Symptoms and Causes of Hyperthyroidism

An excess production of the thyroid hormone in the human body gives rise to a heightened state of metabolism and quickens the pace of the body's activities.

The thyroid hormone acts as the pace-keeper of the body's processes and the pace itself is referred to as metabolism. Thus a subsequent rise in the thyroid hormone speeds up the functions of the body. The thyroid gland is also instrumental in regulating body temperature. It secretes two different hormones that determine the speed at which the body burns calories and releases energy. If the hormone production is high then the condition is hyperthyroidism but when it is low, the resultant condition is hypothyroidism.

There are a varied number of symptoms and most of which are in response to stimuli.

Acute weight loss coupled with a huge appetite, intolerance to harsh weather, weakness, fatigue, irritability, depression, apathy, polyuria and sweating are all part and parcel of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. There may be seemingly alternate symptoms as well wherein patients may experience palpitations, or arrhythmias, possibly atrial fibrillation, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting and loss of libido. Older people might only show symptoms of fatigue and signs of weight loss which result in apathetic hyperthyroidism.

There could also be neurological manifestations such as myopathy, chorea, tremor or even periodic paralysis. A cardio embolic stroke may also occur due to atrial fibrillation and this is a rather serious complication of hyperthyroidism.

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Hyperthyroidism can also trigger eyelid retraction, also known as ‘stare', and lid-lag. In a condition of hyperthyroid, the eyelid may retract more than usual, where the eyelid generally rests at the beginning the iris. In the case of lid-lag, the eyelid fails to follow the iris when it moves downward. These symptoms however must not be confused with a condition called exophthalmos where the eyeball itself protrudes out of the socket. Such a condition is only witnessed in Graves' disease which is also a thyroid disease.

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