Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism in Females

The thyroid is a small gland above the collarbone in the neck. It has a butterfly shape and produces hormones called T3 and T4.

These hormones help the body use energy and control metabolism. They also affect heart rate and body temperature. Hyperthyroidism happens when the thyroid gland makes too many hormones.

This causes the body to work faster than normal. Having too much T3 and T4 speeds up many body processes. It can cause many health problems.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

There are many causes of hyperthyroidism. The thyroid may make too much hormone. In some cases, a small nodule in the gland is the reason.

Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease is the leading cause of too much thyroid hormone.
The immune system attacks the thyroid gland.
This causes the gland to make extra hormones.
It mostly happens in women under 40 years old.

Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are small lumps in the thyroid gland.
Some nodules make extra hormones by themselves.
These nodules cause the thyroid to produce too much hormone.

Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis is swelling of the thyroid gland.
It can occur after infections or immune reactions.
Initially, hyperthyroidism due to leakage of stored hormones
Later may lead to hypothyroidism when hormone stores are depleted
This may cause hormone levels to become lower.

Other Causes

Eating too much iodine, which is needed to make thyroid hormones
Non-cancerous thyroid nodules can cause hyperthyroidism
Pituitary tumours usually cause problems by altering TSH levels (a rare cause of secondary hyperthyroidism).
Rare tumours in the ovaries can also cause hyperthyroidism

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Having too many thyroid hormones speeds up the body’s functions. This causes many different signs and symptoms to appear.

Common Symptoms

Losing weight even when eating enough food
Feeling very hungry often
Heart beats fast
Nervous or restless without a clear reason
Weakness in arm and leg muscles
Too much sweat and feeling warm
Thin, brittle hair that falls out
Feeling restless
Hands or fingers shake or tremble.
Need to urinate more often.
The Periods can be irregular or light
Skin is usually warm, moist, and smooth.
The thyroid may swell and cause a lump
Eyes may look bigger or stick out

Serious Symptoms

Some symptoms need urgent medical attention, such as:

Feeling lightheaded or faint
Finding it hard to breathe properly
Losing consciousness or passing out quickly
Irregular or rapid heartbeat

Hyperthyroidism can cause a dangerous heart problem called atrial fibrillation.

This can lead to stroke or heart failure if not treated quickly.

Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism

Doctors diagnose hyperthyroidism by checking symptoms and doing tests. They look for a fast pulse, moist skin, and shaking hands or fingers. Blood tests check levels of thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Common Tests:

Blood test - Measures T3, T4, and TSH hormone levels
Ultrasound - Uses sound waves to see the thyroid gland
Thyroid scan - Uses a small safe dose of radioactive iodine
Radioactive iodine uptake test - Measures iodine absorbed by the thyroid
Free T3 and T4 - Check active hormone amounts in blood
Triglyceride test - Low fat levels may show a fast metabolism

Summary

Hyperthyroidism in women is a result of hormone overproduction. This causes fast heartbeats, weight loss, and irregular menstrual cycles. Graves’ disease is a common cause for women. Diagnosis is by blood tests and scans. Proper treatment helps women stay healthy.