Signs You Have Hyperthyroidism

Most people think hyperthyroidism means rapid weight loss and a racing heart. Those are definitely symptoms, but your thyroid can be overactive while sending subtler signals.

Dina Madni, MD, a board-certified general surgeon in Dallas, Texas, treats thyroid disorders regularly.

Thyroid problems affect more people than you might expect. Up to 20 million Americans have some type of thyroid disorder, and women get them way more often than men. Here are some subtle signs you have an overactive thyroid.

1. Your skin starts to change in density and texture

An overactive thyroid messes with how your body handles everything from temperature to nutrients. Your skin might get thin and tear easily, like tissue paper instead of normal skin. Some people get a bumpy, thick skin condition on their shins called pretibial myxedema.

Hair changes can show up before anything else is obviously wrong. Your hair turns fine and breaks off when you brush it.

Even your heat tolerance can feel off. You may sweat when everyone else feels fine or have damp, clammy hands when you’re calm and sitting still.

2. Muscles and bones weaken

Hyperthyroidism typically affects larger muscle groups first, particularly in the thighs and upper arms. Activities like climbing stairs or lifting objects that were never a problem can become difficult. This weakness develops slowly, making it easy to dismiss as aging or lack of exercise.

Your bones break down faster than they should. The excess thyroid hormone accelerates this process, putting you at a higher risk of fractures.

3. Sleep quality deteriorates

Hyperthyroidism disrupts sleep in ways that don’t always seem connected to your thyroid. You might fall asleep easily but wake frequently throughout the night. The sleep you do get often feels unrefreshing, leaving you tired despite spending adequate time in bed.

Eye symptoms extend beyond the obvious

Eye changes from hyperthyroidism go well beyond the bulging appearance that severe cases can cause.

Common eye symptoms include:

Dry, scratchy feeling like sand in your eyes
Double vision that develops gradually
Increased light sensitivity requiring sunglasses indoors
Difficulty with computer screen glare
Upper eyelids that pull back, creating a wide-eyed look

These changes happen because excess thyroid hormone affects the muscles around your eyes and reduces tear production. The symptoms often develop slowly, so people don’t always connect them to their thyroid.

4. Digestion accelerates

Your digestive system speeds up along with everything else when your thyroid is overactive. You might have more frequent bowel movements without developing diarrhea. Food seems to move through your system faster, which can lead to problems absorbing nutrients over time.

Appetite changes can be confusing because you might eat more than usual but still lose weight. Some people develop intense cravings or don’t feel satisfied after normal-sized meals.

When to see Dr. Madni

Several warning signs suggest your symptoms need prompt medical attention, such as:

Rapid weight loss despite normal or increased appetite
Persistent muscle weakness
Menstrual cycle changes, particularly periods that become lighter or stop entirely
Heart palpitations

Dr. Madni uses blood tests to measure hormone levels and determine whether your thyroid produces too much hormone.

Early recognition of hyperthyroidism symptoms can prevent the condition from progressing to more serious complications. If you experience several of these signs, schedule an evaluation to determine whether your thyroid might be overactive.

To discuss your symptoms with Dr. Madni, call her Dallas office at 972-694-3673 or request an appointment online today.