What is Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone (called T3 and T4). As the thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and has effects on nearly all organs in the body, an overactive thyroid can have far reaching effects on health and body functioning.  

What are the symptoms of Hyperthyroidism?

An overactive thyroid can result in the following symptoms. If you feel that these apply to you, please consult your doctor for an assessment.

• Palpitations

• Breathlessness

• High blood pressure

• Swelling at the base of the neck

• Increased perspiration

• Constant stare or blinking

• Insomnia

• Fatigue

• Restlessness

• Anxiety

• Increased bowel movements

• Light or absent menstruation

• Weightloss

• Trembling hands

• Feeling hot

• Muscle weakness

• Hair loss

How is Hyperthyroidism diagnosed?

The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is easily made by means of a blood test to measure levels of the thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) in the blood. Levels of a hormone called TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) secreted by the pituitary gland, will also be measured. Other tests may be done to measure how the thyroid uses iodine and to determine which type of hyperthyroidism the person has.

What causes Hyperthyroidism?

The most common cause of an overactive thyroid is Graves Disease. Graves Disease is an auto-immune illness in which the immune system begins to attack parts of ones own body - in this case the thyroid gland.

Other causes of Hyperthyroidism include nodules on the thyroid gland, inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis) and over-treatment of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

How is Hyperthyroidism usually treated?

Hyperthyroidism may be treated with anti-thyroid drugs like methimazole and propylthiouracil (PTU) - which block the thyroid from producing thyroid hormone. Although these drugs may quickly bring the thyroid into balance, they can have side effects such as itching, rash, fever, liver inflammation or a deficiency of white blood cells. Often the hyperthyroidism comes back after these drugs are discontinued.

For this reason, orthodox medicine often recommends that the thyroid be permanently put out of action by means of radioactive iodine treatment or surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid. While this can permanently solve the problem of hyperthyroidism, an unwanted side effect is often symptoms related to hypothyroidism. People who have had their thyroid gland removed or inactivated by radioactive iodine treatment usually have to take medication for hypothyroidism for the rest of their lives.

Other medication, for example beta-blockers, may be prescribed to control some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Can Natural Remedies help?

If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can be a significant threat to health and may cause serious complications. Mild hyperthyroidism often responds well to complimentary medicine and a holistic approach (including diet) and may help to calm down the thyroid and remove the need for radioactive iodine treatment or surgery. This should be discussed with your doctor, homeopath or naturopath before home treatment of overactive thyroid is begun.

What is ThyroSoothe?

ThyroSoothe is a 100% herbal remedy containing herbs known for their ability to soothe and normalize the overactive thyroid and related symptoms, naturally decrease levels of T4 and TSH and inhibit the binding of antibodies to the thyroid.