If you have an underlying thyroid condition, you may experience symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Early treatment of hyperthyroidism may prevent other thyroid disorders such as Graves disease. It’s important to know what signs to look out for that may indicate you have an overactive thyroid.
9 Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism to Be Aware Of
1. Sudden Weight Loss
Despite eating the same amount of food, or having an increase in your appetite, hyperthyroidism may cause a sudden weight loss. The hyperactivity of your thyroid hormones also makes your metabolism break down food a lot faster and distribute excess energy to your cells.
2. Irregular Heartbeats
Having an increased pace in your heartbeat or tachycardia may be a symptom of hyperthyroidism. Tachycardia often amounts to 100 beats per minute. Hyperthyroidism may also cause arrhythmia or palpitations.
3. Difficulty Sleeping or Insomnia
Having hyperthyroidism may cause irregularities in your cortisol levels or stress hormones. An overactive thyroid may also affect your adrenal gland which produces the cortisol and releases a lot of it during both day and night. This causes an imbalance in your cortisol levels and makes it hard to fall asleep.
4. Fatigue or Exhaustion
This is one of the most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism, as well as hypothyroidism. You might describe this as weakness, sluggish, overtired, or even lethargy. You may be feeling exhausted despite having your usual amount of sleep. This is more than likely due to your overactive thyroid.
5. Inability to Concentrate
The failure to focus due to hyperthyroidism is often also called thyroid brain fog. Your overactive thyroid may be causing hyperactivity in your brain which makes it difficult to concentrate. Other mental symptoms of hyperthyroidism to watch out for is memory loss.
6. Increase Sensitivity to Heat
Your thyroid controls how much energy your cells expand, and an overactive thyroid may cause an over-activity in your cells. This may lead to an increase in your body temperature and intolerance to heat. You may also experience excessive sweating.
7. An Enlarged Thyroid Gland
Your hyperthyroidism may result in a thyroid goiter which is an enlarged thyroid gland. You can visibly check this at the base of your neck where you may see some swelling. Having a goiter is a definite indicator of having a thyroid condition.
8. Mood Swings
One of the many emotional symptoms of hyperthyroidism is mood swings. You could be experiencing sudden sadness or unprovoked anger because of an overactive thyroid. Most of the time you’ll be anxious in the form of nervousness, irritability, and difficulty in sleeping.
9. High Blood Pressure
An increase in your blood pressure may lead to secondary hypertension. Hyperthyroidism and its excessive levels of thyroid hormones may cause your blood pressure to rise. These sorts of blood pressure may not be treated by medication unless the thyroid condition is treated.
Watch this video from The Dr. Bob Show to find out more about the symptoms of hyperthyroidism!
Hyperthyroidism may share similar symptoms to hypothyroidism like fatigue or opposites such as weight loss. The most reassuring way to find out if you have hyperthyroidism is to have your thyroid hormone levels tested. If you’re noticing your body showing signs of any of these symptoms, it’s time to call your doctor to start your treatment right away.
Do you know any other symptoms of hyperthyroidism? Share your thoughts and experience with us in the comments below!
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