The first signs of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) may be subtle but could worsen if the condition is left untreated. Common initial manifestations of hyperthyroidism may include:
- unexplained anxiety
- insomnia and other sleep disturbances
- heart palpitations
- unintentional weight loss, sometimes accompanied by increased appetite
- tremors
- intolerance to hot temperatures
- brain fog
- shortness of breath
- increased sweating even at rest
- rapid heart rate
Irregular menstrual periods, increased tiredness, and persistent gastrointestinal challenges, like frequent bowel movements and chronic diarrhea, may also be early signs of hyperthyroidism.
Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism may come after you talk with a healthcare professional about a combination of the above symptoms. They may recommend running blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels, and the test results will confirm or rule out an overactive thyroid.
A doctor may recommend thyroid function and imaging tests like:
- Suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Low levels of TSH (in combination with other results) may indicate hyperthyroidism.
- Free T4: Elevated levels in T4 tests would be a sign of hyperthyroidism.
- Free T3: High levels in T3 tests could also be a sign.
- Radioactive iodine uptake scan: This test will help determine the cause of hyperthyroidism.
- Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI): The TSI test helps determine if the condition has an autoimmune cause.
If you experience early symptoms of hyperthyroidism, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis is key in preventing common hyperthyroidism complications, like heart disease, osteoporosis, and thyroid storm, which could be life threatening.
Next steps after noticing persistent symptoms may include:
- Continuing to track symptoms: Keeping a record of any unusual signs may help the doctor reach a diagnosis.
- Scheduling a doctor’s visit: It’s a good idea to visit a primary care physician or endocrinologist to discuss your experience and testing.
- Testing: The health team may suggest running a few tests. If not, you can ask them about the TSH, free T4, and total or free T3 tests to rule out a thyroid condition.
- Considering additional tests: If labs suggest hyperthyroidism, a doctor may want to follow up with imaging or antibody testing.
- Beginning treatment: If you receive the diagnosis, adhering to the prescribed medications and therapy plans is essential. Attending follow-ups is also important to prevent life threatening complications.