When yourthyroid glandis overactive (hyperthyroidism) and produces too much hormone, your body’s metabolism speeds up.
Frequent Symptoms
Most people with hyperthyroidism experience one or more of the following symptoms.
Irregular heart rhythms (calledarrhythmias) and high blood pressure may also occur with anoveractive thyroid gland.
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Lung
Shortness of breath, especially with exercise, is common in older people with hyperthyroidism.
While this increase in metabolism may initially energize people, eventually they become fatigued as the body tires out.
Neck swelling may become noticeable, especially when a person tries to put on a tie or scarf.
A goiter may eventually cause problems swallowing or even breathing.
With severe hyperthyroidism, a woman may stop menstruating (amenorrhea).
In addition, sperm production is often reduced or abnormal.
Insomnia, as well as difficulties with concentrating or remembering things, are also frequently reported in hyperthyroidism.
In hyperthyroidism, there is a high risk of developing atrial fibrillation, especially in older people.
Atrial fibrillation is a common heart arrhythmia that can lead to serious problems like stroke or heart failure.
For the mother, potential complications of untreated hyperthyroidism include pre-eclampsia and, rarely, thyroid storm.
Some babies are born hyperthyroid while others take days or weeks (up to three) to develop hyperthyroidism.
You want to be sure your thyroid function is well controlled prior to and during pregnancy.
Congenital hyperthyroidism is usually caused byGraves diseasein the mother.
The baby may also haveexophthalmos(bulging eyes) and goiter like the mother.
Impaired fertility is a common complication due to irregular periods.
Typically, the thyroid hormonesT3 (triiodothyronine)andT4 (thyroxine)will be high in people with hyperthyroidism.
Subclinical hyperthyroidism happens when TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels are low but T3 and T4 are normal.
Even so, subclinical hyperthyroidism may cause symptoms and can even lead to overt hyperthyroidism if left untreated.
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American Thyroid Association.Graves Eye Disease (Graves Ophthalmopathy or Graves Orbitopathy).
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Boston Children’s Hospital.Hyperthyroidism.
2010;65(5):547-54, doi:10.1590/S1807-59322010000500013
MedlinePlus.Congenital hyperthyroidism.
Doubleday AR, Sippel RS.Hyperthyroidism.Gland Surg.
2019;36(S2):47-58. doi:10.1007/s12325-019-01080-8
