1. Hyperthyroidism Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Thyroid Disorder Quiz
3. Thyroid Symptoms and Solutions Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Stephanie L Lee, MD, PhD, FACE

Coauthor:

Sonia Ananthakrishnan, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Symptoms and their severity depend on duration and extent of thyroid hormone excess, and the age of the individual. Individuals may experience:

• Nervousness and irritability
• Palpitations and tachycardia
• Heat intolerance or increased sweating
• Tremor
• Weight loss or gain
• Increase in appetite
• Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
• Lower leg swelling
• Sudden paralysis
• Shortness of breath with exertion
• Decreased menstrual flow
• Impaired fertility
• Sleep disturbances (including insomnia)
• Changes in vision
• Photophobia, or light sensitivity
• Eye irritation with excess tears
• Diplopia, or double vision
• Exophthalmos, or forward protrusion of the eyeball
• Fatigue and muscle weakness
• Thyroid enlargement
• Pretibial myxedema (fluid buildup in the tissues about the shin bone; may be seen with Grave's disease)

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