What is the most common hyperthyroid disease?

Graves disease is recognized as the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, which is a condition where the thyroid gland is overactive and produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. This leads to symptoms such as weight loss, increased heart rate, anxiety, and goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland).

Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid, leading to its overactivity. It is distinct from other conditions listed, as Hashimoto disease primarily causes hypothyroidism, characterized by an underactive thyroid. Cushing disease relates to overproduction of cortisol, while Addison disease involves underproduction of adrenal hormones, which do not pertain to thyroid function at all.

Understanding Graves disease as the most prevalent form of hyperthyroidism emphasizes its significant impact on thyroid health and the importance of recognizing its symptoms for early detection and treatment.