Also known as hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis, overactive thyroid is a hormonal condition caused by the thyroid gland located in the neck. Join us, as we cover everything you need to know about an overactive thyroid to help you gain control of your diagnosis. We’ll go over what is hyperthyroidism, to its symptoms and treatment, and more. You can also share your experiences with the condition here at Carecircle, and let others know how you manage your diagnosis. Sharing our health stories allows us to build a better tomorrow together.

What is Overactive Thyroid? What is Hyperthyroidism?

Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) is when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroxine and triiodothyronine hormones in the body. Hyperthyroidism typically happens between the ages of 20 and 40, and is more common in females than males.

Hyperthyroidism vs Hypothyroidism

As mentioned, hyperthyroidism is when the body produces too much thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is the opposite – it is an underactive thyroid gland, which produces too little thyroid hormone. The two conditions have different symptoms, although some do overlap. Underactive thyroid is also more common than an overactive thyroid. You can read more about this other condition in our in-depth hypothyroidism article.

What are the symptoms of Overactive Thyroid?

There are a wide range of hyperthyroidism symptoms. These include:

• An irregular or fast heart rate
• Heart palpitations
• Anxiety and nervousness
• Irritability and mood swings
• Difficulty sleeping and long-lasting tiredness
• Feeling shaky and/or weak
• Swelling of the neck from an enlarged thyroid gland
• Unplanned weight loss
• Trembling and/or twitching
• Excessive sweating and sensitivity to heat
• Hair thinning
• Weakened bones (osteoporosis)

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in females

As well as the above, there are additional underactive thyroid symptoms in females. These can include:

• Less frequent periods
• Lighter periods
• Irregular periods
• Difficulty in getting pregnant (due to irregular menstrual cycles)

Symptoms of overactive thyroid in men

Males also have additional symptoms of an overactive thyroid. Men can experience:

• Problems maintaining an erection
• Low sperm count
• Premature ejaculation
• Premature balding
• Lower testosterone
• Reduced muscle mass
• Enlargement of the breasts (gynecomastia)

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What causes Overactive Thyroid?

There are a number of reasons why an overactive thyroid gland might produce too many hormones. The condition can be caused by:

• Thyroid nodules – lumps or growths on the thyroid gland
• Thyroiditis – inflammation of the thyroid gland
• Postpartum thyroiditis – inflammation of the thyroid gland after giving birth
• Graves’ disease – an autoimmune condition

Graves’ Disease

This autoimmune condition is caused by the immune system attacking the thyroid gland. In response, the gland produces too much of its hormones causing hyperthyroidism. The condition has the same symptoms as an overactive thyroid. In addition, Graves’ disease can cause:

• Bulging eyes (Graves’ ophthalmopathy)
• Light sensitivity
• Eye pressure and/or pain
• Blurry vision
• Puffy and/or reddened eyes
• A feeling of grit in the eyes
• Vision loss
• A rare skin condition – often on the shins and tops of the feet – leading to reddish, thickened skin (Graves’ dermopathy, also known as pretibial myxoedema)

The exact cause of Graves’ disease is currently unknown. It does have links to genetics, with those who have a family history at more of a risk of developing the condition.

How do you diagnose Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism can be diagnosed by a number of different tests. First, your doctor will likely check your medical history and perform a physical exam – examining the area around your neck and thyroid gland for signs of swelling and tenderness. They’ll also likely check your pulse to see if its fast or irregular. In addition, your doctor may also send you for:

• A blood test known as a thyroid function test to see if your thyroid hormone levels are too high
• A blood test to check for anti-thyroid antibodies to rule out or diagnose Graves’ disease
• An Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) blood test to look for inflammation and signs of thyroiditis
• A thyroid scan to check the size and shape of your thyroid gland and whether it has any nodules (to do this scan, a radioactive isotope is first swallowed or injected)
• A thyroid ultrasound to look for nodules (using soundwaves to create a picture of the thyroid gland)

What to do if you have Hyperthyroidism?

If you have symptoms of an overactive thyroid, see a doctor to get a professional diagnosis and treatment. To support recovery from hyperthyroidism, you can also try to:

Limit or avoid foods such as:

• High-iodine foods, like fish, shellfish, seaweed, milk and dairy, and egg yolks
• Gluten, which could cause inflammation of the thyroid gland
• Caffeine, which can make the symptoms feel worse

Eat more foods like:

• Cruciferous vegetables – such as cauliflower, Bok choy, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and kale – which could be helpful for hyperthyroidism
• Healthy fats found in flaxseed, olive oil, avocados, and nuts and seeds
• Calcium-rich foods to support bone strength, including leafy greens, spinach, kale, okra, and mushrooms
• Foods high in selenium, such as Brazil nuts, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, and couscous

Become part of our global health revolution at Carecircle and find help, hope, and control with your overactive thyroid diagnosis. Become part of a worldwide network for health where your voice and story matters. Together, we can build a better tomorrow.

