Clinical features of hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism means the body is exposed to more thyroid hormone than it needs. This can speed up body processes. [Palpitations](/symptoms/palpitations/) may feel like a racing, pounding, or irregular heartbeat. [Heat Intolerance](/symptoms/heat-intolerance/), [Excessive Sweating](/symptoms/excessive-sweating/), tremor, nervousness, and [Feeling Anxious](/symptoms/feeling-anxious/) may occur. Some people have [Difficulty Sleeping](/symptoms/difficulty-sleeping/), frequent bowel movements or [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/), muscle weakness, or menstrual changes. [Night Sweats](/symptoms/night-sweats/) can also occur, but these symptoms have many possible causes.

Book a medical assessment when symptoms persist, cluster together, or interfere with sleep, work, eating, or activity. A clinician can examine your pulse, neck, eyes, and general health, then decide whether thyroid blood tests or other checks are needed. Bring a list of medicines, supplements, and recent changes in weight or heart symptoms. Do not change prescribed thyroid medicine without medical advice. Mention pregnancy, heart disease, or previous thyroid problems because these affect the assessment.

Seek urgent care for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, confusion, or sudden severe weakness. New palpitations with dizziness need prompt assessment. If sweating, fever, agitation, vomiting, or diarrhoea becomes intense with a racing heartbeat, seek emergency help.

Ask which symptoms may be thyroid-related, which tests are appropriate, whether medicines or supplements could affect results, and how to monitor your pulse and symptoms while waiting for review.