Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)

What is hyperthyroidism?

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism

Causes of hyperthyroidism

Prevention / remedies / cures / treatment for hyperthyroidism

References

What is hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is when the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. The opposite of hyperthyroidism is hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid).

The thyroid gland, located at the base of the throat, has an influence on almost every metabolic process, helping cells get the energy and nutrients they need. Hyperthyroidism is when too much of the thyroid hormones are produced. The thyroid produces the hormone thyroxine (T4). Enzymes convert the T4 into an active form (T3) which controls your rate of metabolism.

Thyrotoxicosis is when the levels of thyroid hormones T3 and T4 are too high. Thyrotoxicosis can be caused by:

• Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid).
• The excessive release of thyroid hormones already stored in the thyroid gland (without the accelerated hormone production that characterizes hyperthyroidism).
• Taking too much thyroid hormone supplements (such as levothyroxine).

Hyperthyroidism is more common in women than men. Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.

Test for thyroid function

A laboratory can test for your level of thyroxine, and level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH is produced by the brain to tell the thyroid to produce more thyroxine. Many doctors say a level of TSH below 5 mIU/L is normal, but the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists now considers more than 3 to be abnormal. Some practitioners even consider above 2.5 to be unhealthy.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism

Thyroid hormones control the pace of all of the processes in the body (the metabolic rate). If there is too much thyroid hormone, every function of the body tends to speed up (ie fast metabolism).

• Weight loss (sometimes significant) may occur despite increased appetite. However, about 10% of people with a hyperactive thyroid experience weight gain. (1)
• High blood glucose, hyperactivity.
• Excessive sweating.
• Increased heartbeat or heart arrhythmia / palpitation.
• Anxiety, feeling nervous, Irritability, confusion, poor memory, disorientation, panic attack, poor concentration.
• Goitre (swollen thyroid causing a bulge in the throat).
• Insomnia (difficulty sleeping).
• Thinning of the skin, fine brittle hair.
• Muscle weakness, especially in the upper arms and thighs.
• Hand tremors.
• Menstrual flow may lighten or less frequent menstrual periods.
• Low libido.
• Bulging eyes (lid retraction).
• Short of breath.
• Nausea, vomiting.
• Excessive thirst.
• Osteoporosis after many years.

A Thyroid storm is a life-threatening emergency that requires urgent care. This severe form of thyrotoxicosis is characterized by a rapid and often irregular heartbeat, high temperature, vomiting, diarrhoea, and mental agitation.

Causes of hyperthyroidism

• Graves' disease (an autoimmune disorder) is responsible for 50-90% of cases around the world (90% in the USA). The size of the thyroid gland can double, causing goitre. It can occur at any age, but is most common in middle age. It occurs seven times more in women than men. Graves' disease can have life-threatening complications, especially if combined with a serious heart problem.
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis often results in hypothyroidism with bouts of hyperthyroidism.
• About 5% of patients with myasthenia gravis have hyperthyroidism.
• Pharmaceutical drugs such as Amiodarone.
• Postpartum thyroiditis occurs in about 5-7% of women during the year after they give birth. At first is may occur as hyperthyroidism, and it may be followed by a longer period of hypothyroidism. This form of hyperthyroidism usually corrects itself within weeks or months without the need for treatment, but it can be ongoing in 20-40% of cases.
• Low cholesterol.

Prevention / remedies / cures / treatment for hyperthyroidism

• Avoid foods that are high in iodine, such as seaweeds (especially dulse, kelp, nori), shellfish and ocean fish (especially the heads).
• Eat foods that are high in goitrogens, which calm an over-active thyroid and reduce the production of excessive thyroid hormones. The anti-thyroid effect is strongest when these foods are eaten raw. They include vegetables in the brassica family: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower; mustard and spinach; almonds, pine nuts, peanuts; peach, pear, strawberry; turnips, corn, millet, and a limited amount of soy products (soy isoflavones block iodine).
• Avoid sugar, sweet foods and drinks, starch, wheat, gluten and processed foods.
• Get sufficient vitamin D.
• Lithium, taken as a supplement.
• See details of remedies recommended by Grow Youthful visitors, and their experience with them.

References

1. James Pendergraft. Understanding the Relationship Between Hyperthyroidism and Weight Gain. 19 June 2009.