Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism makes the body speed up. It occurs when there is too much thyroid hormone in the blood (“hyper” means “too much”). It affects approximately 1.3% of individuals in the United States, or about 9 of every 1,000 Americans. It is nearly 10 times more frequent in women. The most common form of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease, is caused by problems with the immune system and tends to run in families. It affected Olympic athlete Gail Devers who won a gold medal in track after being diagnosed with and treated for Graves’ disease.
Symptoms include:
- fast heart rate
- nervousness
- increased perspiration
- muscle weakness
- trembling hands
- weight loss
- hair loss
- skin changes
- increased frequency of bowel movements
- decreased menstrual flow and less frequent menstrual flow