From the Guidelines
Thyrotoxicosis symptoms typically include weight loss, palpitations, heat intolerance, tremors, anxiety, diarrhea, and other symptoms of hypermetabolic activity, as noted in the most recent study 1. The symptoms of thyrotoxicosis can vary in severity and combination, but common symptoms include:
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Nervousness, anxiety, and irritability
- Increased sweating
- Weight loss despite increased appetite
- Tremors, especially in the hands
- Heat intolerance
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
- Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
- Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
- Irregular menstrual cycles in women
- Eye problems, such as bulging eyes or vision changes (in Graves' disease)
- Difficulty sleeping These symptoms occur due to an excess of thyroid hormones in the body, which accelerate metabolism and overstimulate various organ systems. According to the most recent study 1, the management of thyrotoxicosis depends on the severity of symptoms, and may include beta-blockers for symptomatic relief, close monitoring of thyroid function, and consideration of endocrine consultation for additional workup and possible medical thyroid suppression. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider promptly for evaluation and appropriate treatment if several of these symptoms are experienced, especially unexplained weight loss and rapid heartbeat, as noted in 1. The underlying cause and severity of thyrotoxicosis will determine the most suitable treatment, which may include anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery, as mentioned in 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Thyrotoxicosis
The symptoms of thyrotoxicosis include:
- Irritability, heat intolerance, palpitations, and weakness 2
- Anxiety, insomnia, palpitations, unintentional weight loss, diarrhea, and heat intolerance 3
- Palpitations, tremors, agitation, and heat intolerance 4
- Heat intolerance and weight loss 5
- Palpitations, exercise intolerance, dyspnea on exertion 6
Common Manifestations
Common manifestations of thyrotoxicosis include:
- Weakness, weight loss, and palpitations, which were predominantly present in patients with hyperthyroidism 2
- Sore throat, which was present in 41% of patients with thyroiditis 2
- Sinus tachycardia and atrial fibrillation, which occurred in 65.5 and 15.5% of the patients, respectively, and were more common in those with hyperthyroidism 2
Cardiovascular Effects
Thyrotoxicosis is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, primarily due to heart failure and thromboembolism 6