Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of hyperthyroidism?

• A. Cold sensitivity
• B. Unexplained weight loss
• C. Exophthalmos
• D. Goiter

Answer: (A)

Hyperthyroidism speeds up metabolism and the body’s sympathetic activity, so symptoms typically include weight loss despite normal or increased appetite, heat intolerance with sweating, tremor, rapid or irregular pulse, anxiety or irritability, and sometimes a goiter. Exophthalmos can occur, especially in Graves disease, due to autoimmune effects on the eye tissues. Cold sensitivity, on the other hand, is more characteristic of hypothyroidism, where metabolism is slowed and people feel chilly more easily. Because of this, cold sensitivity is not a common feature of hyperthyroidism, making it the best choice for what is NOT typically seen with this condition. The other signs—unexplained weight loss, exophthalmos, and goiter—fit the hyperthyroid picture.