What Does An Overactive Thyroid Mean?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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In rare cases, an undiagnosed or poorly controlled overactive thyroid can lead to a serious, life-threatening condition called

a thyroid storm

. This is a sudden flare-up of symptoms that can be triggered by: an infection.

How does overactive thyroid make you feel?


Anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and nervousness

are some of the symptoms of emotional overactivity you might experience due to an overactive thyroid gland. Fatigue or Muscle Weakness.

Is an overactive thyroid serious?

In rare cases, an undiagnosed or poorly controlled overactive thyroid can lead to a serious, life-threatening condition called

a thyroid storm

. This is a sudden flare-up of symptoms that can be triggered by: an infection.

What foods to avoid if you have an overactive thyroid?

  • iodized salt.
  • fish and shellfish.
  • seaweed or kelp.
  • dairy products.
  • iodine supplements.
  • food products containing red dye.
  • egg yolks.
  • blackstrap molasses.

What can happen if an overactive thyroid is left untreated?

If left untreated, can

cause serious problems with the heart, bones, muscles, menstrual cycle, and fertility

. During pregnancy, untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to health problems for the mother and baby. The thyroid is a small gland in your neck that makes thyroid hormones.

How does overactive thyroid affect a person?

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) occurs when your thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate your body's metabolism, causing

unintentional weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat

. Several treatments are available for hyperthyroidism.

Why do you get overactive thyroid?


An increased level of iodine in your body can cause your thyroid to produce excess thyroid hormones

. This can occasionally happen if you're taking medicine that contains iodine, such as amiodarone, which is sometimes used to control an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).

How do I know my thyroid is off?


Sudden weight loss

, even though you're eating the same amount of food or more. Fast or uneven heartbeat or sudden pounding of your heart (palpitations) Nervousness, anxiety, or irritability. Trembling in your hands and fingers (called tremors)

Can overactive thyroid cause weight gain?

A common symptom of hyperthyroidism is weight loss without trying. Sometimes this can even happen despite increased appetite. Treatment of hyperthyroidism commonly results in weight gain, but

the extent of weight gain is not well known

. Patients may regain the weight they had lost or may overshoot and become obese.

Is banana good for thyroid?

Vegetables: all vegetables — cruciferous vegetables are fine to eat in moderate amounts, especially when cooked. Fruits: all other fruits, including berries, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, etc. Gluten-free grains and seeds: rice, buckwheat, quinoa, chia seeds, and flax seeds.

Is exercise good for hyperthyroidism?

While exercise can be a challenge for those suffering with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism,

it can help reduce many of the symptoms

, like fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, mood problems, and insomnia. Exercise alone also cannot address the root cause of .

What are early warning signs of thyroid problems?

  • Digestive Challenges. If you develop hyperthyroidism, you may have very loose stools. …
  • Mood Issues. …
  • Unexplained Weight Fluctuations. …
  • Skin Problems. …
  • Difficulty Dealing With Temperature Changes. …
  • Changes in Your Vision. …
  • Hair Loss. …
  • Memory Problems.

How common is overactive thyroid?

How common is hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism is more common in women than men, and affects

2 in 100 women and 2 in 1,000 men

.

Can stress cause thyroid problems?


Stress alone will not cause a thyroid disorder

, but it can make the condition worse. The impact of stress on the thyroid occurs by slowing your body's metabolism. This is another way that stress and weight gain are linked.

What are the symptoms of high thyroid?

  • nervousness, anxiety and irritability.
  • hyperactivity – you may find it hard to stay still and have a lot of nervous energy.
  • mood swings.
  • difficulty sleeping.
  • feeling tired all the time.
  • sensitivity to heat.
  • muscle weakness.
  • diarrhoea.
James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.