Hyperthyroidism Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms come on slowly. They may be mistaken for stress. As the thyroid becomes more overactive, symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss with increased appetite
• Restlessness
• Changes in libido
• Muscle weakness and wasting, especially in the elderly
• Heat intolerance
• Tremors
• Enlarged thyroid gland ( goiter )
• Heart palpitations
• Increased sweating
• Nervousness
• Irritability
• Redness, swelling, and protrusion of the eyes
• Lumpy, reddish thickening of the skin in front of the shins
• Shortness of breath
• Increased number of bowel movements
• Irregular or no menstrual period
• Heart failure or atrial fibrillation , especially in the elderly
• Swelling of hands, face, and/or feet
• Muscle pain
• Hoarse sound to your voice

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical and family history, and perform a physical exam. The exam usually reveals:

• Enlarged thyroid gland
• Rapid pulse
• Warm, moist skin
• Several of the symptoms listed above

Your doctor may order the following tests:

• Blood tests
  • Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), currently the best screening test
  • Free T4 and free T3
  • Thyroid autoantibodies (TSH receptor antibody)
  • Thyroid scan—may be needed to differentiate between Graves' disease and other causes
• Radioactive iodine uptake test—measures how active thyroid is in taking up the iodine
• Needle biopsy of the thyroid—may be needed