The signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include:-
Sudden unexplained weight loss despite normal appetite and food intake
Heart symptoms may be rapid heart rate (tachycardia), irregular heart rate (arrhythmia) or pounding of your heart (palpitations)
Anxiety, irritability, nervousness and a fine tremor
Increased sensitivity to heat and increased sweating
More frequent bowel movements
Fatigue, sleeping difficulty and muscle weakness
Enlargement of thyroid gland (a condition known as goiter) which looks like an inflammation at the base of the neck is a characteristic sign of hyperthyroidism
Grave’s ophthalmopathy may be seen. It is characterized by protruding eyeballs, red or swollen eyes, excessive tearing or discomfort in one or both eyes, increased sensitivity to light, double or blurred vision and reduced eye movement
Hyperthyroidism can be diagnosed on the basis of medical history, physical examination and blood tests. The blood tests are done to check the levels of thyroid hormone, thyroxine, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and measurement of specific antibodies like anti-TSH receptor antibodies.
High level of thyroxine and low level (or absence) of TSH indicate hyperthyroidism. If the condition is diagnosed then either radioactive iodine uptake test or thyroid scan is recommended.
If the condition is diagnosed and treated, the prognosis is good but if it is not treated it can be serious. If hyperthyroidism is due to Grave’s disease it can lead to many complications.
Hyperthyroidism can cause heart rhythm disorders like atrial fibrillation or congestive heart failure, brittle bones, red and edematous skin, eye problems and thyrotoxic crisis.
If there are any symptoms of thyroiditis then it is better to seek medical help and it is important to specifically explain the symptoms and changes occurred.
