Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFrequent SymptomsComplicationsWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Hyperthyroidism GuideWhat to Know About Hyperthyroidism Treatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Frequent Symptoms
Complications
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in Hyperthyroidism Guide
When yourthyroid glandis overactive (hyperthyroidism) and produces too much hormone, your body’s metabolism speeds up. Considering the whole-body effects this can have, a variety of symptoms may result, including weight loss, irritability, irregular heart rhythm, tremor, insomnia, hair loss, and more.
Hyperthyroidism also carries some potential complications with it, such as bone weakening, atrial fibrillation, and pregnancy concerns, though these are more common when the disease goes untreated or uncontrolled.
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Most people with hyperthyroidism experience one or more of the following symptoms. While these symptoms typically come on gradually, they may begin abruptly, especially in young people.On the other hand, older people with hyperthyroidism tend to have fewer and less noticeable symptoms than younger people.
As you can see, hyperthyroidism can affect the entire body, top to bottom:
Temperature
Increased sweating, as the body produces more heat, is another common symptom of hyperthyroidism. This excess sweating is linked to heat intolerance, which means a person may have a hard time tolerating a warm environment or activities that further increase heat production, like exercise.
Skin/Hair/Nails
In addition to thinning hair and a softening of the nails, the skin of a person with hyperthyroidism is often unusually smooth and warm, due to a rise in blood flow.
Heart
Due to increased pumping of the heart, a person with hyperthyroidism will often notice their heart racing orbounding. Irregular heart rhythms (calledarrhythmias) and high blood pressure may also occur with anoveractive thyroid gland.
Lung
Shortness of breath, especially with exercise, is common in older people with hyperthyroidism. It occurs as a result of a weakness of their breathing muscles, as well as an increased demand for oxygen within the body.
Intestines
Digestive symptoms, like dyspepsia and frequent bowel movements/diarrhea, may occur in hyperthyroidism as a result of the increase in gut motility.
Weight loss, despite an increase in appetite, is due to both the increase in gut mobility (which leads to fat malabsorption) and metabolic rate (which means the body is burning through calories quicker than normal). While this increase in metabolism may initially energize people, eventually they become fatigued as the body tires out.
Neck
An enlargement of the thyroid gland (called agoiter) may occur in some people with hyperthyroidism, causing potential symptoms like a sore throat and/or neck discomfort. Neck swelling may become noticeable, especially when a person tries to put on a tie or scarf. A goiter may eventually cause problems swallowing or even breathing.
Urinary Tract
Urinating more often, during the daytime and nighttime, is common in people with hyperthyroidism.
Reproductive System
Due to an alteration of sex hormones in the body, women with hyperthyroidism may develop infrequent menstrual periods. With severe hyperthyroidism, a woman may stop menstruating (amenorrhea).
Since the excess thyroid hormone converts testosterone to estradiol (a type of estrogen), men may experience a decrease in their sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and swelling of their breast tissue (gynecomastia). In addition, sperm production is often reduced or abnormal.
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms in Females
Brain and Nerves
A tremor of the hands often occurs in hyperthyroidism, along with behavioral and personality changes, such as depression, anxiety, nervousness, and/or irritability. Insomnia, as well as difficulties with concentrating or remembering things, are also frequently reported in hyperthyroidism.
Other Symptoms to Look ForOther medical problems, likeanemia(a decrease in red blood cells) and abnormal liver function tests, can be the first clue that a person has an overactive thyroid.
Other Symptoms to Look For
Other medical problems, likeanemia(a decrease in red blood cells) and abnormal liver function tests, can be the first clue that a person has an overactive thyroid.
There are a few major complications that may result from having hyperthyroidism, especially if left untreated.
Eye
Some people develop eye issues (calledGraves’ophthalmopathy), which may cause gritty, red eyes or protrusion of the eyes due to swelling behind the eyeballs.In severe cases, double vision can develop.
Bone
Hyperthyroidism is linked to osteoporosis, which causes bone weakening, making a person more prone to breaking bones with even minor bumps or falls.
In hyperthyroidism, there is a high risk of developing atrial fibrillation, especially in older people. Atrial fibrillation is a common heart arrhythmia that can lead to serious problems like stroke or heart failure.
Thyroid Storm
Pregnancy
For the mother, potential complications of untreated hyperthyroidism include pre-eclampsia and, rarely, thyroid storm.
Fetal Neonatal Hyperthyroidism
While uncommon, hyperthyroidism may also occur in the newborns of mothers who have a history of treated Graves' disease (meaning their disease is in remission). This is why it’s important to notify your healthcare provider of any history of thyroid disease, in addition to active thyroid disease.
If you are concerned you (or a loved one) is experiencing one or more symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland, be sure to see your healthcare provider for a proper evaluation. The good news is that your thyroid function can be easily checked with a simple blood test, called the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test.
Of course, seek medical attention right away if you notice alarming symptoms, like an irregular pulse, problems breathing, or delirium.
Lastly, if you are taking antithyroid medications for hyperthyroidism and considering pregnancy, it’s important to seek guidance from your general practitioner and, perhaps, an endocrinologist. You want to be sure your thyroid function is well controlled prior to and during pregnancy.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) can vary from person to person and may include:FatigueMuscle weaknessNervousness or irritabilityInsomniaMood swingsHeat intoleranceTremorsDiarrhea or frequent loose stoolsWeight lossIrregular heartbeatIrregular periodsBrittle hairGoiter (an enlarged thyroid gland)
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) can vary from person to person and may include:
Sleep difficulty,night sweats,restless legs syndrome (RLS), and nighttime urination are common in people with hyperthyroidism. During sleep, a rise in thyroid hormones—which regulate energy use and body temperature—can trigger these and other nighttime symptoms.
