4 Signs of an Overactive Thyroid to Know

March 17, 2023

Thyroid disease is more common than you might realize. In the United States alone, more than 20 million people are affected by some form of thyroid disorder. One of the most common types of thyroid disease is known as hyperthyroidism, which means that your thyroid gland is producing more hormones than your body can process. There are many symptoms that can arise, so it’s important to know that you won’t have all of these symptoms at once. However, it’s a good thing to know the signs to look for. Here are 4 signs of an overactive thyroid:

1. Swelling in the Neck

When your thyroid gland is producing too many hormones, it can cause some swelling. For those who don’t know, the thyroid is located in the front of your neck under the skin. When it begins to overwork, one of the first things you will notice is swelling in your neck. This is caused by the enlargement of the thyroid gland. You can also notice some pain upon touch and a scratchy throat when this occurs.

2. Irregular Heartbeat

Since the thyroid gland is in control of creating hormones that are used throughout the body, an overactive thyroid will impact more than just your neck and throat. You may also notice an irregular heartbeat start to develop. In most cases, hyperthyroidism makes your heart begin to beat faster than normal. While this isn’t a continual thing, you can notice palpitations throughout the day. If you have an outstanding history of thyroid problems, it’s important to check your heart rate often as this can be one of the more severe symptoms.

3. Excessive Weight Loss

While losing weight is normally a good thing, that is not the case when it’s tied to hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland is one of the main parts of your body that controls metabolism. When you develop thyroid disease, your metabolism can take a hit, causing sudden weight problems. One unique thing about this condition is that you can begin to lose weight quickly, but you most likely will not have a loss of appetite. In fact, some folks with hyperthyroidism often eat more than normal while still losing weight.

4. Skin Problems

With as many internal issues as hyperthyroidism can cause, you may also notice some changes to your outer appearance as well, specifically with your skin. An overactive thyroid can cause your skin to become warm on touch and you may even notice yourself sweating more than normal. In addition, some patients have reported excessive reddening of the palms and even some cases of skin rashes and hives. You can also experience reddening around your eyes, which can lead to blurred vision and eye irritation.

Would you like to learn more about the signs and symptoms of an overactive thyroid? Learn more about our Nashville pharmacy and contact us with any health concerns that you may have! We strive to help our community through our service and dedication to your health and wellness.