From the Guidelines
Hyperthyroidism symptoms include weight loss, heart palpitations, heat intolerance, and hyperactivity, among others, as a result of excess thyroid hormones accelerating the body's metabolism. When considering the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, it's essential to recognize that they can vary widely among individuals and may not always be specific to the condition. According to the study by 1, symptoms of hyperthyroidism can be relatively nonspecific, including weight loss, heart palpitations, heat intolerance, and hyperactivity. Some key points to consider about hyperthyroidism symptoms include:
- Weight loss despite increased appetite
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Anxiety, irritability, and tremors in the hands and fingers
- Heat sensitivity and increased sweating
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
- Difficulty sleeping and thinning skin
- Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
- Eye problems, particularly in Graves' disease, such as bulging eyes, redness, and discomfort
- Menstrual irregularities in women and heart palpitations in older adults These symptoms occur because excess thyroid hormones accelerate the body's metabolism, causing many body systems to speed up. If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to serious complications, including heart problems, brittle bones, and a life-threatening condition called thyroid storm. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests measuring thyroid hormone levels, and treatment options include anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery depending on the cause and severity, as noted in the study by 1.