From weight loss to irregular periods, these are the signs of hyperthyroidism to look for
If your mysterious weight loss, sudden intolerance to heat, and noticeably irregular period has you scouring the internet for the reasons why, you’ve probably wondered if your symptoms are the result of hyperthyroidism.
It’s estimated that 1% of Americans over the age of 12 have hyperthyroidism (also known as an overactive thyroid), a condition that occurs when your body produces more thyroid hormone than normal, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
The symptoms of hyperthyroidism tend to arise in a few different areas of the body, and because they often resemble that of other health concerns, an official diagnosis should always come from your healthcare provider. Here’s what experts need you to know about hyperthyroidism.
What happens when a person has hyperthyroidism?
We need thyroid hormone for all sorts of essential metabolic processes — it helps your body to convert food into energy, regulate body temperature, and make sure your organs are functioning at tip top shape, per the American Thyroid Association.
When there’s an excess amount of thyroid hormone in the body, hyperthyroidism causes your organs to enter into a constant state of stimulation, says Dr. Jawairia Shakil, MD, an endocrinologist at Houston Methodist Hospital and assistant professor of clinical medicine at the Houston Methodist Academic Institute and Weill Cornell Medical College.
Unintentional weight loss, shakes and tremors, heart palpitations, and heat intolerance are among some of the telltale signs of hyperthyroidism, says Dr. Erik Alexander, MD, the chief of the thyroid section at Brigham and Women's Hospital and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
Hyperthyroidism has also been linked to an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), irregular menstrual cycles, high blood pressure, brittle hair, and more prominent eyes, per Johns Hopkins Medicine. It’s even possible for the condition to interfere with mood, concentration, and ability to get a good night’s sleep, adds Shakil.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms out of the ordinary, always seek advice from your healthcare provider. Hyperthyroidism is typically confirmed through lab tests that measure your body’s level of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormones (TSH), says Shakil.
What is the number one cause of hyperthyroidism?
Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, says Dr. Amy S. Chang, MD, a clinical associate professor of medicine and head of the division of Diabetes & Endocrinology at Scripps Clinic in San Diego. It’s an autoimmune condition that prompts the body’s immune system to attack the thyroid gland, leading to the excess production of thyroid hormone, according to Mayo Clinic.
There’s a bunch of factors that make you more susceptible to developing Graves’ disease, like your age, genetics, sex, and whether you smoke. Women, people with another autoimmune condition (like type 1 diabetes), and people between the ages of 30 to 60 are all at a greater risk of developing Graves’ disease, per Mayo Clinic.
According to Chang, other possible causes of hyperthyroidism include: thyroiditis (thyroid inflammation), thyroid nodules (which produce more thyroid hormone), and consuming an excess amount of iodine. Taking levothyroxine (a medication used to correct hypothyroidism) could potentially lead to hyperthyroidism during earlier stages of treatment, adds Alexander. Having thyrotropinoma (a pituitary tumor that releases thyroid-stimulating hormone) could also cause hyperthyroidism, per Cleveland Clinic.
How do you fix hyperthyroidism?
If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to more serious health conditions, such as osteoporosis or a thyroid storm, says Chang. Having an irregular heartbeat also vastly increases your risk for stroke, blood clots and heart failure, per NIDDK. During pregnancy, untreated hyperthyroidism has been associated with preeclampsia, premature births, stillbirths, and the development of congenital heart defects, per the ATA.
These risks shouldn’t be taken lightly, but the good news is: “Most cases of hyperthyroidism are treatable, if not curable, and some of them will even self-resolve with appropriate follow up,” says Alexander.
There are numerous approaches to treating hyperthyroidism, from taking anti-thyroid medications to undergoing radioactive iodine therapy. In extreme cases, surgery can be performed to remove part or all of the thyroid gland, says Chang. Because treatment will always depend on the cause and severity of hyperthyroidism, working closely with your healthcare provider will help determine what’s best for your individual health needs.