Doctor Explains: 19 Signs Of Hyperthyroidism

We’ve talked before about the signs of hypothyroidism, but what about when it’s the other way, and the thyroid becomes overactive? Dr. Siobhan Deshauer explains:

Things to watch out for

Paradoxically, there is some overlap with the signs of an underactive thyroid (e.g. goiter, thin hair), but there are many points of distinction:

1. Proptosis: bulging of the eyes due to swelling behind them.
2. Double vision: caused by misalignment from swollen eye muscles.
3. Periorbital edema: swelling around the eyes or eyelids.
4. Lid retraction & lag: visible white above the iris when face is relaxed; upper eyelid lags behind when following a moving object downward.
5. Hyperdynamic circulation: visible pulse in the neck due to increased cardiac output.
6. Goiter: enlarged thyroid gland visible or moving during swallowing.
7. Pemberton’s sign: redness and vein bulging in neck/face when arms are raised, due to venous compression.
8. Onycholysis: fingernails separating from the nail bed, often starting with the ring finger.
9. Thyroid acropachy: clubbing and thickening of fingers with abnormal bone growth.
10. Tremor: fine shaking of hands, especially when held out.
11. Pretibial myxedema: waxy, swollen skin on shins with an orange-peel texture.
12. Elephantiasis: severe skin thickening on lower limbs due to blocked lymph drainage.
13. Unintentional weight loss: despite increased appetite due to high metabolic rate.
14. Heat intolerance: overheating and excessive sweating with warm, moist skin.
15. Cardiac arrhythmia: irregular heartbeat and palpitations.
16. Thin, oily hair: hair grows fast but becomes fine, fragile, and falls out.
17. Osteoporosis: bone density loss; of course this can’t be seen from the outside by eye, but can be seen on a scan.
18. Anxiety and irritability: new or worsened anxiety-like symptoms, insomnia, panic attacks.
19. Cognitive changes: specifically, not good ones—trouble focusing in young people; confusion in older adults, mimicking dementia.

For more on all of these plus visual illustrations where applicable, enjoy:

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Doctor Explains: 15 Signs Of Hypothyroidism

Take care!