The overproduction of thyroid hormones can have a variety of effects on the body due to the important role these hormones play to regulate a person's metabolism. The influx of thyroid hormones can increase these processes, symptoms of this include:

-- An irregular or rapid heartbeat
-- Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter).
-- Increased sweating
-- Weight loss
-- Nervousness
-- Hand tremors
-- Anxiety

One distinct feature of Graves' disease, compared with other causes of hyperthyroidism, is its effects on the eyes. Graves' disease is the only type of hyperthyroidism that is associated with the swelling and inflammation of the eye tissue. Graves' eye disease is also known as ophthalmopathy (exophthalmos) and is a common symptom of patients with Graves's disease with 30% of patients suffering from the condition.7 In this instance, the eyes become painful, red and watery. Patients may also experience extreme sensitivity to sunlight and blurred vision.