AEMCA Practice Exam

What is a common sign of hyperthyroidism?

1. Weight gain.

2. Cold intolerance.

3. Diarrhea.

4. Cold skin.

The correct answer is: Diarrhea.

Hyperthyroidism is characterized by an overproduction of thyroid hormones, which can speed up the body's metabolism. One common sign of this condition is increased gastrointestinal activity, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea. Patients may experience frequent bowel movements and loose stools due to the accelerated metabolic processes influenced by high levels of thyroid hormones. In contrast, weight gain, cold intolerance, and cold skin are more commonly associated with hypothyroidism, where a deficiency of thyroid hormones results in a slowed metabolism and related symptoms. Therefore, recognizing diarrhea as a symptom associated with hyperthyroidism helps in differentiating between the two conditions.