Which condition is characterized by hyperthyroidism?

Graves’ disease is a condition characterized by hyperthyroidism due to an autoimmune response that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. This overproduction leads to symptoms such as increased metabolism, weight loss, heat intolerance, anxiety, and palpitations. The disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and often presents with additional signs, such as goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland) and ocular symptoms like exophthalmos (bulging eyes) due to inflammation in the eye tissues.

In contrast, Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition that typically results in hypothyroidism, where the immune system attacks the thyroid, leading to decreased hormone production. Cushing's syndrome, caused by excess cortisol, does not relate to thyroid hormone levels, and diabetes insipidus is a disorder related to the regulation of water balance in the body and does not involve thyroid function. Recognizing these differences clarifies why Graves’ disease is identified specifically with hyperthyroidism.