These Are Some of the Classic Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, also known as an overactive thyroid, can cause a variety of symptoms that range from mild to severe. These symptoms can include weight loss, increased heart rate and perspiration, anxiety and irritability, fatigue, hair loss, and changes in appetite or bowel movements.

Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss is one of the most common signs of hyperthyroidism. This occurs because the body’s metabolism increases due to the higher levels of thyroid hormones being produced by an overactive thyroid gland. As a result, you may notice that despite eating more than usual your weight still decreases drastically.

Increased Heart Rate and Perspiration: An overactive thyroid can cause your heart rate to increase, even when you’re not engaging in any physical activity. You may also perspire more than usual or experience hot flashes throughout the day.

Anxiety and Irritability: Hyperthyroidism can cause an increase in anxiety and irritability due to the increased levels of thyroid hormones present in your body. This can lead to a general feeling of unease and restlessness, as well as difficulty sleeping at night.

Fatigue: It is common for people with hyperthyroidism to experience fatigue despite their overactive metabolism. This is because although their bodies are burning more calories, they are unable to use this energy efficiently due to the hormonal imbalance caused by an overactive thyroid gland.

Hair Loss: An overactive thyroid can cause thinning of the hair and overall hair loss. This is due to the hormonal imbalance caused by hyperthyroidism, which affects the normal cycle of hair growth.

Changes in Appetite or Bowel Movements: Hyperthyroidism can cause changes in appetite, with some people reporting increased hunger while others report decreased hunger. It can also lead to frequent bowel movements or diarrhea.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Hyperthyroidism can be managed through medication and lifestyle changes such as diet modification and stress reduction. With proper treatment, most people with hyperthyroidism are able to lead normal, healthy lives. It’s important to remember that these symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions, so it is best to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

After diagnosis, your doctor may recommend medications such as propylthiouracil (PTU) or methimazole (MMI) to reduce the levels of thyroid hormone in your body. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet and reducing stress can help manage symptoms. Your doctor may also suggest supplements like selenium and zinc to improve thyroid health. If you’re taking medication for hyperthyroidism, it’s important to take it regularly as prescribed by your doctor.

Hyperthyroidism can be a difficult condition to live with, but with the right medical care and lifestyle changes it is possible to lead a normal life. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. With the right treatment, most people with hyperthyroidism can effectively manage their symptoms and lead healthy lives.