Overactive thyroid treatment

If you think you may have an overactive thyroid, get a professional diagnosis from your doctor who will be able to provide further advice and medical treatment. Whilst the condition can cause difficulties, hyperthyroidism can often be successfully treated. The treatments include:

• Thionamides medicine, to prevent the thyroid gland from producing too much thyroid hormone. This medicine is usually taken for 1 to 2 months, although some people may have to take it longer and others potentially for life. This medicine can be used in conjunction with beta-blockers to help relieve symptoms by slowing the heart rate.
• Radioactive Iodine treatment – taken as a drink or swallowed in a capsule, this radiotherapy treatment causes the thyroid gland to shrink so it cannot produce as much thyroid hormone. Whilst it can take up to several months for symptoms to go away, this type of treatment can cure an overactive thyroid. However, it is not suitable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Surgery (thyroidectomy) – if the above treatments aren’t successful or you’re unable to take them, surgery may also be an option. In a thyroidectomy, part or all of the thyroid gland is removed to stop the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. However, as with all surgery it carries risks, such as potential damage to the vocal cords. Also, if the thyroid gland is fully removed, you’ll have to take underactive thyroid medicines for the rest of your life.

Join a worldwide community for health at Carecircle and find support from others living with hyperthyroidism. Share your experiences with the condition, so together we can help one another into a better tomorrow.

Hyperthyroidism FAQs

Now let’s go through all your frequently asked questions on overactive thyroid. We’ll get to the point and answer your queries directly so you can get the health information you need in an instant.

What is a thyroid?

A thyroid is a hormone-producing gland located in the neck in front of the trachea (windpipe). It is shaped similar to a butterfly and produces the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which help regulate your weight, temperature, energy, metabolism, and the growth of skin, nails, and hair.

What is considered a dangerously low TSH level?

Produced by the pituitary gland, TSH (or thyroid-stimulating hormone) stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. Low TSH levels can be a sign of (and lead to) hyperthyroidism. On average, TSH levels for healthy individuals should be around 0.4 to 5.0 milli-international units per litre (mIU/L). Below 0.1 mIU/L can be dangerous as it can lead to complications, such as an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) and weakened bones.

Is Hyperthyroidism an autoimmune disease?

Hyperthyroidism is not always caused by an autoimmune response. However, Graves’ disease – a condition that causes the immune system to attack the thyroid – is an autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism.

Once you have Graves’ disease do you always have it?

Yes, Graves’ disease is a condition that lasts for life. However, modern medicines can help regulate the thyroid and the production of thyroid hormone. With treatment, it’s possible for the symptoms of Graves’ disease to go away temporarily (in remission).

Can an underactive thyroid change to overactive?

Yes, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can change to an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). However, it is a very rare condition.

Do you have a question about hyperthyroidism? Join the conversation at Carecircle for free and become part of our supportive community, where you can talk with others diagnosed with an overactive thyroid and ask us further questions on the condition.

Hyperthyroidism Resources

Below are some additional resources on hyperthyroidism, which patients, carers, and interested individuals may wish to explore further. At Carecircle, we’ll always point you in the right direction towards additional information that could bring greater help, hope, and control.

• British Thyroid Foundation
• British Thyroid Association
• American Thyroid Association
• Thyroid UK
• Graves’ Disease and Thyroid Foundation
• Thyroid Foundation of Canada
• Everyday Health – Hyperthyroidism
• Everyday Health – Graves’ Disease
• Healthline – Hyperthyroidism Diet
• NICE – Thyroid Disease Assessment and Management
• JCEM – “Low Population Selenium Status Is Associated With Increased Prevalence of Thyroid Disease”

Whilst the treatment for an underactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can take time, there are a range of options available to help relieve the symptoms and help you gain control over your diagnosis. If you think you have the condition, see your doctor to start the process of finding the right treatment for you. After all, modern medicine can help control an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and even cure the condition. And during your journey, we at Carecircle are always here whenever you need additional help, support, and hope.

Guide Resources

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/overactive-thyroid-hyperthyroidism/
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14129-hyperthyroidism
• https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/glands/overactive-thyroid
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20373659
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279600/#:~:text=Experts%20don’t%20agree%20on%20which%20TSH%20levels%20should%20be,4%20to%205%20mU%2FL.
• https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/hyperthyroidism-in-men
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hyperthyroidism-symptoms
• https://www.thyroidcancercanada.org/en/treatments/thyroid-stimulating-hormone
• https://www.healthline.com/health/subclinical-hyperthyroidism#diagnosis
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15244-graves-disease#:~:text=Graves’%20disease%20is%20a%20lifelong,the%20first%20line%20of%20treatment.
• https://www.healthywomen.org/condition/thyroid-disorders
• https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/graves-disease/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/graves-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20356240
• https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/graves-disease#symptoms