Video Transcript
Which of the following is a symptom of an overactive thyroid gland? (A) Weight gain, (B) frequent urination, (C) reduced growth, (D) weight loss, or (E)
constant thirst.
This question is asking us about the possible consequences of a thyroid gland that is
overactive or in other words that works too much. Let’s first remind ourselves what the thyroid gland is.
The thyroid gland has the shape of a butterfly and is located in front of the
neck. This gland is one of the largest endocrine glands of the body. The thyroid gland produces hormones that stimulate metabolic processes controlling
our heart and respiratory rate, body temperature, and energy levels.
Now let’s try to imagine what kinds of symptoms an overactive thyroid could
cause. First, when the thyroid produces too many hormones, its size increases, which forms a
lump on the neck that is commonly called a goiter. With an overactive thyroid gland, larger amounts of hormones are produced. This causes excessive stimulation of our body’s metabolism, leading to an increased
heart and respiratory rate. An overactive thyroid can also cause a person to feel too hot because the body
temperature is increased. Lastly, an excess of thyroid hormones can cause the body to burn more energy than
needed, using the energy stored in fat, for example. This typically results in weight loss despite an increased hunger and food
intake.
Therefore, the answer to this question is (D). A symptom of an overactive thyroid gland is weight loss.
