Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid): symptoms, causes & treatment in Nigeria
Also known as overactive thyroid, thyrotoxicosis.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Hyperthyroidism means the thyroid gland in the neck produces too much hormone, putting the whole body in overdrive — racing heart, weight loss, heat intolerance and anxiety. It may come with a visible neck swelling (goitre) or prominent eyes. Blood tests confirm it, and treatment is very effective.
Symptoms
Racing or irregular heartbeat
Unintentional weight loss despite good appetite
Feeling hot and sweating excessively
Tremor of the hands
Anxiety, irritability or restlessness
Neck swelling (goitre)
Bulging or staring eyes
Lighter or absent periods
Causes & risk factors
Graves disease (autoimmune overstimulation)
Overactive thyroid nodules
Thyroid inflammation
Excess iodine or thyroid hormone intake
Treatment & self-care
Doctors confirm the diagnosis with thyroid blood tests, then treat with anti-thyroid tablets, radioactive iodine or surgery depending on the cause and severity, often adding medicines to slow the racing heart. Regular monitoring fine-tunes the dose. Untreated hyperthyroidism strains the heart, so follow-up matters.
See a doctor urgently if
Racing heart with weight loss and heat intolerance
A growing neck swelling
Palpitations with breathlessness or chest pain
Fever, agitation and confusion in a known thyroid patient — emergency
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)?
Early signs often include racing or irregular heartbeat, unintentional weight loss despite good appetite, feeling hot and sweating excessively. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid) be treated?
Doctors confirm the diagnosis with thyroid blood tests, then treat with anti-thyroid tablets, radioactive iodine or surgery depending on the cause and severity, often adding medicines to slow the racing heart. Regular monitoring fine-tunes the dose. Untreated hyperthyroidism strains the heart, so follow-up matters.
When should I see a doctor about Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: racing heart with weight loss and heat intolerance; a growing neck swelling; palpitations with breathlessness or chest pain; fever, agitation and confusion in a known thyroid patient — emergency.