Complications of hyperthyroidism

Too much thyroid hormone keeps the body’s systems running faster than usual. Persistent palpitations can place extra strain on the heart and may contribute to an abnormal rhythm. Over time, excess thyroid hormone can weaken bones and muscles, causing reduced strength or a greater tendency to falls. Heat intolerance, excessive sweating, diarrhoea, anxiety and difficulty sleeping can also disturb hydration, rest and daily function. A rare, dangerous escalation can cause a very fast heartbeat, high temperature, severe agitation or confusion, and marked weakness.

Take prescribed treatment exactly as directed and attend planned blood tests so hormone levels can be adjusted safely. Tell your clinician about palpitations, new tremor, worsening sleep or muscle weakness. Do not stop thyroid medicine suddenly or add iodine-containing products without advice. Keep fluids available if sweating or diarrhoea is present, and arrange review if symptoms are interfering with work, sleep or eating.

Call emergency services for chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, confusion, collapse or a high temperature with rapidly worsening symptoms. Seek prompt medical review for persistent palpitations, increasing weakness, severe diarrhoea or inability to maintain fluids. Feeling anxious alone does not identify the cause, but a sudden cluster of severe symptoms needs urgent assessment.

Ask how often your thyroid levels need checking, which heartbeat symptoms require urgent help, whether your medicines interact with supplements, and how bone and muscle health will be monitored.