The lack of motivation and physical energy is often described as fatigue. People with an overactive thyroid find themselves exhausted completely. The reason for this exhaustion might be due to the stress the body is undergoing. Higher blood pressure and rapid pulse contributes to the stress on the body, leaving you with sleeping difficulties and insomnia. Patients have altered energy levels, with the feeling of unable to rest or sit still, and have a feeling of inescapable useless energy. Patients also complain about shaky hands which is similar to that of tremor of alcoholism. It makes it difficult for the patient to hold a cup or use a lock and key. The handwriting of the afflicted may also deteriorate because of this.

The swelling of the voice box or larynx caused due to the swelling in the thyroid gland is called as goitre. One of the proteins produced by the immune system of human body is the thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin. This hormone stimulates the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormone. Even though the pituitary gland stops secreting the thyroid stimulating hormone when it detects increased thyroid hormone levels, the thyroid gland continues to make the hormone and enlarges in size.

People who suffer from hyperthyroidism have a higher rate of metabolism which means that the calories are burnt more quickly. Due to this over-stimulated metabolism they tend to lose weight involuntarily. They also have an increased appetite and even if they eat like crazy, they still wouldn’t gain much weight because of this condition. The patients also have increased frequency of bowel movement and tend to pass stool more than a couple of times daily. Very rarely, some patients also complain of diarrhea.

Many of the women with young families, who have hyperthyroidism, find that it is difficult to handle the increasing pressure and stresses of taking care of the children. They have frequent outbursts of temper, tears flow for no particular reason and they cannot take criticism even mildly. Their work may get affected due to the lack of concentration.

People suffering from hyperthyroidism may find that their body produces excess heat. This is again due to the increased metabolism that is happening in the body due to the condition. When excess heat is produced, the body gets rid of it by sweating. They can roam in winter without heavy clothing. In severe cases, they might have disagreements with other people about the temperature settings in the room. They wouldn’t require blankets and keep opening windows.

A feeling of the entire body itching is not uncommon in people suffering from this condition. The skin on the lower legs and feet might develop itchy rashes in the form of patches. There would also be considerable hair loss and possibly small areas of baldness. The hair tends to become thinner and finer.

Due to the increased metabolic rates of people suffering from hyperthyroidism, the rate at which their heart beats would be higher. This condition is called as palpitation. They could feel the rapidity or fluttering of their heart beat. When patients with this condition exert themselves they might experience breathlessness. If the patient has asthma, most likely the condition would become worse. Muscular weakness can also be observed in some patients, especially in thigh muscles. It makes it difficult for them to climb stairs or get up from a low chair. Muscle aches and pains are also noticed in some patients.

Patients with this condition have trouble with their eyes including excessive watering. Bright light and wind worsens the condition. Blurring of vision and double vision is also seen in many patients. Protruding eyes often referred to as exophthalmoses is quite evident. Bags under the eyes are also seen in most cases. Some patients with hyperthyroidism have accelerated bone loss. These people are at a higher risk of frequent fractures.

In teenagers, hyperthyroidism can delay the arrival of puberty and menstruation into mid-teens. Lighter, sporadic or infrequent periods are also one of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. In some patients, menstruation stops for a longer period of time. This condition is called as amenorrhea. Until the condition is treated properly it might be difficult for the patient to conceive.