Hyperthyroidism – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormone, creating an overactive thyroid condition. This disorder accelerates the body’s metabolism, triggering various symptoms.

People with hyperthyroidism often experience:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Trembling hands
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Increased anxiety
  • Sleep problems

Medical professionals offer several treatment options for this condition. These include antithyroid medications and radioiodine therapy, which reduce hormone production.

Some patients may require surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. In certain cases, hyperthyroidism might improve without medical intervention, depending on the underlying cause.

Signs and Symptoms

Hyperthyroidism can cause many different symptoms that might be confused with other health conditions. These symptoms can vary from person to person and may include:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Heart palpitations (feeling your heart pound)
  • Increased appetite
  • Anxiety, nervousness, or irritability
  • Trembling hands and fingers
  • Excessive sweating
  • Changes in periods for women
  • Heat sensitivity
  • More frequent bowel movements
  • Swelling at the base of the neck (goiter)
  • Constant fatigue
  • Weak muscles
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Warm, moist skin
  • Skin thinning
  • Hair that breaks easily

Older people might not show these typical symptoms. Instead, they might experience irregular heartbeats, weight loss, depression, or unusual weakness during normal activities.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience unexplained weight loss, a rapid heartbeat, unusual sweating, neck swelling, or any other concerning symptoms.

Be sure to tell your doctor about all symptoms you have experienced, even if they seem minor.

After being diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, you’ll need regular checkups with your doctor to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment. Don’t skip these follow-up appointments, as they’re important for managing the condition effectively.

Causes

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. The thyroid is a small gland at the base of the neck that regulates metabolism.

The thyroid produces two primary hormones—thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3). These hormones influence every cell in the body. They help regulate:

  • How the body uses fats and carbohydrates
  • Body temperature control
  • Heart rate
  • Protein production

Several conditions can trigger the overproduction of thyroid hormones:

Graves’ Disease

This autoimmune disorder is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. In Graves’ disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, stimulating it to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormones.

Overactive Thyroid Nodules

This condition, known as toxic adenoma, toxic multinodular goiter, or Plummer’s disease, occurs when parts of the thyroid become isolated from the rest of the gland.

These noncancerous lumps can function independently and produce too much thyroid hormone, often causing the thyroid to enlarge.

Thyroiditis

This inflammatory condition affects the thyroid gland and can have various causes. In some cases, it results from autoimmune disorders, while in others, the cause remains unknown.

The inflammation can damage the thyroid, causing stored hormones to leak into the bloodstream and create symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Risk Factors

Several factors can raise your chance of getting hyperthyroidism:

  • Family history of thyroid problems, especially Graves’ disease.
  • Existing health conditions like pernicious anemia and primary adrenal insufficiency.
  • Recent pregnancy, which may trigger thyroiditis leading to hyperthyroidism.

Health Complications

Heart Issues

Overactive thyroid can seriously affect your heart health. People with untreated hyperthyroidism may develop:

  • Atrial fibrillation – an irregular heartbeat that increases stroke risk.
  • Heart failure – when your heart can’t pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs.

These heart problems can develop gradually and may become serious if the thyroid condition remains untreated.

Bone Weakness

Too much thyroid hormone in your body makes it difficult for calcium to stay in your bones. This leads to a condition called osteoporosis, where bones become fragile and break easily.

Eye Conditions

Thyroid eye disease is particularly prevalent among smokers. This affects tissues around the eyes and may cause:

  • Bulging eyes
  • Gritty feeling in the eyes
  • Eye pain or pressure
  • Puffy or pulled-back eyelids
  • Red or inflamed eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Double vision

Without proper treatment, these eye problems can lead to vision loss.

Skin Changes

In rare cases, particularly with Graves’ disease, skin may become discolored and swollen. This condition often affects the shins and feet.

Thyroid Storm

This rare but dangerous condition requires emergency care. Symptoms include:

  • High fever
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Dehydration
  • Mental confusion
  • Delirium

Thyroid storm can be life-threatening and needs immediate medical attention.

Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.