Which physiologic response should be expected in hyperthyroidism?

Which physiologic response should be expected in hyperthyroidism?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Blurred vision
• C. Cold intolerance
• D. Increased appetite

Answer: (D)

Hyperthyroidism ramps up the body's metabolic rate, so tissues demand more energy. That increased energy use can stimulate appetite, making heightened hunger a plausible physiologic response to the excess thyroid hormones, even though weight loss is common because of increased catabolism. The other options don’t fit with hyperthyroid physiology: bradycardia is a slower heart rate, while hyperthyroidism typically causes tachycardia; blurred vision is not a general systemic response and is more specific to ocular changes in Graves’ disease; cold intolerance reflects a lower metabolic rate, which is not present in hyperthyroidism. So a rise in appetite aligns with the overall picture of an accelerated metabolism driven by excess thyroid hormones.

Hyperthyroidism ramps up the body's metabolic rate, so tissues demand more energy. That increased energy use can stimulate appetite, making heightened hunger a plausible physiologic response to the excess thyroid hormones, even though weight loss is common because of increased catabolism.

The other options don’t fit with hyperthyroid physiology: bradycardia is a slower heart rate, while hyperthyroidism typically causes tachycardia; blurred vision is not a general systemic response and is more specific to ocular changes in Graves’ disease; cold intolerance reflects a lower metabolic rate, which is not present in hyperthyroidism.

So a rise in appetite aligns with the overall picture of an accelerated metabolism driven by excess thyroid hormones.