The thyroid or the thyroid gland is one of the largest endocrine glands in the body. It is an organ that is found on the anterior side of the neck. It is derived from the Greek word, thyreo, which means shield. A thyreo is a Greek army shield shaped like a door. Another way to define the thyroid gland would be, an endocrine gland consisting of two lobes, one on each side of the trachea, joined by a narrow isthmus, producing hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine), which require iodine for their elaboration and are concerned in regulating metabolic rate; it also secretes calcitonin. A calcitonin is a peptide hormone, produced by the thyroid gland in humans that acts to lower plasma calcium and phosphate levels without augmenting calcium accretion, also called thyrocalcitonin. The thyroid gland shields us from the chemical reactions in our body. The notch on the upper part of your Adam’s apple is where your thyroid is. It moves in position during swallowing. The thyroid gland is firmly attached to the trachea which is the reason why it moves when we swallow. The thyroid controls the sensitivity of our body to other hormones and how our body uses up energy. It produces thyroid hormones which regulate the rate of metabolism. It also affects the growth and function rate of the other systems in the body. An overactive thyroid is also known as hyperthyroidism. This thyroid disorder means that the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone needed in the body. The thyroid gland controls the pace of one’s body process such as metabolism. Women are more likely to have overactive thyroid gland the men. When the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, metabolism increases. This makes an individual who has hyperthyroidism gain weight. Others feel fatigue but have trouble or difficulty in sleeping. An individual who is able to notice or feel any hyperthyroidism is considered lucky enough as some people do not have any idea that they are already suffering from a thyroid disorder.

Signs and Symptoms of an Overactive Thyroid

Most people don’t feel any symptoms. Others can just lose weight and just feel depressed for no reason at all. Below are the common symptoms one feels when suffering with hyperthyroidism:

  • Staring Gaze
  • Heat Intolerance
  • Palpitations
  • Inability to Sleep
  • Diarrhea
  • Fast Heart Rate
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Weight Loss
  • Trembling Hands
  • Hair Loss
  • Warm Moist Skin
  • Light or Absent Menstrual Periods
  • Nervousness or Irritability
  • Agitation
  • Decreased Libido

If you feel any of these symptoms it is best to seek medical help. With this, one may be provided enough and proper information about hyperthyroidism or any possible thyroid disorders. In that case, should one be suspecting thyroid problems due to the symptoms they feel, a physician can run a thyroid test to check an individual’s thyroid function. Symptoms felt can be raised also for it to be addressed properly. Once the thyroid disorder is diagnosed, the attending physician will then provide the necessary treatment and medication to help treat hyperthyroidism.