also thyrotoxicosis

see graves' disease