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Understanding Hyperthyroidism Symptoms

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroxine, leading to symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and mood swings. Common causes include Graves' disease, thyroid nodules, and thyroiditis. Symptoms may vary, especially in older adults, and certain medications can mask the signs of the condition.

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22 views1 page

Understanding Hyperthyroidism Symptoms

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroxine, leading to symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and mood swings. Common causes include Graves' disease, thyroid nodules, and thyroiditis. Symptoms may vary, especially in older adults, and certain medications can mask the signs of the condition.

Uploaded by

MaePornelaGomez
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Overview.

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) occurs when your thyroid gland


produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate your
body's metabolism, causing unintentional weight loss and a rapid or irregular
heartbeat.

Hyperthyroidism Signs and Symptoms


Common signs include:

Nervousness, anxiety, or crankiness


Mood swings
Fatigue or weakness
Sensitivity to heat
A swollen thyroid (called a goiter). You might see swelling at the base of your
neck.
Losing weight suddenly, without trying
Fast or uneven heartbeat or palpitations (pounding in your heart)
Having more bowel movements
Shaking in your hands and fingers (tremor)
Sleep problems
Thinning skin
Fine, brittle hair
Changes in your menstrual cycle

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If you�re an older adult, you�re more likely to have subtle symptoms like a faster
heart rate or being more sensitive to warm temperatures. Or you could just feel
more tired after everyday activities.

Certain medicines can mask the signs of hyperthyroidism. If you take beta-blockers
to treat high blood pressure or another condition, you might not know you have it.
Be sure your doctor knows about all the medications you take.

When you first get hyperthyroidism, you may feel energetic. This is because your
metabolism is sped up. But over time, this increase in your metabolism can break
your body down and cause you to feel tired.

Usually, hyperthyroidism develops slowly. If you�re young when you get it, the
symptoms might come on suddenly.

Hyperthyroidism Causes
Several conditions can cause hyperthyroidism.

Graves� disease. This immune system disorder is the most common cause of
hyperthyroidism. It�s more likely to affect women under the age of 40.
Thyroid nodules. These lumps of tissue in your thyroid can become overactive,
creating too much thyroid hormone.
Thyroiditis. An infection or an immune system problem can cause your thyroid to
swell and leak hormones. This is often followed by hypothyroidism, in which your
thyroid doesn�t make enough hormones. These conditions are usually temporary.

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