The human body is a complex and intricate machine, but it is also very fragile. Every organ and every system seems to know what they must do to function perfectly, because each one does its own job.
However, this balance is not as stable as it seems and can sometimes be completely disrupted. Therefore, some systems try to compensate or react to disruptive factors by becoming overactive or hypoactive.
This is what happens with the thyroid gland.
Hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid is when the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormones than the body needs. Thyroid hormones control how the body uses energy, so they affect almost every organ, including the heart. When there is an excess of thyroid hormones (T3, T4), many of the body's functions speed up.
Here are the signs of hyperthyroidism:
1. Nervousness and anxiety
Overwhelmed by the constant "all-systems-go!" signals, your metabolism and entire body can become overexcited. If you feel as if you can't relax, your thyroid may be working hyperactively. All this leads to mood swings, nervousness and anxiety.
2. Increased heart rate
The overflow of hormones into the body leads to an increased heart rate. Increased heart activity is perceived as palpitations. So if you feel your heart galloping, you should ask your family doctor about having your thyroid checked.
3. Impaired mental performance
Of course, unclear thinking can be the result of sleep deprivation or aging, but cognitive abilities can also take a significant hit due to thyroid problems. An excess of hormones produced by the thyroid gland leads to cognitive impairment. You may have trouble concentrating, remembering and thinking.
4. Heavy sweating
Due to the fact that the energy metabolism is accelerated, there are hot flashes, increased sweating, intolerance to high temperatures. A person may sweat profusely at the slightest excitement, or physical exertion. This condition is often accompanied by a feeling of suffocation, hyperemia (redness) of the face.
5. Weight drop
An abundance of thyroid hormones increases metabolism and appetite, but, paradoxically, a person does not put on weight, but, on the contrary, loses it.
6. Accelerated intestinal transit
Changes in hormone levels even affect the digestive system, speeding it up, which leads to more frequent intestinal movement (diarrhea).
7. Hoarseness and strange sensations in the throat
Changes in your voice or a "lump in your throat" sensation can be a sign of thyroid problems. One way to check for this is to look closely at your neck for signs of an increased thyroid gland (goiter).
8. Sleep disturbances
Can't sleep? The cause may lie in hyperthyroidism. High hormonal levels can manifest themselves in a rapid heart rate and anxiety, which also makes it difficult to go to sleep and causes waking up in the middle of the night.
9. Hand tremors
Overexcited nerves can cause hand tremors – the effect can be barely noticeable or even very prominent.
Thyroid disorders often fool you at first. It doesn't even occur to you that this could be the problem because the symptoms start slowly, with no apparent connection to the thyroid. Still, it's the perfect time to get diagnosed before the hormonal changes start putting a strain on your body. The good news is that hyperthyroidism is treatable. But to do so, you need to see a doctor for counseling and proper treatment.