Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid): 12 Common Symptoms
Excess thyroid hormone (T₃/T₄) accelerates basal metabolic rate across organ systems.
- Cardiovascular: Tachycardia, palpitations, atrial fibrillation, widened pulse pressure, high-output heart failure.
- Neuropsychiatric: Anxiety, irritability, tremor, insomnia, hyperreflexia, psychosis (rare).
- Metabolic: Weight loss despite increased appetite; heat intolerance, diaphoresis; diarrhea/steatorrhea.
- Musculoskeletal: Proximal myopathy, osteopenia, accelerated bone turnover.
- Reproductive: Oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea (women); gynecomastia, erectile dysfunction (men).
- Dermatologic: Warm, moist skin; fine hair; onycholysis (Plummer's nails); pretibial myxedema (Graves').
- Ophthalmic (Graves'): Proptosis, lid lag, diplopia, corneal exposure, optic neuropathy.
Diagnosis
Low TSH + high free T₄/T₃. Etiology: Graves' (TSI+), toxic multinodular goiter, toxic adenoma, thyroiditis, factitious, amiodarone-induced.
Treatment
- Thionamides (methimazole, PTU).
- Radioactive iodine (¹³¹I) ablation.
- Thyroidectomy.
- Beta-blockers for symptom control.
Early treatment prevents thyrotoxic crisis (storm).
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