15 Telltale Signs of Hyperactive Thyroid

It's important to be aware of the signs of a hyperactive thyroid so that you can begin treating the condition as soon as possible.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much hormone. Although it is just a small gland located at the base of the neck, the thyroid is the workhorse of the endocrine system. It controls the body’s metabolism, heart rate, breathing, body weight and temperature, and nervous system.

Doctor: Your Tiny Thyroid Linked to Heart, Obesity, Diabetes, Arthritis and 59 Diseases! More Info Here

According to Endocrine Web, a hyperactive thyroid gland speeds up the body’s processes considerably.

Mayo Clinic and WebMD list these common signs of overactive thyroid:

1. Sudden weight loss despite no changes in appetite or even an increased appetite and greater food intake
2. Nervousness, anxiety, and irritability
3. Trouble sleeping
4. Trembling in the hands and fingers
5. Increased heart rate or heart palpitations
6. Fatigue and muscle weakness
7. Intolerance to heat
8. Sweating
9. Dry, brittle hair
10. Goiter, or an enlarged thyroid gland that can look like swelling in the neck
11. Bulging eyes (especially if hyperactive thyroid is due to Graves’ disease)
12. Frequent, loose bowel movements
13. Double vision
14. Rapidly growing fingernails
15. Less frequent and lighter menstrual periods

Urgent: Dr. Brownstein Reveals Important Thyroid Information You Need to Know

Even if you have some or many of these signs of hyperactive thyroid, WebMD cautions that these symptoms can also be due to unrelated other medical conditions.

Hyperthyroidism should be diagnosed by a physician based on not only your symptoms, but also the results of a blood test that measures the amount of thyroid hormones in your blood. As confirmation, your physician may also recommend a thyroid scan and thyroid ultrasound.

Proper treatment of hyperactive thyroid will alleviate many of these telltale signs of the disorder. Treatment usually involves prescription medications that block the production of excess thyroid hormone. In more severe cases, radioactive iodine therapy may be indicated to damage the cells in the thyroid that produce too much hormone. In any case, the treatment will depend on your age, overall health, and any other medical conditions you may have.

Special: Real Truth About Iodized Salt. The Food Industry Doesn't Want You to Know This!

Related Stories:

• Thyroid Disease: What Is Hyperthyroidism?
  
• 5 Ways to Naturally Balance Your Thyroid