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Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid makes too much thyroid hormone, speeding the body up. It can cause weight loss, a racing heart and anxiety.
Causes & risk factors
- Graves disease (an autoimmune cause)
- Overactive thyroid nodules
- Thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis)
- Excess iodine or thyroid medication
- Rarely, a pituitary problem
Common symptoms
- Palpitations
- Weight loss despite eating well
- Feeling hot and sweaty
- Anxiety or irritability
- Hand tremor
- Loose stools
- Bulging eyes (in Graves disease)
Tests & diagnosis
- TSH
- Thyroid function (TFT)
- Thyroid antibodies (TRAb)
- Thyroid scan/uptake
- CBC
Treatment & management
- Anti-thyroid medicines to lower hormone levels
- Beta-blocker category medicines to ease palpitations and tremor
- Radioactive iodine therapy in selected cases
- Surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid when needed
- Regular blood-test monitoring
When to see a doctor urgently
- A very fast or irregular heartbeat with fever and confusion — emergency
- Rapid weight loss, palpitations and heat intolerance
- Eye pain, double vision or bulging eyes
- Neck swelling that is enlarging
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Is hyperthyroidism curable?
Many people are cured with radioactive iodine or surgery, though some then need thyroid replacement. Medicines can also bring long remission in Graves disease.
Why does it cause a fast heartbeat?
Excess thyroid hormone speeds up the heart and metabolism, causing palpitations, tremor and heat intolerance. Treatment settles these over weeks.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.