Symptoms of a hyperactive thyroid include increased blood pressure, more frequent bowel movements, rapid heart rate and irregular menstrual cycles in women, states Healthline. Other symptoms include an inability to concentrate, increased appetite, hair loss and breast development in men.
Thyroid glands make and release thyroid hormones, which control metabolism, explains WebMD. Hyperactive thyroid occurs when the thyroid glands produce more thyroid hormone than required by the body. A mild form of hyperthyroidism may cause no noticeable symptoms, but a significantly overactive thyroid may cause disabilities or discomfort, disrupting everyday activities.
Graves' disease is the primary cause of a hyperactive thyroid. It is an autoimmune condition that runs in families and typically affects younger women, reports WebMD. Additionally, an inflammation of the thyroid from thyroiditis can cause the thyroid gland to leak thyroid hormone into the bloodstream, causing hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms of a hyperactive thyroid can occur due to other disorders, explains WebMD. Diagnosis involves physical examinations and conducting a thyroid stimulating hormone level blood test or thyroid scan, notes Healthline. Treatment options include drinking radioactive iodine to destroy the cells that produce thyroid hormones, surgery to remove a part or all of the thyroid gland and taking medication, such as methimazole, to stop the production of excess thyroid hormones.
