Hyperthyroidism

November 30, 2022 - Understand what happens when your thyroid is overactive and learn about treatment for this condition.

Read about the symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), which include anxiety, hyperactivity and feeling tired all the time.

An overactive thyroid can affect anyone, but it's about 10 times more common in women than men, and typically happens between 20 and 40 years of age. An overactive thyroid can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This disorder occurs in about 1% of all Americans and affects women much more often than men. In its mildest form, hyperthyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms; however, in some patients, excess thyroid hormone and the resulting effects on the body can have significant consequences.

This can happen if people who take thyroid hormone medicine for hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) take too much of it. You are at higher risk for hyperthyroidism if you: ... Have pernicious anemia, in which the body cannot make enough healthy red blood cells because it does not have enough vitamin B12 · Have type 1 diabetes or primary adrenal insufficiency, a hormonal disorder · Get too much iodine, from eating large amounts of foods containing iodine or using iodine-containing medicines or supplements · The symptoms of hyperthyroidism can vary from person to person and may include:

If left untreated over time, the consequences can be severe and even life-threatening. Untreated overacting thyroid can lead to an elevated heart rate, dangerous arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, or even congestive heart failure.

March 26, 2025 - Women are 10 times more likely to have an overactive thyroid gland than men. In most cases, symptoms will begin somewhere between the ages of 20 and 40, though they can start at any age, including in childhood.

It normally starts with “hyper” symptoms, then gradually goes to the other extreme. It’s very common and in the majority of cases, gets better on its own without hormone replacement. Still, some patients may need to follow up to make sure they haven’t developed hypothyroidism. Thyroid nodules: These are also very common. But unless they’re very large, they’re usually not visible and are often caught incidentally on scans. If you have thyroid nodules that are overactive and independently generating excess thyroid hormone, though, they can be managed with medication, radioactive iodine or sometimes surgery.

Thyroid nodules (growths in the thyroid gland). These can sometimes make large amounts of thyroid hormones, causing symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Overactive thyroid nodules are usually large (an inch or more in size) and can be big enough to feel in the neck.

June 2, 2025 - The thyroid gland has a big effect on a female reproductive system. The gland can cause problems if it is overactive (hyperthyroid). It can cause problems if it is underactive (hypothyroid). These conditions cause an imbalance in hormone levels. They can have these effects: Join endocrinologist Paul Ladenson, M.D., as he outlines the signs and symptoms ...

June 28, 2023 - Other symptoms include coughing, trouble swallowing or breathing, or tightness in your throat. In females, hyperthyroidism may cause preeclampsia, thyroid storm, or miscarriage. In babies, hyperthyroidism may cause premature birth, rapid heart rate, or low birth weight. An overactive thyroid may cause symptoms that mimic menopause and other health issues.

When all systems are constantly in “go mode,” your whole body may spin out of control. You might feel nervous, anxious and jittery—sans caffeine! Difficulty concentrating. Just as too little thyroid hormone can cause foggy thinking, too ...

The thyroid is a small gland in your neck. It lies in front of your windpipe (trachea). It makes hormones that affect things such as your heart rate and body temperature. An overactive thyroid can cause many symptoms, including:

March 20, 2025 - If you are taking medicine for hyperthyroidism, see your doctor if you notice new symptoms or if your symptoms get worse. This might be a sign that your thyroid hormones are too low, and your doctor may need to change your dose. FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services. Your doctor will check your neck to see if your thyroid is larger than normal, or if there are any lumps in your neck. They will also look for other signs of an overactive thyroid such as a fast heart rate.

Hyperthyroidism, (hy-pur-THY-roi-diz-uhm) or overactive thyroid, causes your thyroid to make more thyroid hormone than your body needs. This speeds up many of your body's functions, like your metabolism and heart rate. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease. Graves' disease is a problem with the immune system. At first, you might not notice the signs or symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

1 week ago - Hyperthyroidism develops when your body has too much thyroid hormone. Your thyroid gland, located at the base of your neck, produces hormones that control how the cells in your body use energy. When your thyroid is overactive, you may experience weight loss, changes in your heart rate, nervousness, ...

July 28, 2023 - Hyperthyroidism means that your thyroid gland is making too much thyroid hormone. You may also hear the term thyrotoxicosis. This also means there is too much thyroid hormone in your body. ... Everyone is different and you may not have all the symptoms.

Around two in every 100 women will experience some degree of hyperthyroidism. The most common cause is Graves' disease, which is due to an immune system abnormality. Other causes of an overactive thyroid include local inflammation (thyroiditis), nodules or lumps.

June 2, 2025 - There are several types of thyroid blood tests, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), T3 and T4, and thyroid antibodies. Imaging tests: Imaging tests, like a thyroid ultrasound, help your provider look for nodules (lumps) and/or goiter. Nuclear medicine imaging like a thyroid uptake and scan can help show if nodules are overactive.

June 20, 2015 - Menstrual changes and infertility. Women may notice lighter or missed periods, and may have trouble becoming pregnant. If you notice these symptoms, call your doctor and ask about having your thyroid tested.