The Top Ten Signs That You Have an Overactive Thyroid Gland

March 10, 2013

by Cathe Friedrich

The thyroid gland is located just beneath your voice box and one of its main functions is to control the rate at which your body burns the calories you consume. When the thyroid gland starts producing excessive amounts of hormones, a condition called hyperthyroidism develops. This is the opposite of hypothyroidism, in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. An overactive thyroid can be caused by inflammation, tumors, and a condition called Graves’ disease. Although it is relatively easy to treat hyperthyroidism, many people fail to recognize the main symptoms and therefore end up feeling mildly unwell for years. Read on to learn about the ten main signs that you should see a doctor to discuss whether you have hyperthyroidism.

1) Excessive sweating:

Sweating easily and excessively is one of the most common signs of an overactive thyroid. You might wake up drenched in sweat even when the weather is not particularly hot, or you might find that even a small amount of exercise leaves your clothes soaking.

2) Concentration problems:

Hyperthyroidism can cause a frustrating inability to concentrate, as well as a decreased ability to effectively make decisions. Your thoughts may race when you try to weigh up the factors that are relevant to the decision, and if you try to study or do paperwork then your mind may wander much more easily than usual.

3) A prominent swelling at your throat:

In some cases of hyperthyroidism, you will actually be able to see that the thyroid gland is swollen. This is called a ‘goiter’, and it can end up causing difficulties with swallowing (as well as frequent coughing and a hoarse voice).

4) Feeling restless and anxious:

Many people who have an overactive thyroid experience some emotional disturbances. Perhaps you used to be confident, but now frequently feel nervous and on edge. In addition, you may also find it hard to sit still without feeling the urge to change your position, fidget or walk around. If these symptoms persist for a long time, you should discuss them with your doctor. If you do not have hyperthyroidism, then nervousness and edginess may be taken as indications of an anxiety disorder.

5) Menstrual abnormalities:

Firstly, teenage girls with hyperthyroidism may not reach puberty or experience menstruation until later than the average age. Secondly, women with an overactive thyroid may find that their periods are lighter, infrequent, or entirely absent. If you have recently noticed these sorts of changes, report them to an appropriate medical professional. If your menstrual disturbances can’t be explained by hyperthyroidism, other hormonal and reproductive investigations may be suggested.

6) Frequent bowel movements:

If you used to have an average number of bowel movements and do not have a chronic problem that would explain a newly increased number, a marked increase in the frequency of bowel movements should be mentioned to your doctor. If hyperthyroidism is not the cause, your doctor will still be able to give you advice on what else may be causing changes in your digestive system.

7) Fatigue:

Regular and excessive tiredness is one of the main signs that you might have an overactive thyroid gland. You may find that you simply cannot do as much as you used to be able to do without feeling exhausted, and you might notice that you unintentionally fall asleep regularly. Problematically, however, this sort of fatigue is also a symptom of an underactive thyroid gland.

8) Increased sensitivity to heat:

People with hyperthyroidism often have poor tolerance of hot temperatures. This includes hot drinks as well as hot and humid weather and can involve feelings of panic and irritability in addition to the aforementioned increased amount of sweating.

9) Increased appetite:

A lot of people who suffer from hyperthyroidism receive a diagnosis after they tell their doctor that they feel hungry all the time. It is a particularly obvious sign if experienced in conjunction with a failure to put on weight (or with consistent and unintended weight loss).

10) Unwanted weight loss:

Have you recently started to lose weight without changing your diet or adopting a more rigorous exercise regime? If this is the case, you may be quite happy about it at first, but it should not go uninvestigated. When you discuss this with your doctor, take a list that roughly represents your average eating and exercise habits over the period of a week. This will help you to identify any problematic dietary factors that you may not realize relate to unintended weight loss, and may also help to convince your doctor that an investigation into thyroid function is warranted.

Many people who suffer from thyroid problems can spend months or years ignoring their symptoms or assuming that they are a result of lifestyle factors. This is unfortunate because untreated hyperthyroidism leaves you at an increased risk of congestive heart failure and osteoporosis. If the above symptoms have left you wondering whether you might have an overactive thyroid gland, make an appointment to see a doctor as soon as possible. A malfunctioning thyroid gland can be diagnosed with a straightforward blood test, and it can almost always be effectively treated with medication.