What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

Thyroid hormone generally controls the pace of all of the processes in

the body. This pace is called your metabolism. If there is too much

thyroid hormone, every function of the body tends to speed up. It is

not surprising then that some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are

nervousness, irritability, increased perspiration, heart racing, hand

tremors, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, thinning of your skin, fine brittle hair,

and muscular weakness—especially in the upper arms and thighs. You

may have more frequent bowel movements, but diarrhea is uncommon.

You may lose weight despite a good appetite and, for women, menstrual

flow may lighten and menstrual periods may occur less often.

Hyperthyroidism usually begins slowly. At first, the symptoms may be

mistaken for simple nervousness due to stress. If you have been trying

to lose weight by dieting, you may be pleased with your success until

the hyperthyroidism, which has quickened the weight loss, causes other

problems.

In Graves’ disease, which is the most common form of hyperthyroidism,

the eyes may look enlarged because the upper lids are elevated.

Sometimes, one or both eyes may bulge. Some patients have swelling

of the front of the neck from an enlarged thyroid gland (a goiter).