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Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

ConditionInDepth

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Symptoms usually develop slowly over weeks or months. A person may have hyperthyroidism for a long time before they know it. Older adult may have a harder time knowing that something is wrong. Their only symptoms may be weight loss and/or depression.

Symptoms vary greatly from person to person. A person may have one, more than one, all, or none of the following symptoms. There are many symptoms of hyperthyroidism. These may include:

  • Restlessness, nervousness, and irritability
  • Feeling tired and weak after feeling restless and nervous
  • Heat intolerance
  • Pounding, fast, or uneven heartbeats
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Warm, moist skin
  • Passing stools (poop) more often
  • Problems sleeping
  • Tremor, shaking
  • Menstrual irregularity
  • Loss of interest in sex
  • Fine hair texture or loss of hair
  • Bulging eyes (called exophthalmos)—in Graves disease
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling in legs

People over age 65 years with hyperthyroidism may have:

References

  • Hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis). Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/thyroid-disorders/hyperthyroidism.
  • Hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hyperthyroidism-and-other-causes-of-thyrotoxicosis-37.
  • Hyperthyroidism. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hyperthyroidism.
  • Vaidya B, Pearce SH. Diagnosis and management of thyrotoxicosis. Brit Med J. 2014;349:g5128.

Contributors

  • Mark Arredondo, MD
Last Updated:
2022-11-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.