Hyperthyroidism leads to an increase in the body’s metabolism. In children and young people, the most obvious symptoms can be weight loss and rapid growth in height. There is a long list of other symptoms and signs associated with hyperthyroidism although not everyone will have all of them. These include:
- heart palpitations or a racing heartbeat
- sweating,
- not being able to stand heat,
- being intolerant of warmth and warm conditions
- tiredness
- nervousness and irritability
- shakiness
- a rapid pulse
- mood swings or aggressive behaviour
- loose bowel movements
- weak muscles
- warm, moist hands
- difficulty concentrating and sitting still
- thirst
- itchiness
- an enlarged thyroid gland (a goitre)
Symptoms can come on very quickly – within the space of a few days or weeks – or may develop over a long period of time. Occasionally children with Graves’ disease may also develop thyroid eye disease (TED). This is usually quite mild in children.
