Excessive production of thyroid hormones leads to a condition called hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland regulates the metabolic rate and controls the development of all cells of the human body. Elevated thyroid levels boost the rate of metabolism and accelerate various bodily systems. Hyperthyroidism develops slowly and in the initial stage it may not exhibit any symptoms. Sometimes, the symptoms are misinterpreted or ignored. One usually understands the seriousness of the symptoms when the condition leads to certain other health problems. Knowing the symptoms of hyperactive thyroid may help avoid worsening of the condition.

The antibodies in the blood stimulate the thyroid to grow and the enlarged thyroid secretes too much of thyroid hormone. This condition is also known as Graves disease, wherein protrusion of the eyeballs is noticed along with other symptoms. This type of hyperthyroidism tends to run in families, especially in women. The most common cause of hyperactive thyroid in children is Graves disease. In another type of situation, which is known as toxic nodular or multi-nodular goiter, one or more nodules or lumps in the thyroid gradually grow and their increased activity leads to the increased output of thyroid hormone. Sometimes, hyperactive thyroid symptoms are noticed temporarily, when the gland releases more hormones due to some kind of viral infection. A disorder in the immune system can result in the viral infection which can in turn affect the function of the thyroid gland. Such situation is known as thyroiditis. Too much of thyroid hormone intake through tablets can also cause thyroiditis. Let us now take a look at the symptoms of hyperactive thyroid gland. Read the rest of this entry »