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.