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Step 1
Be on the lookout for extreme fatigue, restlessness, weight loss and emotional or mood swings. Too much thyroid hormone in the body can make it go into overdrive, causing a host of symptoms.
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Step 2
Recognize additional symptoms like rapid heartbeat, heart palpitations and muscle weakness.
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Step 3
Check for fine tremors. One way to do this is to place a piece of paper flat on your outstretched hand to see if it moves.
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Step 4
Look for changes in eating patterns such as eating large quantities of food, yet still losing weight.
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Step 5
Be aware of decreases in attention span and difficulty concentrating.
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Step 6
Notice changes in hair. It may be very soft, hard to curl, or thinning.
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Step 7
Understand that intolerance to heat is a sign of hyperthyroid.
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Step 8
Note changes in sex drive, and also menstrual cycles for women.
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Step 9
Check the thyroid gland on the front of the neck to see if feels enlarged.
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Step 10
Realize that if you have a thyroid disorder, reflexes may be slow. Ask your doctor to check them.
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Step 11
Look for inflammation of the eyes, which can cause them to protrude, since this is a common sign of Graves' disease.
