The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the lower section of the front of the neck. The thyroid plays a role in the endocrine system by producing hormones that help control metabolism. In some individuals, the thyroid begins to produce and secrete too much of the hormones. This is referred to as hyperthyroidism. According to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Disease Information Service, women are five to 10 times more likely to suffer hyperthyroidism than men. According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of hyperthyroid are similar to the signs associated with other disorders.
Common Signs
According to the National Institutes of Health, there are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. These symptoms include intolerance to heat, an increase in sweating and fatigue. The condition may also cause a goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland that appears as a large mass at the base of the neck. Hyperthyroidism causes restlessness, mood swings and nervousness. According to the Mayo Clinic, an increase in appetite coincides with rapid weight loss. Frequent bowel movements, including diarrhea, may occur. Women may experience changes to their usual menstrual periods.
Additional Signs
Some signs of hyperthyroidism are less common, but still occur. These signs include a fast or irregular heart rate, nausea, vomiting, flushing, insomnia and overall itching. Some individuals' eyes protrude from their eye sockets. Muscular weakness of the extremities may also occur. According to the American Thyroid Association, some people may have thinning of the skin and brittle hair. Women may experience an end to menstrual periods.
Children and Elderly
According to the Mayo Clinic, children may have no signs or symptoms of having hyperthyroidism. The signs of the disorder may be attributed to other conditions, such as playing too hard. Early signs of the condition in children include a rapid heart rate, intolerance to heat and fatigue.
Elderly individuals may be misdiagnosed in the early stages of the disorder. According to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Disease Information Service, the elderly are often diagnosed with depression or dementia instead of hyperthyroidism. The symptoms may vary with the elderly. Their appetite may decrease, and they may begin to withdrawal socially.
