An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) is when thethyroid glandmakes more hormones than you need.
The two main hormones secreted by the thyroid are thyroxine (T4) andtriiodothyronine(T3).
Thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH), which comes from the pituitary gland, regulates these hormones.
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Having too many thyroid hormones can affect your body in multiple ways.
This article covers the symptoms, causes, and treatment of an overactive thyroid.
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Common Symptoms With Overactive Thyroid
Thyroid hormones affect the way your body uses energy.
Weight Loss and Increased Appetite
An overactive thyroid speeds upmetabolism, so you burn calories faster.
It also boosts your appetite.
If you take in more calories, you might not lose weight.
The more severe the hyperthyroidism, the greater the weight loss.
Thyroid hormones have a significant impact onheartfunction and structure.
Hyperthyroidism increases heart rate and can causepalpitationsand abnormal heart rhythms, includingatrial fibrillation (AFib).
Shakiness and Trembling
You might have trouble keeping a steady hand.
Overstimulated nerves can lead to shaking, twitching, and trembling, which are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
About 75% of people with an overactive thyroid havetremors, which may affect the hands and arms.
Combining a sped-up metabolism and sleep problems can lead to ongoing fatigue.
Other eye symptoms can include puffiness, watering, and double vision.
Symptom Variations
Most people don’t have all symptoms; some may be more severe than others.
In older adults, an overactive thyroid can look a lot likedepression.
Older adults are also more likely to experience loss of appetite and social withdrawal.
Thyrotoxicosisis an excessive release of thyroid hormones.
Athyroid stormis severe thyrotoxicosis.
It can also lead to a thyroid storm.
Why Do Some People Have an Overactive Thyroid?
Other causes include:
Hyperthyroidism is more common in females and people older than 60.
Untreatedhyperthyroidism in pregnancycan cause:
Does Treatment Reverse an Overactive Thyroid?
However, many people will need to take medicine longer or for life.
You may have to take them for one or two years or longer.
Beta-blockers (metoprolol or propranolol) don’t treat hyperthyroidism.
They can help manage nervousness, rapid heartbeat, and hand tremors.
Surgery and Treatment for Severe Overactive Thyroid Complications
You may needsurgeryto remove the thyroid gland.
Another option is to destroy the thyroid withradioactive iodine.
Because surgery and radioactive iodine stop the production of thyroid hormones, you’ll havehypothyroidism.
You’ll need to take synthetic thyroid hormones for the rest of your life.
These foods can cause the thyroid to produce too much thyroid hormone.
Exerciseis important to overall health and may help with some symptoms.
An overactive thyroid affects the heart and cardiovascular system.This can put too much strain on the heart.
Consult a healthcare provider before starting a new or more strenuous exercise routine.
Symptoms can include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and bulging eyes.
Heart problems, eye problems, and osteoporosis are potential complications.
It’s particularly dangerous during pregnancy.
Antithyroid medicines can help get your hormones back in balance.
But in some cases, you may need surgery to remove the thyroid gland.
Radioactive iodine therapy to stop the thyroid from working is another option.
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