Yes. Typically, the thyroid hormonesT3 (triiodothyronine)andT4 (thyroxine)will be high in people with hyperthyroidism. Subclinical hyperthyroidism occurs when TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels are low but T3 and T4 are normal. Even so, subclinical hyperthyroidism may cause symptoms and can even lead to overt hyperthyroidism if left untreated.
Thyroid Disease Causes and Risk Factors
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Thyroid Association.Hyperthyroidism (Overactive).American Thyroid Association.Graves’ Eye Disease (Graves’ Ophthalmopathy or Graves’ Orbitopathy).U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Thyroid storm.American Thyroid Association.Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy.Boston Children’s Hospital.Hyperthyroidism.MedlinePlus.Hyperthyroidism.Pereira Jr. JC, Pradella-Hallinan M, Pessoa H de L.Imbalance between thyroid hormones and the dopaminergic system might be central to the pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome: a hypothesis.Clinics. 2010;65(5):547-54, doi:10.1590/S1807-59322010000500013MedlinePlus.Congenital hyperthyroidism.Doubleday AR, Sippel RS.Hyperthyroidism.Gland Surg. 2020;9(1):124-35. doi:10.21037/gs.2019.11.01Santos Palacios S, Pascual-Corrales E, Galofre JC.Management of subclinical hyperthyroidism.Int J Endocrinol Metab.2012;10(2):490-6. doi:10.5812/ijem.3447Chiovato L, Magri F, Carlé A.Hypothyroidism in context: where we’ve been and where we’re going.Adv Ther. 2019;36(S2):47-58. doi:10.1007/s12325-019-01080-8
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Thyroid Association.Hyperthyroidism (Overactive).American Thyroid Association.Graves’ Eye Disease (Graves’ Ophthalmopathy or Graves’ Orbitopathy).U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Thyroid storm.American Thyroid Association.Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy.Boston Children’s Hospital.Hyperthyroidism.MedlinePlus.Hyperthyroidism.Pereira Jr. JC, Pradella-Hallinan M, Pessoa H de L.Imbalance between thyroid hormones and the dopaminergic system might be central to the pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome: a hypothesis.Clinics. 2010;65(5):547-54, doi:10.1590/S1807-59322010000500013MedlinePlus.Congenital hyperthyroidism.Doubleday AR, Sippel RS.Hyperthyroidism.Gland Surg. 2020;9(1):124-35. doi:10.21037/gs.2019.11.01Santos Palacios S, Pascual-Corrales E, Galofre JC.Management of subclinical hyperthyroidism.Int J Endocrinol Metab.2012;10(2):490-6. doi:10.5812/ijem.3447Chiovato L, Magri F, Carlé A.Hypothyroidism in context: where we’ve been and where we’re going.Adv Ther. 2019;36(S2):47-58. doi:10.1007/s12325-019-01080-8
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Thyroid Association.Hyperthyroidism (Overactive).American Thyroid Association.Graves’ Eye Disease (Graves’ Ophthalmopathy or Graves’ Orbitopathy).U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Thyroid storm.American Thyroid Association.Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy.Boston Children’s Hospital.Hyperthyroidism.MedlinePlus.Hyperthyroidism.Pereira Jr. JC, Pradella-Hallinan M, Pessoa H de L.Imbalance between thyroid hormones and the dopaminergic system might be central to the pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome: a hypothesis.Clinics. 2010;65(5):547-54, doi:10.1590/S1807-59322010000500013MedlinePlus.Congenital hyperthyroidism.Doubleday AR, Sippel RS.Hyperthyroidism.Gland Surg. 2020;9(1):124-35. doi:10.21037/gs.2019.11.01Santos Palacios S, Pascual-Corrales E, Galofre JC.Management of subclinical hyperthyroidism.Int J Endocrinol Metab.2012;10(2):490-6. doi:10.5812/ijem.3447Chiovato L, Magri F, Carlé A.Hypothyroidism in context: where we’ve been and where we’re going.Adv Ther. 2019;36(S2):47-58. doi:10.1007/s12325-019-01080-8
American Thyroid Association.Hyperthyroidism (Overactive).
American Thyroid Association.Graves’ Eye Disease (Graves’ Ophthalmopathy or Graves’ Orbitopathy).
U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Thyroid storm.
American Thyroid Association.Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy.
Boston Children’s Hospital.Hyperthyroidism.
MedlinePlus.Hyperthyroidism.
Pereira Jr. JC, Pradella-Hallinan M, Pessoa H de L.Imbalance between thyroid hormones and the dopaminergic system might be central to the pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome: a hypothesis.Clinics. 2010;65(5):547-54, doi:10.1590/S1807-59322010000500013
MedlinePlus.Congenital hyperthyroidism.
Doubleday AR, Sippel RS.Hyperthyroidism.Gland Surg. 2020;9(1):124-35. doi:10.21037/gs.2019.11.01
Santos Palacios S, Pascual-Corrales E, Galofre JC.Management of subclinical hyperthyroidism.Int J Endocrinol Metab.2012;10(2):490-6. doi:10.5812/ijem.3447
Chiovato L, Magri F, Carlé A.Hypothyroidism in context: where we’ve been and where we’re going.Adv Ther. 2019;36(S2):47-58. doi:10.1007/s12325-019-01080-8
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