Hyperthyroidism, better known as an overactive thyroid, has a sneaky way of flying under the radar, often until its symptoms start interfering with your daily life.
At The Endocrine Center in Houston, Texas, our thyroid specialists understand the significant impact this condition can have on your health and overall well-being. That’s why catching the signs early is so important. With the right treatment, you can take back control and feel like yourself again.
If you’re curious about what to look for, keep reading as we break down the signs into three key categories to help you stay informed and proactive.
Hyperthyroidism often causes noticeable physical changes that can be early indicators of the condition. These are easy to spot due to their impact on the body’s appearance or basic functions.
Many people with hyperthyroidism experience sudden weight loss despite maintaining or even increasing their appetite. This occurs because excess thyroid hormone accelerates your metabolism, causing your body to burn more calories than it usually would.
An enlarged thyroid gland, known as a goiter, may develop, causing noticeable swelling in the neck area. If you experience a sensation of fullness or discomfort in this region, call us.
Thyroid hormone imbalances can impact hair health, resulting in thinning hair, hair loss, or brittle strands. This sign is commonly dismissed as stress-related but could point to an overactive thyroid.
Physical symptoms like these are often the first clues that lead people to seek medical advice. Identifying them early can prevent more extensive complications down the line.
Your thyroid helps regulate your body’s energy and emotional well-being. When thyroid hormone production goes into overdrive, symptoms related to energy and mood often surface.
Excessive thyroid hormones can overstimulate your nervous system, leading to feelings of nervousness and irritability. You might find yourself feeling on edge or anxious without any apparent cause.
Hyperthyroidism often disrupts restful sleep. You may have trouble falling asleep, stay awake during odd hours, or feel unusually restless at night.
Ironically, although hyperthyroidism can leave you feeling jittery or highly energetic, it also causes muscle weakness and fatigue over time. Simple tasks like climbing stairs or lifting kids could become more challenging.
These psychological and energy-related symptoms often accompany the physical signs noted above, painting a bigger picture of thyroid overactivity.
Hyperthyroidism also places stress on many of your body’s systems, particularly your heart and digestive system. These symptoms can sometimes go unnoticed but may become more pronounced as the condition progresses.
Heart palpitations or a speedy heartbeat are common signs of thyroid overactivity. Some people report feeling their heart racing or skipping beats, even at rest.
Because thyroid hormone plays a role in metabolism and digestion, hyperthyroidism can accelerate digestive processes, leading to more frequent trips to the restroom or loose stools.
An increase in body temperature sensitivity, paired with excessive sweating, is another hallmark symptom. You might feel uncomfortably warm even when others are comfortable or cold.
These internal disruptions may coincide with the physical and emotional symptoms we noted.
If you suspect an overactive thyroid, The Endocrine Center is here to help. Our board-certified experts can provide personalized care and treatment options at three convenient Houston locations.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact The Endocrine Center today.
