Overactive Thyroid Side Effects

The thyroid gland, located just above the collar bone, is a member of the endocrine system and regulates cellular and hormonal function throughout the body. When the gland becomes overactive, called hyperthyroidism, due to external stimuli or an underlying condition, it creates a wide range of symptoms that affect almost every bodily system.

Weight Loss

• One of the main systems the thyroid regulates is the body's metabolism, and when it overacts it causes the metabolism to speed up. The result is rapid and unintentional weight loss of up to 20 Ibs. within a few months.

Insomnia

• As the metabolism and other bodily systems speed up due to thyroid dysfunction, the body's need for sleep decreases, causing insomnia. Individuals with severely overactive thyroids may sleep for less than an hour a night.

Increased Bowel Activity

• Increased digestive speed is a result of hyperthyroidism, which can cause frequent bowel movements, diarrhea and abdominal cramping as side effects.

Confusion

• Many individuals experiencing hyperthyroidism complain of persistent and unexplainable confusion as a side effect, commonly exemplified by the inability to make sense of a simple combination of information such as date and time.

Mania

• When the thyroid becomes overactive, it can cause the brain chemistry to change, resulting in a mental state that is similar to mania. Hyperthyroid patients can experience a burst of creativity, flights of ideas, and a sense of elation and grandiosity, combined with irritability, impulsiveness and a desire to act recklessly or promiscuously.