Overactive Thyroid: Symptoms

Answer 1

More commonly known as an overactive thyroid, hyperthyroidism is a condition that affects the body when it starts producing too many thyroid hormones. The symptoms can vary, but some of the more common ones include heart palpitations, difficulty handling warm temperatures, fatigue, excess perspiration, changes in bowel behavior, tremors, trembling, breathlessness, difficulty sleeping, weight loss, feeling agitated, trembling and feeling nervous. Overactive thyroid symptoms will usually happen one at a time until the condition worsens, in which case more symptoms will occur. These symptoms usually do not happen at once. There may be one or two symptoms when the thyroid gland first starts producing too many hormones. Early symptoms that warn against hyperthyroidism include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, palpitations, insomnia and breathlessness. Some overactive thyroid symptoms cannot be explained by other things, such as a sudden illness, which is a reason to see a doctor. It is entirely possible that every single one of these symptoms can be explained due to another indication. Regardless, it is important to see a physician to rule out the condition as it can indicate another illness like thyroid cancer, nodules within the thyroid gland and Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease most commonly explaining hyperthyroidism. Ignoring the condition can result in problems in other areas of the body, such as worsened fatigue and weight loss. Some may have a change in bowel habits while women may notice lighter periods or the complete cessation thereof. Sometimes, it is hard to notice the symptoms, especially with those who are elderly. For instance, the weight loss or hair loss may be considered to be due to aging while palpitation and other physical symptoms can only occur with depression. It is also common for the elderly to sleep less often, so the insomnia may not be considered a symptom either. When the symptoms are confirmed to be an overactive thyroid, it is possible to treat it depending on the cause. Some medications can block the production, or the thyroid may need to be destroyed through iodine or through surgery. The latter two means that the condition will go from hyperthyroidism to hypothyroidism, for which a thyroid hormone will be provided instead. When taking thyroid hormones, it is important to monitor the blood levels as it is possible to take too much and experience the symptoms of an overactive thyroid again. Those who never had high levels but take certain medications can also develop the condition.