9 symptoms of hyperthyroidism you should know

A vital part of the endocrine system, the thyroid aids in the production of many important hormones and in the proper functioning of the human system. Shaped like a butterfly, the gland sits gracefully just above the clavicle in the neck. There are a number of plausible thyroid diseases and disorders that can affect the normal function of the gland.

The two most common disorders are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. The first marks a condition in which the gland produces thyroid hormones against the necessary amounts. The latter, on the other hand, is a condition in which the gland does not produce sufficient amounts of necessary hormones. Understanding the symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is a good way to diagnose the problem.

Although hypothyroidism is more common than its counterpart, knowing the symptoms of hyperthyroidism is just as important.

Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism

Sleep disorder and fatigue – People with hyperthyroidism have a hard time falling asleep too easily and therefore feel more tired and exhausted. An overactive thyroid causes insomnia due to restlessness and anxiety, and makes it difficult to sleep.

Weightloss – One of the main symptoms of hyperthyroidism is weight loss. It does not matter if a person eats their normal diet or more than usual, with hyperthyroidism they constantly lose weight.

Mood swings and mental changes – In hyperthyroidism, a person is more likely to experience anxiety and panic attacks; you usually feel like you can’t relax at all. Also, the presence of excessive amounts of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream causes difficulty in concentrating.

Muscle pain – The condition is known to cause a variety of joint and muscle problems, generally including holding objects firmly, reaching arms overhead, and even climbing stairs.

Irregular periods and infertility – Those who experience infrequent, shorter, and lighter periods are likely to have infertility problems. Having regular and normal periods is very important.

Skin changes and hair loss – The condition of hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss usually on the head and even lead to thin and fragile skin.

Cholesterol levels – With this disorder, most people are likely to experience unusually low cholesterol levels.

Blood pressure levels – In the presence of hyperthyroidism, the upper systolic value of the blood pressure reading increases, while the diastolic or lower reading remains constant or low.

Heart rate – The heart beats faster than usual and a person is likely to experience a heartbeat or palpitations. Immediate attention is recommended.

Besides these, excessive alcohol consumption, regular smoking, lethargic lifestyle and unbalanced diet are some of the causes of hyperthyroidism, leading to the appearance of these symptoms listed above.