While many people are aware of the symptoms associated with an underactive thyroid, few know about hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid. Hyperthyroidism is often caused by Graves’ Disease, which is an autoimmune disease that produces antibodies which cause an overproduction of thyroid hormones. There are many other causes of an overactive thyroid, however. Being aware of hyperthyroidism symptoms and risk factors is very important to diagnosing the condition.
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms
For some people, symptoms of hyperthyroidism can be very hard to identify, whereas others notice them right away. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism usually begin slowly and progress over time. This is because an overactive thyroid causes the metabolism to increase. Common hyperthyroidism symptoms include:
- a decrease in weight, despite not making any lifestyle changes
- an increase in appetite
- irregular or rapid heartbeat
- increase in bowel movements
- trembling of the hands and fingers
- anxiety and irritability
- feeling hot and sweating more often
- a rash on the front of the shins
- decreased menstrual periods and menstrual flow
- osteoporosis
- muscle weakness
- difficulties sleeping
Risk Factors of an Overactive Thyroid
Anyone who experiences hyperthyroidism symptoms may be wondering if they are at risk for the condition. An overactive thyroid is eight times more common among women than it is among men, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Being between the ages of 20 and 40, having a family history of hyperthyroidism or Graves’ Disease, and smoking cigarettes are also risk factors of hyperthyroidism. Many women experience an overactive thyroid after giving birth, which is later followed by an underactive thyroid. Hyperthyroidism symptoms are more common among people who have a personal history of thyroid problems or goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland.
Treating Hyperthyroidism Symptoms
After an overactive thyroid has been diagnosed, the doctor will consider how severe the symptoms are and the cause of the condition. Based on these factors, he or she will decide which hyperthyroidism treatment option is best. Anti-thyroid medications are the most common option for treating hyperthyroidism symptoms by blocking the amount of hormones that the thyroid can produce. Radioiodine, thyroid removal surgery, and beta-blockers are all used as hyperthyroidism treatments. Many people who experience an overactive thyroid also require medications to treat an irregular heartbeat and may need to go on the birth control pill to regulate their menstrual periods.
Paying attention to the symptoms of an overactive thyroid is very important. Realizing that there is something wrong is the main key to establishing a diagnosis. Since symptoms are not always easy to recognize and can progress over time, people with one or more risk factors of the condition should take hyperthyroidism symptoms very seriously.
Sources:
The National Women’s Health Information Center
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
The American Thyroid Association
Jody Morse - Jody Morse is a freelance writer from the Poconos. She earned her B.A. in English from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania in ...
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