February 18, 2026
When we talk about thyroid health, there’s more than just one condition to know about. Most people have heard of hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland slows down and doesn’t make enough hormones. But there’s another important condition called hyperthyroidism.
In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid becomes too active and makes more hormones than the body needs. Even though people talk about it less, it still affects around 5 million people in India — about 1 in every 100 adults. So, it’s important to understand that not all thyroid problems are due to an underactive thyroid.[xi],[xii],[xiii],[xiv]
Hyperthyroidism can happen at any age, but it is more common in women. It may last for a short time or become a long-term condition. If it is not treated, it can seriously affect your energy levels, mood, heart health, and overall well‑being.[x]
Many factors can increase the risk of hyperthyroidism — such as smoking, having too much or too little iodine, low selenium levels, family history, and the use of certain medicines. Since thyroid hormones affect many parts of the body, too much hormone can push your system into overdrive. This speeds up your metabolism and can cause symptoms like weight loss, anxiety, fast heartbeat, feeling too warm, and trouble sleeping.[x]
Understanding hyperthyroidism can help you notice symptoms early and get the right treatment. With proper medical care, it can be well managed, helping you stay healthy and active.
Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:[i],[ii],[iii]
These symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly and can be mistaken for stress, poor fitness, or dietary changes, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.[iv],[v]
Early recognition of this condition and getting the right treatment support are critical.[vi] If hyperthyroidism isn’t properly managed, it can occasionally lead to a rare but serious complication known as a thyroid storm. This happens when the body’s metabolism becomes excessively overactive, which can temporarily overwhelm several organs. Symptoms may include high fever, a fast heartbeat, and confusion. Thyroid storm requires prompt medical attention and treatment. Beyond this rare complication, long-term or untreated hyperthyroidism can gradually increase the risk of heart-related issues, bone thinning (osteoporosis), and reproductive health issues.[vii],[viii],[x]
The good news is that with early diagnosis and consistent medical follow-up, most people can manage the condition successfully. Recognizing the signs early and seeking timely medical support is key to preventing complications and protecting your long-term health. Understanding your thyroid is the first step toward taking control of your well-being.[ix]
Disclaimer: The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive /for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information.
[i] Gabrielson AT, Sartor RA, Hellstrom WJG. The Impact of Thyroid Disease on Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women. Sex Med Rev. 2019 Jan;7(1):57-70. doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.05.002. Epub 2018 Jul 26. PMID: 30057137.
[ii] InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Overview: Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) [Updated 2024 May 28]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279480/”
[iii] Koutras DA. Disturbances of menstruation in thyroid disease. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1997 Jun 17;816:280-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1997.tb52152.x. PMID: 9238278.
[iv] Symptoms. Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) . National Health Service, United Kingdom. Accessed from Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) – Symptoms – NHS on 24th July 2025
[v] Moideen Sheriff S, Singh G, Chukwunyelu NK, Ezeafulukwe CJ, Hassan OA. Hyperthyroidism Masquerading as an Anxiety Disorder: A Report on a Misdiagnosed Case. Cureus. 2023 Aug 24;15(8):e44071. doi: 10.7759/cureus.44071. PMID: 37750133; PMCID: PMC10517880.
[vi] Mathew P, Kaur J, Rawla P. Hyperthyroidism. [Updated 2023 Mar 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537053/
[vii] Moideen Sheriff S, Singh G, Chukwunyelu NK, Ezeafulukwe CJ, Hassan OA. Hyperthyroidism Masquerading as an Anxiety Disorder: A Report on a Misdiagnosed Case. Cureus. 2023 Aug 24;15(8):e44071. doi: 10.7759/cureus.44071. PMID: 37750133; PMCID: PMC10517880.
[viii] Pokhrel B, Aiman W, Bhusal K. Thyroid Storm. [Updated 2022 Oct 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448095/
[ix] Feldt-Rasmussen U, Klose M. Clinical Strategies in the Testing of Thyroid Function. [Updated 2020 Nov 20]. In: Feingold KR, Ahmed SF, Anawalt B, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK285558/
[x] Mathew P, Kaur J, Rawla P. Hyperthyroidism. [Updated 2023 Mar 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537053/
[xi] Unnikrishnan AG, Menon UV. Thyroid disorders in India: An epidemiological perspective. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Jul;15(Suppl 2):S78-81. doi: 10.4103/2230-8210.83329. PMID: 21966658; PMCID: PMC3169866.
[xii] Nijith L, Ranjan R. Cardiovascular Manifestations in Hyperthyroidism: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India. Cureus. 2022 May 23;14(5):e25232. doi: 10.7759/cureus.25232. PMID: 35755496; PMCID: PMC9217679.
[xiii] Ganie MA, Charoo BA, Sahar T, Bhat MH, Ali SA, Niyaz M, Sidana S, Yaseen A. Thyroid Function, Urinary Iodine, and Thyroid Antibody Status Among the Tribal Population of Kashmir Valley: Data From Endemic Zone of a Sub Himalayan Region. Front Public Health. 2020 Oct 28;8:555840. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.555840. PMID: 33194956; PMCID: PMC7655871
[xiv] Velayutham K, Selvan SS, Unnikrishnan AG. Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among young females in a South Indian population. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Nov-Dec;19(6):781-4. doi: 10.4103/2230-8210.167546. PMID: 26693428; PMCID: PMC4673806.
IN-26-0570 18 Feb 2026
