Symptoms Of Graves' Disease

Increased Heat Sensitivity

Individuals with hypothyroidism usually report feeling cold constantly, and not surprisingly, patients with hyperthyroidism report the opposite: increased heat sensitivity and feeling unpleasantly warm even when there is no environmental reason for such sensations. The affected individual may sweat a lot, have constantly moist skin, and be at higher risk of developing heat stroke in response to adverse weather conditions or intense exercise. This symptom is caused by the excess thyroid hormones accelerating the body's metabolism, which generates body heat and actually raises the patient's internal temperature. In response, the body works hard to maintain an appropriate body temperature by sweating. This symptom is quite specific to hyperthyroidism but not to Graves' disease, but is an important diagnostic clue.