By Yolanda Smith, BPharm
Many patients do not experience or report symptoms in the early stages of hyperthyroidism. As a result, the condition might not be diagnosed until it progresses enough to trigger symptoms.
Eventually, the abnormally higher concentration of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), can easily trigger adjustments in the function of the physique and cause the presentation of symptoms. The regular symptoms of hyperthyroidism can easily be categorized in to several main areas.
Appearance
One of the a lot of distinctive signs of hyperthyroidism is an enlarged thyroid gland or nodules protruding from the gland. This is known as a goiter, and is a visible enlargement of the thyroid, at the reduced front of the neck.
Other signs that might be visible in the appearance of an afflicted personal contain hair loss, sweating and tremor or shaking of the hands. Sweaty and clammy skin, or flushing of the skin, are additionally linked to the condition. Much less commonly, men along with hyperthyroidism might notice some progression of breast tissue.
Hyperthyroidism or over energetic thyroid. Hyperthyreosis. Signs and Symptoms thyroid dysfunction – Image Copyright: Designua / Shutterstock
Cognitive Symptoms
Many patients along with hyperthyroidism might additionally report adjustments in their cognition. They might have actually difficulty concentrating and get hold of tired much more easily compared to usual. Additionally, they might feel restless, nervous or anxious, and might have actually regular mood swings. Hyperactivity is common, and some people additionally have actually difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
One of the main functions of the thyroid hormones is keeping typical metabolism, and, as a result, hyperthyroidism is linked to significantly increased appetite. Despite consuming much more compared to usual, Numerous patients shed weight as a result of their increased metabolic rate, and have actually much more regular bowel movements for the exact same reason. However, some patients along with hyperthyroidism fatten very compared to shed weight.
Less commonly, some patients might report irregular bowel movements or Various other gastrointestinal effects, including nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Other Common Symptoms
In addition, there are Various other symptoms that might be associated along with hyperthyroidism. These include:
- Intolerance to heat
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Heart palpitations
- Hypertension
- Itchy or irritated eyes
- Exophthalmos (protruding eyes)
- Weakness in hip and shoulder joints
- Muscle weakness
Importance of Symptoms for Diagnosis
Patient-reported symptoms are usually the initial indicator of hyperthyroidism. Further investigation is called for to diagnose the condition as quickly as a patient presents along with symptoms that might be indicative of hyperthyroidism.
It is essential that these symptoms be recognized to make certain that the diagnostic procedure can easily be initiated earlier, to enable the patient to be treated in a timely manner. This can easily recommendations to avoid the improvement of symptoms and allow the condition to be managed appropriately.
Signs of hyperthyroidism
A hyperactive thyroid gland accelerates the activity of a lot of organs in the body, making signs which might be read by all:
- High blood pressure
- High heart rate
- Swelling about the eyes
- Hyperactive reflexes
- Changes in the nails, hair or skin
- Pretibial myxedema, which produces a thickening and redness over the tibia, especially in Graves’ disease
Reviewed by Dr Liji Thomas, MD.