23 Symptoms That Could Indicate Hyperthyroidism

When your thyroid goes into overdrive, your entire body feels the ripple effects. Hyperthyroidism—also known as an overactive thyroid—occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which regulate your metabolism and energy use. This hormonal surge can throw off everything from your heartbeat to your mood and digestion. The most common culprit? Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition that triggers the thyroid to pump out hormones nonstop. But there are other causes too—and the symptoms can be surprisingly diverse, often mistaken for stress, aging, or other health issues. That’s why we’ve expanded our list to 23 signs that could point to hyperthyroidism. From unexplained weight loss and rapid heartbeat to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and skin changes, these red flags are your body’s way of signaling that something’s off. Catching them early could make all the difference in managing your thyroid health.

1. Shifts In Appetite

Hyperthyroidism may cause either an increase or decrease in appetite or a complete change in the type of food a person craves. The majority of patients with hyperthyroidism will experience an increase in appetite, but any unprovoked change in taste might be a sign. Weight changes and an increase in thirst are also common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Some individuals may gain weight and others will lose it. Keeping a daily food journal is a great way to track any appetite changes. Be sure to note any food cravings, what you ate, when you ate it, and how you felt afterward.