Which symptom could indicate excessive thyroid hormone replacement (hyperthyroidism)?

Which symptom could indicate excessive thyroid hormone replacement (hyperthyroidism)?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Chest pain and tremors
• C. Fatigue
• D. Cold intolerance

Answer: (B)

Excess thyroid hormone replacement speeds up metabolism and heightens sympathetic activity, leading to signs like rapid heart rate, tremors, anxiety, heat intolerance, and weight loss. The combination of chest pain and tremors specifically reflects this hyperthyroid state: the heart is working harder, which can cause chest pain, while the nervous system becomes more excitable, producing tremors. Weight gain would suggest the opposite—insufficient thyroid hormone or hypothyroidism. Cold intolerance is also typical of hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism. Fatigue can occur in various conditions and is less characteristic of an overt hyperthyroid state than tremors and chest pain.

Excess thyroid hormone replacement speeds up metabolism and heightens sympathetic activity, leading to signs like rapid heart rate, tremors, anxiety, heat intolerance, and weight loss. The combination of chest pain and tremors specifically reflects this hyperthyroid state: the heart is working harder, which can cause chest pain, while the nervous system becomes more excitable, producing tremors.

Weight gain would suggest the opposite—insufficient thyroid hormone or hypothyroidism. Cold intolerance is also typical of hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism. Fatigue can occur in various conditions and is less characteristic of an overt hyperthyroid state than tremors and chest pain.