When the thyroid gland starts to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormone, it triggers various kinds of health problems which can be mild or even as extreme as to hamper daily life activities.
However, thankfully, various traditional methods are there, along with some unconventional ways, including exploring medicinal cannabis for the thyroid. Common treatment options include medication, radioactive iodine therapy, and even surgery in some extreme cases.
The weirdest thing about hyperthyroidism is that some people might see little to no effect at all, while in others, the symptoms become quite conspicuous. Some of the most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include
1. Goiter
The most obvious sign of thyroid disease is a visibly swollen part in the neck or goiter. Goiters are generally formed due to enlargement of the entire thyroid gland and are made up of numerous thyroid nodules. Each thyroid nodule secretes its own thyroid hormones, which creates excess in the bloodstream.
2. Irregular heartbeats and palpitations
Along with increasing the heart rate, hyperthyroidism can trigger irregular beating of the heart and palpitations. In extreme cases, abnormal rhythms of the heart, like atrial fibrillation, can lead to congestive heart failures and stroke.
3. Excessive hair fall
Doctors say that a few strands of hair falling off every day is considered within normal limits. However, in case excessive hair fall continues over a considerable period, it should be taken as an indication of an overactive thyroid gland.
4. Anxiety attacks
Anxiety, along with heightened irritability and crankiness, are also commonly observed in patients suffering from hyperthyroidism. Medications to regulate the thyroid gland can help control anxiety.
5. Cramps and weakness in limbs
Unusual muscle cramps can be suggestive of hyperthyroidism. Patients complain of a lack of strength in the upper arms and thighs, which is mostly felt while struggling to lift heavy objects or climb the stairs.
6. Hand tremors
Very high levels of T3 and T4 hormones generated due to hyperthyroidism, give rise to a state of hypermetabolism. Hypermetabolism, in turn, increases the heart rate, triggers high blood pressure and hand tremors.
7. Abnormal sweating
High levels of thyroxine hormone in the blood can speed up normal body functions beyond necessity, which causes increased sensitivity to heat, thereby resulting in abnormal perspiration.
8. Weight loss and fatigue
A steady, but an unintentional loss of weight, even with an unchanged or increased desire for food, can be an indication of hyperthyroidism. Drastic weight loss can also be accompanied by a feeling of exhaustion, despite not undertaking strenuous activities.
9. Bulged eyes
The eyeballs tend to bulge out or become exceedingly protruding if hyperthyroidism is the result of Grave’s disease. This condition is medically referred to as exophthalmos. In certain cases, doctors might recommend surgery to treat this condition.
10. Infertility
Irregular menstrual cycles due to hyperthyroidism can cause infertility in females. In males, impotence or erectile dysfunction can be caused by the overproduction of thyroid hormones.