When to worry about tremor with hyperthyroidism

Excess thyroid hormone makes the body more responsive to adrenaline. This can cause a fine, rapid tremor, often in the hands, alongside heat intolerance, sweating, weight loss, nervousness, loose stools, muscle weakness or a pounding heartbeat. Tremor may continue until thyroid activity is brought under control.

Arrange a medical review for new tremor or a change in your established symptoms. Take thyroid medicine exactly as prescribed and do not alter the dose without advice. Limit stimulants such as caffeine if they intensify shaking, rest in a cool environment, and record your pulse, triggers and accompanying symptoms for the appointment.

Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, collapse, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, high fever, extreme agitation or confusion. Seek same-day assessment if tremor is rapidly worsening, you cannot keep fluids down, or you feel faint. These may indicate serious effects of uncontrolled thyroid activity or another urgent problem.

Ask which thyroid blood tests are needed, whether your treatment needs adjustment, how to monitor your pulse, and which symptoms mean you should attend an emergency service.