Symptoms and Causes of Hyperthyroidism

An excess production of the thyroid hormone inexperience palpitations, or arrhythmias, possibly
the human body gives rise to a heightened stateatrial fibrillation, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting and loss
of metabolism and quickens the pace of theof libido. Older people might only show symptoms
body's activities.of fatigue and signs of weight loss which result in
The thyroid hormone acts as the pace-keeper ofapathetic hyperthyroidism.
the body's processes and the pace itself isThere could also be neurological manifestations
referred to as metabolism. Thus a subsequentsuch as myopathy, chorea, tremor or even
rise in the thyroid hormone speeds up theperiodic paralysis. A cardio embolic stroke may
functions of the body. The thyroid gland is alsoalso occur due to atrial fibrillation and this is a
instrumental in regulating body temperature. Itrather serious complication of hyperthyroidism.
secretes two different hormones that determineGet to know more at: Thyroid Problems
the speed at which the body burns calories andHyperthyroidism can also trigger eyelid retraction,
releases energy. If the hormone production is highalso known as 'stare', and lid-lag. In a condition of
then the condition is hyperthyroidism but when ithyperthyroid, the eyelid may retract more than
is low, the resultant condition is hypothyroidism.usual, where the eyelid generally rests at the
There are a varied number of symptoms andbeginning the iris. In the case of lid-lag, the eyelid
most of which are in response to stimuli.fails to follow the iris when it moves downward.
Acute weight loss coupled with a huge appetite,These symptoms however must not be
intolerance to harsh weather, weakness, fatigue,confused with a condition called exophthalmos
irritability, depression, apathy, polyuria andwhere the eyeball itself protrudes out of the
sweating are all part and parcel of the symptomssocket. Such a condition is only witnessed in
of hyperthyroidism. There may be seeminglyGraves' disease which is also a thyroid disease.
alternate symptoms as well wherein patients may