
Hyperthyroidism is a very common condition affecting millions around the world. This article enlists the various aspects involved in hyperthyroidism treatment.
The thyroid gland situated at the back of the neck releases 2 hormones – T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine), which are responsible for keeping the body metabolism to its optimum. It’s understandable that when the levels of these hormones elevate beyond optimum, it leads to a condition termed as hyperthyroidism. It is generally associated with hyperactivity of an individual. Hypothyroidism on the other hand, is a condition wherein the gland is not able to fulfill the hormonal demands of the body.
Causes
Normally, the thyroid gland works efficiently. The causes for this disorder are mostly associated with other thyroid problems, like Graves’ disease, thyroiditis, toxic thyroid adenoma, toxic multinodular goiter, and very rarely, node secretion. The most common cause can be attributed to a fluctuating iodine diet.
Symptoms
- Weight loss
- Anxiety
- Heat intolerance
- Hair loss
- Muscle aches
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Hyperactivity
- Irritability
- Hypoglycemia
- Apathy
- Polyuria
- Polydipsia
- Delirium
- Tremor
- Sweating
- Palpitations
Treatment
Natural Treatment
- Some of the natural ways to cure hyperactive thyroidism date long back and include the use of certain herbs. The symptoms in women associated with menstrual problems can be treated with black cohosh.
- Symptoms of hyperactivity, like heart racing and high blood pressure can be controlled by the consumption of burdock.
- Bladderwrack is naturally rich in iodine, and its consumption keeps the thyroid glands healthy. This is generally used in cases of goiter.
- Nettles (tea) is another herb, which is essential as a part of the diet, since it is rich in minerals and nutrients.
- Other natural thyroid supplements are lemon balm, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and bugleweed.
Diet
- It is one of the many natural ways of treatment. The diet intake includes high proteins, especially animal proteins like meat, fish, eggs, and poultry. It also includes cereals along with milk and milk products like cream or butter.
- High Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C and other minerals like calcium and phosphorus intake is recommended.
- One can also enjoy fruits such as mangoes and papayas.
- The diet should consist of broccoli, cauliflower, and kale as raw salads.
- Goiter associated with this condition can be treated using certain sea vegetables, like dulse, hijki, and kombu in soup combinations.
All these food items are said to suppress the activity of the gland, thus controlling the condition. Also, smoking or drinking should be avoided completely along with chocolate, caffeine, and soda intake.
Drugs
- Treatment aided by drugs and medication helps in severe cases.
- Tremors and palpitations can be cured by the use of beta blockers (Propranolol and Inderal), which help getting over these symptoms.
- However, a severe overactive thyroid requires drug consumption. The most effective drugs are Methimazole and Propylthiouracil (PTU). The drug brands selling these include Tapazole, SSKI, Northyx, Iodotope, ThyroShield, Yodefan, and Pima.
- The main working mechanism of all these drugs is to lessen the production of hormones by the thyroid gland.
- Although these drugs have their share of side effects, they need to be taken on a long-term basis to prevent reoccurring of the symptoms.
- In very severe cases, doctors generally suggest a surgery, which involves the removal of the entire gland, a part of it, or a thyroid nodule that is responsible for causing the disease.
- Alternatively, radioactive iodine therapy is used in which the thyroid cells are killed by exposure to radioactivity (consumption of tablets). This method is easy and very effective in only one dosage.
This disorder is almost similar to hypothyroidism, however, their symptoms differ, and so do the treatments. Hyperthyroidism is not a life-threatening condition if appropriate medication is administered and followed. Early diagnosis and treatment measures given above will surely help preventing complications.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.