Hyperthyroidism symptoms

In the past few years, scientists have begun to understand and apply more of their understanding about a gland called the thyroid. The thyroid is a gland responsible for an important function in the human body – it produces some very important hormones and is responsible for the metabolism. As scientists discover the importance of the thyroid, they also realize the problems that people can face when they suffer from abnormalities of the thyroid. One of these problems is called hyperthyroidism, and it can wreak havoc on the body and its metabolism, causing issues with hormones, behavior, and even weight. In this article, we will look at the basics of hyperthyroidism, which is actually a very complex and labyrinthine topic.

The thyroid is a gland in the body that produces two hormones, called T3 and T4. These hormones have important jobs in the body, and one of their most important jobs in regulating the body’s metabolism. We have all heard skinny people say “I have fast metabolism” or portly people complain about slow metabolism, and there truly is some truth to that saying. Metabolism affects the body in many ways, mostly in our quality of life. For example, metabolism effects how warm we feel. People with fast metabolism may feel warmer than others, often feeling hot in a room where people of normal metabolism feel comfortable and people with slow metabolism feel chilly or even cold. Metabolism also affects the amount of calories the body burns. This, in turn, affects weight. Though it may not seem fair, people who were blessed with fast metabolisms (and working thyroids) often weigh less than people with slow metabolism, even though people with slow metabolism can eat and exercise the exact same way. The thyroid even has to do with the speed off the heart beat. (As you may have guessed, fast metabolism equals fast heartbeat while slow metabolism equals slow heartbeat.)

Hyperthyroidism symptoms occur when someone’s thyroid goes into overdrive. The thyroid produces too much quantity of the T3 and T4 hormones, causing the metabolism and other body functions associated with the thyroid to kick into overdrive. The heart beat speeds up, the person feels warmer than ever, and the hyperthyroidism symptoms may even lose weight even though they eat the same amount or more than other people. For some people, hyperthyroidism may sound like a blessing. You mean you get to eat as much as you want and still lose weight? Without exercise? Sign me up! But truthfully, hyperthyroidism symptoms can lead to a serious medical problem. For example, one hyperthyroidism symptom is a feeling of extreme fatigue at the end of the day, but, despite that, an inability to sleep. For anyone who has ever suffered insomnia after a long hard day, hyperthyroidism is probably starting to sound a little less glamorous.

There are more negative hyperthyroidism symptoms. Sufferers may develop tremors in the hands or heart palpitations. This can lead to serious cardiac problems down the road, such as chest pains, shortness of breath and muscle weakness. Other hyperthyroidism symptoms include a short temper, irritability, or becoming upset far more easily than most people. Still, because of the nature of hyperthyroidism symptoms, some people may take a long time to realize that they are sick rather than just losing weight or in a bit of a bad mood.

If you feel that you are suffering from hyperthyroidism symptoms, consult your primary chare physician. Though the weight loss benefits of hyperthyroidism might seem tempting to some people, its important to keep in mind that hyperthyroidism signals that something is wrong in your body and that it should be treated immediately.

Last updated on Sep 30th, 2010 and filed under Endocrine System. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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