In most cases, symptoms will begin somewhere between the ages of 20 and 40, though they can start at any age, including in childhood. An overactive thyroid gland occurs most frequently in white and Asian people, and less frequently in African-Caribbean people.
Hyperthyroidism can affect anyone at any age, though it tends to occur more frequently in women in their 30s and 40s and in those who have a family history of autoimmune disease. There are several causes of hyperthyroidism, most commonly Graves' disease.
An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause a wide range of symptoms, although it's unlikely you'll experience all of them. The symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly. For some people they're mild, but for others they can be severe and significantly affect their life.
This condition happens when the thyroid gland becomes inflamed. In some cases, it's due to an autoimmune disorder. In others, the reason for it is unclear. The inflammation can cause extra thyroid hormone stored in the thyroid gland to leak into the bloodstream and cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms include weight loss, increased heart rate, nervousness, and sweating.
What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism? In older adults, hyperthyroidism is sometimes mistaken for depression link or dementia link. Older adults may have different symptoms, such as loss of appetite or withdrawal from people, than younger adults with hyperthyroidism.
If there is too much thyroid hormone, your body functions speed up. Subclinical hyperthyroidism is a mild form of hyperthyroidism. “Subclinical” means that you do not have any symptoms, or that your symptoms are mild.
An overactive thyroid can affect anyone, but it's about 10 times more common in women than men, and typically happens between 20 and 40 years of age.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism
mood swings – such as anxiety, irritability and nervousness. difficulty sleeping (insomnia) feeling tired all the time (fatigue) muscle weakness.
An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) is usually treatable. You'll usually be referred to a specialist in hormonal conditions (endocrinologist) who will plan your treatment.
The earliest symptoms result from an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). These symptoms may last for up to 3 months. Symptoms are often mild, and may include: Fatigue, feeling weak.
Hyperthyroidism is commonly associated with stress, which makes many people ask, "Can stress cause hyperthyroidism?" In short, no. Current evidence¹ does not support the claim that stress can directly cause hyperthyroidism; but it certainly can make existing hyperthyroidism, and other thyroid conditions, far worse.
In its mildest form, hyperthyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms; however, in some patients, excess thyroid hormone and the resulting effects on the body can have significant consequences.
If hyperthyroidism isn't treated, it can cause some serious health problems, including: An irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart problems. An eye disease called Graves' ophthalmopathy. It can cause double vision, light sensitivity, and eye pain.
For many people, hyperthyroidism is a chronic, or lifelong, condition. Once it's treated, you must recheck your thyroid levels to ensure you're getting the correct amount of medication.
Hyperthyroidism caused by thyroiditis is usually temporary and goes away within eight to 12 weeks. Because we cannot make this hyperthyroidism go away any faster, treatment focuses on medications to control any symptoms (like palpitations and anxiety) until the condition goes away on its own.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when an overactive thyroid produces too many hormones. Symptoms can include panic attacks, anxiety, tension, sleep disturbances, mood swings, a short temper, and impatience.
This condition is most often found in young to middle-aged women. It also tends to run in families. Toxic nodular goiter. This condition happens when 1 or more lumps (nodules) of the thyroid gland become too active.
In general, people with hyperthyroidism have a good quality of life, with no particular limitations in terms of diet, exercise, work or sexual activity. During the active symptomatic phase of hyperthyroidism, the medical team may recommend avoiding strenuous physical exercise.
This can be life-threatening and is a medical emergency. If you're experiencing symptoms of thyroid storm, such as feeling very agitated and confused and having a high fever, get to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. Although it may sound scary, thyrotoxicosis is a manageable and treatable condition.
Subclinical hyperthyroidism happens when you have a low or undetectable thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level with normal thyroid hormone levels. It usually doesn't cause symptoms, and it may or may not require treatment.
Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of an overactive thyroid. He or she will check for an enlarged thyroid gland, rapid pulse, moist skin, eye changes, and a slight tremor in your fingers or hand.
Too much iodine can make hyperthyroidism worse by leading the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone. A person with hyperthyroidism should avoid eating excessive amounts of iodine-rich foods, such as: iodized salt. fish and shellfish.