Graves' disease. Graves' disease is the most common cause of overactive thyroid. It can run in families and can occur at any age, although it is most common in women aged 20-40 years old. You are more likely to develop Graves' disease if you smoke. Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition.
Full Removal. If your doctor removes your entire thyroid, your body will begin to exhibit symptoms similar to hypothyroidism, due to the lack of thyroid hormones in your body. These symptoms may include fatigue, elevated cholesterol levels, uncontrollable weight gain, muscle weakness and depression.
Patients hear about their 'good' cancer and how removing the thyroid is no big deal. You just take a pill and you'll be fine. But the majority of the time, that's not the case. The thyroid is a vital organ, and the body needs thyroid hormones to function properly (Click here to learn about the thyroid and what it does).