Your thyroid gland plays a vital role in regulating your metabolism, energy, and overall health. But when it becomes overactive, a condition known as hyperthyroidism, your body can go into overdrive. This can cause a range of symptoms that often mimic anxiety or other health issues, making it easy to overlook.
If you’ve been feeling “off” lately and can’t figure out why, Christopher Joseph Riegel, MD, at The Riegel Center in Plano, Texas, is here to help. Here are five common signs that your thyroid may be working too hard.
If the number on the scale is dropping without your changing your eating habits or exercise routine, an overactive thyroid could be the reason.
When your thyroid produces too much of the thyroid hormone (T3 and T4), it speeds up your metabolism, causing your body to burn calories faster than usual. This can lead to unintended weight loss even with a normal or increased appetite, muscle weakness or fatigue despite eating enough, and a feeling of being unable to rest.
Hyperthyroidism causes your heart to work harder, often resulting in a noticeably faster or irregular heartbeat. You might experience:
Left untreated, this extra strain on your heart can lead to complications, especially if you already have cardiovascular risk factors.
When your thyroid is overactive, your body’s systems, including your nervous system, can become overstimulated. This can make you feel constantly “on edge.” Common emotional or mental symptoms include:
These symptoms often get mistaken for stress or mood disorders, but if they appear suddenly or persist without a clear cause, your thyroid could be the culprit.
If you find yourself sweating more than usual or feeling uncomfortably warm when others seem fine, it could be a sign of hyperthyroidism. An overactive thyroid increases your metabolism, generating body heat. This can cause:
These symptoms are often overlooked but can be one of the earliest indicators of thyroid imbalances.
Thyroid hormones directly affect your muscles and nerves, and when levels are too high, they can cause physical instability. You might notice shaky hands or fine tremors, especially when holding objects.
Muscle weakness is another common symptom, particularly in your thighs or upper arms. Lastly, you may notice difficulty with daily tasks such as climbing stairs or lifting items. Over time, untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to muscle wasting and fatigue, so early diagnosis is key.
If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms, talk to our team. A simple blood test measuring thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormone levels can confirm whether your thyroid is overacting.
Read to learn more? Call us at 972-612-9977 or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment with Dr. Riegel today!
