Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormones than the body needs. The thyroid gland is a gland (shaped like a butterfly) that is found below your Adam’s apple in the front of the windpipe. It secretes thyroid hormones that are responsible for the regulation of many of the body’s functions including body temperature, metabolism, growth, and development. If your body produces too much of this hormone, your body’s metabolism may increase and cause excessive weight loss and an irregular heartbeat. You may also experience difficulty sleeping, fatigue, nervousness, and heart palpitations. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is caused by an autoimmune disorder known as Graves’s disease. 20 million people in the United States have a thyroid-related disease with women 5-8 times more likely to develop hyperthyroidism than men. While this disease is a chronic life-long condition, symptoms can be managed with prompt medical attention and treatment.
The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are different for each person and may mimic other illnesses or diseases. Older people may not show any symptoms of hyperthyroidism but may be misdiagnosed with depression or dementia. Sometimes, a goiter may form making the neck look abnormally swollen and is caused by an enlarged thyroid. If you have Grave’s disease, you may experience ophthalmopathy (bulging eyes) and develop thick, red skin on your shins and tops of the feet (Grave’s dermopathy). Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Weight loss
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Shaky hands
- Rapid heartbeat
- Irregular heartbeat
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Sleeping problems
- Mood swings