Which gastrointestinal symptom is associated with hyperthyroidism?

Which gastrointestinal symptom is associated with hyperthyroidism?

• A. Nausea
• B. Weight loss
• C. Increased stools
• D. Increased appetite

Answer: (C)

Excess thyroid hormone speeds up gut motility, so the intestines move contents through more quickly. This accelerated transit often causes looser stools and more frequent bowel movements, which is the classic gastrointestinal symptom in hyperthyroidism. While weight loss and increased appetite can occur due to the overall metabolic boost, those are systemic/metabolic effects rather than direct GI symptoms, and nausea is not a hallmark feature of thyrotoxicosis. Therefore, increased stools best reflect the GI impact of an overactive thyroid.

Excess thyroid hormone speeds up gut motility, so the intestines move contents through more quickly. This accelerated transit often causes looser stools and more frequent bowel movements, which is the classic gastrointestinal symptom in hyperthyroidism. While weight loss and increased appetite can occur due to the overall metabolic boost, those are systemic/metabolic effects rather than direct GI symptoms, and nausea is not a hallmark feature of thyrotoxicosis. Therefore, increased stools best reflect the GI impact of an overactive thyroid.