What are the first signs of hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces more hormone than the body needs. This can speed up body processes. Most people with hyperthyroidism notice a combination of symptoms rather than one isolated change. A racing, pounding, or irregular heartbeat is a common presentation of hyperthyroidism; see Palpitations for more detail. Fine shaking in the hands, feeling unusually warm, increased perspiration, restlessness, trouble sleeping, and frequent bowel movements may appear gradually. Some people develop a swollen thyroid, called a goitre. These signs can also have other causes, so symptoms alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.

Arrange a GP Consultation if several symptoms persist, recur, or interfere with sleep, work, or daily activity. A clinician can review medicines, supplements, family history, pulse, weight changes, and neck swelling. A Thyroid Function Test is commonly used to check thyroid hormone patterns. Until assessed, note when symptoms occur and whether caffeine, illness, stress, or exercise makes them stronger. Do not start or stop thyroid medicine without clinical advice.

Seek urgent medical help for chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness, confusion, or a very fast or irregular heartbeat that does not settle. Arrange prompt assessment for worsening tremor, repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, marked weakness, or rapid unexplained weight loss. Emergency symptoms need immediate care and should not be attributed to the thyroid without assessment.

Ask whether your symptoms fit hyperthyroidism, which tests are appropriate, whether your medicines or supplements could affect the thyroid, and whether a goitre needs examination. Ask how to monitor your pulse and which changes should prompt urgent review.