Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsNo SymptomsWhy It Occurs?Secondary ComplicationsIs Reversal Possible?MedicationsSurgery When SevereManaging SymptomsNext in Hyperthyroidism GuideSymptoms of Hyperthyroidism
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
No Symptoms
Why It Occurs?
Secondary Complications
Is Reversal Possible?
Medications
Surgery When Severe
Managing Symptoms
Next in Hyperthyroidism Guide
Thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH), which comes from the pituitary gland, regulates these hormones. Having too many thyroid hormones can affect your body in multiple ways.
This article covers the symptoms, causes, and treatment of an overactive thyroid.
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Common Symptoms With Overactive Thyroid
Thyroid hormones affect the way your body uses energy. When you have more thyroid hormones than you need, it speeds up many body functions, which can cause varioussymptoms.
Hyperthyroidism
Weight Loss and Increased Appetite
An overactive thyroid speeds upmetabolism, so you burn calories faster. It also boosts your appetite. If you take in more calories, you might not lose weight. The more severe the hyperthyroidism, the greater the weight loss.
Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat
You may notice your heart beating faster when you’re physically active or at rest. Thyroid hormones have a significant impact onheartfunction and structure. Hyperthyroidism increases heart rate and can causepalpitationsand abnormal heart rhythms, includingatrial fibrillation (AFib).
Mood Swings
Thyroid disease can affect yourmoodand cause mood swings, as well as the following:
You may be more prone to mood swings if you have other symptoms, such as sleep problems andfatigue.
Shakiness and Trembling
You might have trouble keeping a steady hand. Overstimulated nerves can lead to shaking, twitching, and trembling, which are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. About 75% of people with an overactive thyroid havetremors, which may affect the hands and arms.
Sleep Problems and Fatigue
Hyperthyroidism is a well-known cause ofsleep dysfunctionand is associated with:
Sleep problems might be worse if you also have symptoms such as tremors, nervousness, or anxiety. Combining a sped-up metabolism and sleep problems can lead to ongoing fatigue.
Sweating, Heat Intolerance
When your metabolism speeds up, your body temperature rises, which can lead to:
Bowel Changes
When your digestive system speeds up, it can lead to frequent loose bowel movements ordiarrhea.
Bulging Eyes
In Graves' disease, an excess of thyroid hormones can cause the eyelids to retract, so your eyes appear tobulge. Other eye symptoms can include puffiness, watering, and double vision.
Goiter
Hyperthyroidism can cause agoiter, when your thyroid gland enlarges enough to bulge out of the side of your neck.
Symptom Variations
Most people don’t have all symptoms; some may be more severe than others. Other signs and symptoms of overactive thyroid are:
Hyperthyroidism symptoms in femalescan include lighter or missed periods and trouble getting pregnant.
In older adults, an overactive thyroid can look a lot likedepression. Older adults are also more likely to experience loss of appetite and social withdrawal.
Thyrotoxicosisis an excessive release of thyroid hormones. Athyroid stormis severe thyrotoxicosis. This is a potentially life-threatening event that requires immediate medical treatment.Other severe overactive thyroid symptoms include:High feverHypertension(high blood pressure)Tachycardia(fast heart rate)VomitingAgitation
Thyrotoxicosisis an excessive release of thyroid hormones. Athyroid stormis severe thyrotoxicosis. This is a potentially life-threatening event that requires immediate medical treatment.Other severe overactive thyroid symptoms include:
Asymptomatic and Undiagnosed Overactive Thyroid
Some people have thyroid dysfunction but no apparent symptoms.Without treatment, an overactive thyroid can lead to potentially severe complications involving the heart, eyes, andpregnancy. It can also lead to a thyroid storm.
Many signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism can be due to other issues, so it’s important to seek adiagnosis. A healthcare provider can use TSH, T3, T4, and thyroid antibodyblood teststo check for high thyroid levels.Other diagnostic testing may include physical exam and imaging tests.
Why Do Some People Have an Overactive Thyroid?
The most common cause of hyperthyroidism isGraves' disease, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks a healthy thyroid. Other causes include:
Hyperthyroidism is more common in females and people older than 60. Otherrisk factorsinclude:
Secondary Complications of Overactive Thyroid
Complications of an overactive thyroid may include:
Does Treatment Reverse an Overactive Thyroid?
Treatmentmay be able to get your thyroid levels back under control.Eventually, you may be able to reduce, then stop taking medication. However, many people will need to take medicine longer or for life.
Overactive Thyroid Medications
Antithyroidmedicines, such as Tapazole (methimazole) and PTU (propylthiouracil), cause the thyroid to produce fewer hormones. You may have to take them for one or two years or longer.
Beta-blockers (metoprolol or propranolol) don’t treat hyperthyroidism. They can help manage nervousness, rapid heartbeat, and hand tremors.
Surgery and Treatment for Severe Overactive Thyroid Complications
You may needsurgeryto remove the thyroid gland. Another option is to destroy the thyroid withradioactive iodine.
Because surgery and radioactive iodine stop the production of thyroid hormones, you’ll havehypothyroidism. You’ll need to take synthetic thyroid hormones for the rest of your life.
How to Manage Overactive Thyroid Symptoms
While there is nohyperthyroidism diet, avoiding certain foods may be helpful, especially those containing large amounts of iodine. These foods can cause the thyroid to produce too much thyroid hormone. A healthcare provider may recommend that you avoid foods such as:
Certain herbs and dietary supplements may help, but because some can interfere with medication, it’s important to discuss this with a provider first.
Exerciseis important to overall health and may help with some symptoms. An overactive thyroid affects the heart and cardiovascular system.This can put too much strain on the heart. Consult a healthcare provider before starting a new or more strenuous exercise routine.
Summary
Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid releases more hormones than you need, which increases metabolism and affects your body in many ways. Symptoms can include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and bulging eyes. Heart problems, eye problems, and osteoporosis are potential complications. It’s particularly dangerous during pregnancy.
Antithyroid medicines can help get your hormones back in balance. But in some cases, you may need surgery to remove the thyroid gland. Radioactive iodine therapy to stop the thyroid from working is another option.
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