Hyperthyroidism: An Overactive Thyroid

When the thyroid works too hard, it’s called hyperthyroidism. If you have hyperthyroidism, your body runs faster. The thyroid gland produces too much hormone.

The thyroid hormone (THS) is the thyroid’s messenger. Your thyroid gland makes thyroid hormone from iodine, which is absorbed from the food you eat. When a large amount of thyroid hormone is produced, the cells work faster.

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, a problem where the body’s immune system over stimulates the thyroid. Graves’ disease sometimes causes eye problems that make the eyes look like they’re bulging (exophthalmos). A nodule in your thyroid gland can cause hyperthyroidism if the cells in the nodule produce more hormone than the rest of the gland.

You may notice one or more of these symptoms:

• Shaking, nervousness, irritability
• Feeling wired and jittery, but also burned out and tired
• Feeling hot
• Rapid, irregular heartbeat
• Muscle weakness, fatigue
• More frequent bowel movements
• Shorter or lighter menstrual periods
• Weight loss
• Hair loss
• Insomnia
• Change in personality

Read about thyroid treatment.