Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. The Mayo Clinic says that Graves' disease is the most commonly experienced form of hyperthyroidism. In this condition, the thyroid gland increases its hormonal production because it is being attacked by the immune system. Anyone can get Graves' disease, but it most commonly affects females age 20 and older. There is no cure for the problem, but there are treatments for the symptoms.
Mood Changes
Too much of the hormone thyroxine in your body can affect your moods greatly. You may have sudden mood swings, or you may have an ongoing problem with irritability and anxiety. You may become hair-trigger irritable when your thyroid is overactive. You also may be anxious far more than usual.
Arrhythmia
The human heart beats regularly in most people when they are inactive. For most people, the heart rate ranges between 60 and 100 regular beats per minute. Graves' disease can cause changes in how your heart beats. It can make it beat irregularly or skip beats, or it can increase the rate beyond 100 beats each minute. Both of these problems are called arrhythmias, with the increased heart rate having the sub-classification of tachycardia.
Insomnia and Fatigue
Graves' disease also can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep because your thyroid is too active. Despite this inability to sleep properly, you also may experience fatigue, bodily weakness and over all tiredness because of the malady.
Goiter
Because your thyroid gland is working overtime, it may become enlarged. Your thyroid is located in your neck, so this goiter can elongate on the neck on either side or in front.
Menstrual Problems
Graves' disease also can affect your menstrual cycle. Too much of the thyroxine hormone can throw off the reproductive system. This can mean that your period may be lighter or heavier than normal. You also may bleed between periods.
Heat Sensitivity
With your thyroid gland in overdrive, you may become increasingly sensitive to the heat in your environment. You also may sweat much more than you normally do.
Eye Symptoms
Graves' disease also can produce what's known as Graves' ophthalmopathy, the Mayo Clinic reports. This condition is characterized by exophthalmos, a protrusion of the eyes. Other symptoms may include tearing that is excessive, eye redness and irritation, corneal ulcers, diplopia or double vision and limitations in eye movement.
