clinical features of hyperthyroidism

Last edited 04/2018 and last reviewed 10/2023

 

symptoms

signs

constitutional

  • weight loss despite increased appetite
  • heat related symptoms – heat intolerance, sweating, polydypsia
  • weight loss

neuromuscular

  • tremor
  • nervousness
  • anxiety
  • fatigue
  • weakness
  • disturbed sleep
  • poor concentration
  • tremor of the extremities
  • hyperactivity
  • hyper-reflexia
  • pelvic and girdle muscle weakness

cardiovascular

  • palpitations
  • tachycardia
  • systolic hypertension
  • irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)

pulmonary

  • dyspnoea
  • tachypnoea

gastrointestinal

  • hyperdefecation
  • nauses
  • vomiting
  • abdominal tenderness

skin

  • increased perspiration
  • warm and moist skin

reproductive

 

  • menstrual disturbances

ocular

  • diplopia
  • sense of irritation in the eyes
  • eyelid swelling
  • retro-orbital pain or
    discomfort
  • proptosis
  • eyelid retraction and lag
  • periorbital oedema
  • conjunctival injection and chemosis
  • ophthalmoplegia (1)

Clinical features can also be considered in terms of typical and atypical presentations of hyperthyroidism..

Reference: