Hormone Changes That Cause Tremors

Definition

Hormone changes in your body can cause many different symptoms, one of them being tremors. A tremor is defined as a tremble, shake or quiver. Tremors can affect any part of your body, but most often they affect your hands. When your body produces too much of certain hormones, the reaction accelerates body functions like metabolism and heart rate. This acceleration causes nervousness, anxiety, trouble sleeping and fatigue, all of which can lead to tremors.

Thyroid Conditions

Thyroid conditions are brought on by the over- or underproduction of hormones. Two common thyroid conditions cause tremors.

The most common form of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease, affects woman seven times more than men 13. Graves’ disease occurs when your immune system attacks your thyroid gland by mistake 1. The result of Graves’ disease is an overproduction of the hormone thyroxine 1. According to the Mayo Clinic, this higher level of thyroxine increases your body’s metabolic rate, which affects you mentally and physically—including having tremors in your hands and fingers 2. Tremors in your hands and fingers are one of the most serious symptoms of Graves’ disease 1. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should see your doctor if you develop a tremor.

Hyperthyroidism, similar to Graves’ disease, is caused by the overproduction of the hormone thyroxine 13. When your pituitary gland overstimulates your thyroid, causing the overproduction of hormones, you can develop hyperthyroidism or Graves’ disease 13. Hyperthyroidism has the same symptoms as Graves’ disease, including tremors in your hands and fingers 13. Only your doctor can determine the exact cause of hormone-induced tremors.

Hormonal & Chemical Inbalances

What Are the Causes of Fluctuating Thyroid Levels?

Learn More

Conversion disorder is a psychological condition where your body reacts to stress, mood or hormone imbalance. Typically appearing suddenly, conversion disorder is thought to begin after a stressful event. According to the Mayo Clinic, episodes of conversion disorder could be triggered by emotional conflicts or mental health disorders, such as depression 2. During an episode of conversion disorder you may experience tremors, seizures or convulsions involving any part of your body. Mental health is closely related to hormone production and your brain's reaction to hormones. Low hormone levels can trigger depression, and depression could itself trigger conversion disorder.