Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can be difficult to detect because they are rather generalized. However, when you exhibit several of these symptoms at once there is a good chance that hyperthyroidism is the problem.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include but are not limited to: feelings of nervousness, moodiness, weakness or fatigue; heart palpitations, difficulty breathing and hand tremors; sensitivity to heat; unexplained hair loss; frequent need to move the bowels with loose stools; dysmenorrhea in women; and breast development in men.
One of the most confusing symptoms of hyperthyroidism is increased appetite, because it can manifest itself as either weight loss or weight gain. Some people with hyperthyroidism lose weight in spite of increased appetite, while others gain weight from the increased eating. Therefore, if you have other symptoms of hyperthyroidism and experience unexplained weight loss or gain, it is a good idea to contact your doctor immediately.
Another one of the telltale symptoms of hyperthyroidism is actually a symptom of a possible underlying cause called Graves Disease. People with Graves Disease have bulging eyeballs, swollen lids and easily irritated eyes. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism that can also be symptoms of Graves Disease include goiter, clubbed fingers, thickened skin on the feet and unusually thick fingernails that separate from the beds. Any of these particular symptoms, especially when combined with more general symptoms of hyperthyroidism, are serious indications that you should check with your doctor.
The more advanced symptoms of hyperthyroidism are rapid heartbeat, heart palpitations, chest pain and extreme irritability. While these symptoms can be alarming because they mimic symptoms of other health problems, including heart attacks and panic attacks, they may well just be symptoms of hyperthyroidism that has progressed.
What should you do if you recognize any of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism in yourself or a loved one? Do not panic and above all resist the urge to try to diagnose yourself. Visit a doctor, who will be much more able to distinguish genuine symptoms of hyperthyroidism from other health problems in context. And should you be diagnosed with hyperthyroidism officially, take comfort in the fact that symptoms of hyperthyroidism diminish significantly with proper treatment, especially those of Graves Disease.