Overview
Hyperthyroidism means the thyroid gland is overactive and makes too much thyroid hormone, speeding up the body's processes. It causes weight loss despite a good appetite, a racing heart, tremor, heat intolerance and anxiety. It is more common in women and is usually well controlled with medicines, and sometimes with radioactive iodine or surgery. Because an untreated overactive thyroid can strain the heart, symptoms like a persistent fast or irregular heartbeat should be checked.
Symptoms
- Weight loss despite eating well
- A fast or irregular heartbeat and palpitations
- Feeling hot, sweaty and restless
- Trembling hands and anxiety
- Frequent stools, and, in some, bulging eyes or a neck swelling
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for unexplained weight loss with a racing heart, tremor or heat intolerance, so thyroid levels can be checked.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- A very fast or irregular heartbeat with high fever, agitation or confusion — a thyroid emergency, seek care immediately
Causes
Most often Graves' disease (an autoimmune condition), overactive thyroid nodules, or thyroid inflammation.