Quick Facts on Hyperthyroidism and Its Symptoms

Thyroid hormones are manufactured by the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland located at the lower part of the neck. These hormones include triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Both of these hormones stimulates metabolism and is essential for normal cell function. It regulates the amount of calories our body burns, our body’s temperature and our body weight. It also has a direct effect on the heart, the muscles and bones. Normally, these hormones are secreted in substantial amounts to aid in many bodily functions. Hyperthyroidism occurs when there is overproduction of either T3 or T4, or both hormones. This results in the “speeding up” of various functions of the body. There are also cases wherein the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are absent and the condition may be discovered accidentally by the doctor when a person is tested for another reason.

Hyperthyroidism can be caused by a number of clinical conditions. Most cases are caused by Grave’s disease, wherein the body’s own immune system tends to attack the thyroid gland. The thyroid responds by producing more hormones and the condition aggravates. Grave’s disease is also hereditary like many other thyroid problems. Hyperthyroidism can also be caused by thyroid nodules or small growths in the thyroid. High levels of thyroid hormones can also occur because of thyroiditis or inflammation of the thyroid. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can also manifest by taking in amiodarone, an anti-arrhythmic drug, and over-consumption of thyroid hormone tablets. In some cases, women who gave birth after a year can experience postpartum thyroiditis, which leads to symptoms of thyroid problems.

The signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism are very gradual at the beginning. Patients don’t often realize their symptoms until it becomes severe. It can take weeks or even months before they realize the severity of their condition. In older patients, some or even all of the symptoms may not be present. Common symptoms of this condition would include:

• Excessive sweating and warm, itchy and red skin. Patients with hyperthyroidism often feel hotter (heat intolerance) and tend to sweat profusely.

• A feeling of nervousness and agitation is also evident. Patients can experience anxiety attacks and become easily upset and irritable.

• A feeling of weakness, tiredness or fatigue usually at the end of the day is also another sign. Muscle weakness is also another obvious symptom.

• Tremors or fine trembling of the hands.
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping.

• Fast heart rate (tachycardia), irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), hard pounding of the heart (palpitations).

• Breathing difficulties or breathlessness.

• Increased bowel movements than usual.

• Scant or absent menstrual flow or pattern.

• Hair loss is also a common symptom.

• Decreased mental concentration and a staring gaze.

• Loss of weight regardless of increased appetite.

• Enlarged thyroid gland or goiter, which usually appears as a swelling at the base of the neck.

• In severe untreated cases of hyperthyroidism, a “thyroid storm” can occur. This is a serious condition that includes high blood pressure, fever and heart failure.

• There are also rare instances where a problem called Grave’s opthalmopathy occurs. This unusual symptom of hyperthyroidism includes protrusion of the eyeballs, red or swollen eyes, excess tearing or discomfort, sensitivity to light, blurred or double vision, and reduced eye movement.