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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    I have an overactive thyroid - what does that mean?

    Related Topic
    Hyperthyroidism
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  • Dr Devina Joshi

    Endocrinologist

    Dr Devina Joshi is a Sydney-trained endocrine physician and diabetes specialist. She is one of the founding partners of North Sydney Specialists. Dr Devina Joshi … View Profile

    An overactive thyroid (also known as hyperthyroidism) is akin to the body being in “fast-forward”. Symptoms can include palpitations, tremor, anxiety, weight loss and diarrhoea. Although it is possible for it to be asymptomatic too (if mild). It is of significance as even in the absence of symptoms as it can increase the risk of the heart going into an abnormal rhythm and thinning of the bones through osteoporosis. It can be due to multiple causes including an autoimmune disease called Graves disease, "hot" nodules in your thyroid that over-produce thyroid hormone or inflammation of the thyroid known as subacute thyroiditis. Treatment depends on the cause and the doctor may need to do specific scans to diagnose the cause. Some thyroid diseases need antithyroid medications while others need radioactive iodine. Some types of overactivity can improve on their own.

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