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.
Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, just above your collarbone. It is one of your endocrine glands, which make hormones. Thyroid hormones control the rate of many activities in your body. These include how fast you burn calories and how fast your heart beats. All of these activities are your body's metabolism. If your thyroid gland is not active enough, it does not make enough thyroid hormone to meet your body's needs.