🔥 Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
Commonly caused by conditions like Graves’ disease.
Typical symptoms:
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Unexplained weight loss (despite normal or increased appetite)
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Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
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Anxiety, irritability, nervousness
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Tremors (shaky hands)
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Excessive sweating
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Heat intolerance
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Frequent bowel movements
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Difficulty sleeping
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Muscle weakness
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Enlarged thyroid (goiter)
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Bulging eyes (seen in Graves’ disease)
❄️ Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
A common cause is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Typical symptoms:
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Unexplained weight gain
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Fatigue and sluggishness
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Depression or low mood
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Sensitivity to cold
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Constipation
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Dry skin and brittle hair
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Hair thinning (including outer eyebrows)
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Puffy face
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Hoarseness
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Slow heart rate
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Heavy or irregular menstrual periods
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Fertility problems
🚨 Symptoms That Need Prompt Medical Attention
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Severe chest pain
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Confusion
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Fainting
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Very high fever with rapid heart rate (possible thyroid storm)
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Extreme drowsiness or hypothermia (possible myxedema coma)
These are rare but serious complications.
🧒 In Children and Teens
Thyroid disorders can also affect:
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Growth and puberty
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School performance
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Behavior and mood
When to See a Doctor
If you notice persistent symptoms from either group—especially changes in weight, heart rate, energy levels, or mood—it’s worth getting a simple blood test (TSH, T3, T4) to check thyroid function.
If you’d like, tell me what symptoms you’re experiencing and I can help you think through whether they align more with hyper- or hypothyroidism.