What are the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

At first, you might not notice the signs or symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Symptoms usually begin slowly. But, over time, a faster metabolism can cause symptoms such as:

• Weight loss, even if you eat the same or more food (most but not all people lose weight)
• Eating more than usual
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat or pounding of your heart
• Feeling nervous or anxious
• Feeling irritable
• Trouble sleeping
• Trembling in your hands and fingers
• Increased sweating
• Feeling hot when other people do not
• Muscle weakness
• Diarrhea or more bowel movements than normal
• Fewer and lighter menstrual periods than normal
• Changes in your eyes that can include bulging of the eyes, redness, or irritation

Hyperthyroidism raises your risk for osteoporosis, a condition that causes weak bones that break easily. In fact, hyperthyroidism might affect your bones before you have any of the other symptoms of the condition. This is especially true of women who have gone through menopause or who are already at high risk of osteoporosis.