Overactive Thyroid: Causes, Symptoms, and What You Can Do

When your overactive thyroid, a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much hormone. Also known as hyperthyroidism, it forces your metabolism into overdrive, making your heart race, your nerves jitter, and your weight drop—even if you’re eating more. This isn’t just feeling "wired." It’s a real medical issue that can mess with your heart, bones, and mood if left unchecked.

The most common cause is Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks your thyroid, tricking it into overproducing hormones. Other triggers include thyroid nodules, inflammation from viruses, or taking too much thyroid medication. You might notice symptoms like shaky hands, trouble sleeping, sweaty palms, or a swollen neck. Women are five to eight times more likely to develop it than men, and it often shows up between ages 30 and 50.

What you take for other conditions can also play a role. For example, thyroid medication, like levothyroxine, if dosed too high, can push a normal thyroid into overdrive. Some supplements, especially those with iodine, can trigger or worsen it. Even stress and pregnancy can temporarily throw your thyroid off balance. The good news? It’s diagnosable with a simple blood test that checks your thyroid hormone levels, specifically TSH, T3, and T4. Once you know what’s going on, treatment options range from pills to radioiodine therapy or even surgery.

Many people with overactive thyroid don’t realize it at first. They think they’re just stressed, or that losing weight is a bonus—until the fatigue, heart palpitations, or panic attacks become too much. The posts here cover real-world cases: how certain drugs interact with thyroid function, what to watch for if you’re on hormone therapy, and how conditions like autoimmune disorders or kidney disease can complicate things. You’ll find practical advice on managing symptoms, avoiding dangerous interactions, and working with your doctor to find the right balance.