Hyperthyroidism

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism can be caused by a number of conditions, including Graves' disease, Plummer's disease and thyroiditis. Thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck, just below Adam's apple. The thyroid gland has an enormous impact on health. Every aspect of metabolism is regulated by thyroid hormones.

Thyroid gland produces two main hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), that influence every cell in the body. They maintain the rate at which the body uses fats and carbohydrates, help control body temperature, influence heart rate, and help regulate the production of protein.Thyroid also produces a hormone that helps regulate the amount of calcium in blood (calcitonin).

Reasons for too much thyroxine (T4)

Normally, your thyroid releases the right amount of hormones, but sometimes it produces too much T4. This may occur for a number of reasons, including:

• Graves' Disease

  Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies produced by the immune system stimulate thyroid to produce too much T4. It's the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.

• Hyper functioning thyroid nodules

  (toxic adenoma, toxic multinodular goitre or Plummer's disease). This form of hyperthyroidism occurs when one or more adenomas of your thyroid produce too much T4. An adenoma is a part of the gland that has walled itself off from the rest of the gland, forming non cancerous (benign) lumps that may cause an enlargement of the thyroid.

• Thyroiditis

  Sometimes thyroid gland can become inflamed after pregnancy, due to an autoimmune condition or for unknown reasons. The inflammation can cause excess thyroid hormone stored in the gland to leak into the bloodstream. Some types of thyroiditis may cause pain, while others are painless.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for hyperthyroidism, include :

• A family history, particularly of Graves' disease
• Female sex
• A personal history of certain chronic illnesses, such as type 1 diabetes, pernicious anaemia and primary adrenal insufficiency

Complication

Hyperthyroidism can lead to a number of complications :

1. Heart Problems

   Some of the most serious complications of hyperthyroidism involve the heart. These include a rapid heart rate, a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation that increases your risk of stroke, and congestive heart failure — a condition in which the heart can't circulate enough blood to meet the body's needs.

2. Brittle Bones

   Untreated hyperthyroidism can also lead to weak, brittle bones (osteoporosis). The strength of bones depends, in part, on the amount of calcium and other minerals they contain. Too much thyroid hormone interferes with their body's ability to incorporate calcium into bones.

3. Eye Problems

   People with Graves' ophthalmopathy develop eye problems, including bulging, red or swollen eyes, sensitivity to light, and blurring or double vision. Untreated, severe eye problems can lead to vision loss.

4. Red, Swollen Skin

   In rare cases, people with Graves' disease develop Graves' dermopathy. This affects the skin, causing redness and swelling, often on the shins and feet.

5. Thyrotoxic Crisis

   Hyperthyroidism also places at risk of thyrotoxic crisis — a sudden intensification of symptoms, leading to a fever, a rapid pulse and even delirium. If this occurs, seek immediate medical care.

Diagnosis

Tests may be performed to further evaluate your diagnosis. These include :

1. Cholesterol Test

   Doctors may need to check cholesterol levels. Low cholesterol can be a sign of an elevated metabolic rate, in which the body is burning through cholesterol quickly.

2. T4, free T4, T3

   These tests measure how much thyroid hormone (T4 and T3) is in blood.

3. Thyroid stimulating hormone level test

   Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a pituitary gland hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce hormones. When thyroid hormone levels are normal or high, TSH should be lower. An abnormally low TSH can be the first sign of hyperthyroidism.

4. Triglyceride test

   Triglyceride level may also be tested. Similar to low cholesterol, low triglycerides can be a sign of an elevated metabolic rate.

5. Thyroid scan and uptake

   This allows the doctor to see if thyroid is overactive. In particular, it can reveal whether the entire thyroid or just a single area of the gland is causing the overactivity.

6. Ultrasound

   Ultrasounds can measure the size of the entire thyroid gland, as well as any masses within it. Doctors can also use ultrasounds to determine if a mass is solid or cystic.

7. CT or MRI scans

   A CT or MRI can show if a pituitary tumour is present that’s causing the condition.

Homeopathy and Hyperthyroidism

Homoeopathy offers a holistic approach to managing hyperthyroidism by addressing the underlying causes, restoring natural balance, and promoting overall well-being. Homoeopathic remedies are selected based on an individual's specific symptoms, overall health, and constitutional factors. The goal of homoeopathy is to stimulate the body's self-healing mechanisms, normalise thyroid function, alleviate symptoms, and improve overall well-being.

Homoeopathic Medicines for Hyperthyroidism

1. Iodium : For Hyperthyroidism with quick weight loss

   Iodium is one of the best natural medicines for treating Hyperthyroidism. This remedy is mainly prescribed for patients of Hyperthyroidism who lose weight quickly despite having a good appetite. Such patients need something to eat at very short intervals and always feel better while eating. Feeling excessive heat in the body and wanting to stay in a cool environment are the other symptoms. Mentally the person is very anxious about present issues and not about the future. Iodium also works very well in relieving Hyperthyroid patients from excessive palpitations which get worse from even slight exertion. Extreme weakness is a common symptom described by patients and the weakness is mainly felt on going upstairs.

2. Natrum Muriaticum : For Hyperthyroidism with Irritability

   Natrum Muriaticum is a natural medicine used for treating Hyperthyroidism mainly for patients who are irritated very easily and get upset over little things. The person remains depressed with weeping when alone and it always gets aggravated when someone tries to console. The persons requiring this medicine feel very hot and cannot bear the heat of the sun. They suffer from severe headaches when exposed to sun. An unusual craving for salt in excess is always present in a person who is recommended this medicine. Another important symptom guiding towards using remedy NatrumMuriaticum is when a Hyperthyroid patient keeps on losing weight despite having regular and proper meals. The person looks very weak, especially around the neck region. The patient feels very weak, especially in the morning when in bed. The heart rate always remains on the higher side. This natural medicine can also help in regularising the menstrual cycle in women with Hyperthyroidism whose menses remain suppressed for too long.

3. Lachesis Mutus : For Hyperthyroidism with extreme heat

   Lachesis Mutus is of great help for patients of Hyperthyroidism who suffer from the sensation of the body feeling extremely hot. Such patients cannot wear tight clothes and always keep their collars around the neck and the belt around the waist loose. For the prescription of this natural medicine, the mental symptoms that are usually considered are sadness with an aversion to doing any kind of work. The person does not wish to mix up and wants to go somewhere alone. Excessive talkativeness is a leading mind symptom for the use of Lachesis Mutus. It is also the remedy for women of menopause age suffering from Hyperthyroidism. The women complain of excessive hot flushes and palpitations. The menstrual flow is very less and the duration is also short. Feeling of wellness during menses is an important feature for its use in women. Another leading feature is complaints of pounding of heart or palpitations with episodes of fainting. Worsening of the condition during sleep is a prominent symptom for the use of this medicine in Hyperthyroid patients.

4. Phosphorus : For Hyperthyroidism with extreme Sensitivity, Hairfall

   Phosphorus is another top natural medicine for treatment of Hyperthyroidism. This remedy is of great help for tall and thin patients who are very sensitive to external impressions like touch, odour, light. This medicine can be used for treating long standing diarrhoea in patients of Hyperthyroidism. The patient complains of very profuse and offensive stool with weakness of extreme degree. Appetite of such people increases and they feel hungry immediately after eating. Another sphere where this medicine proves to be useful in patients of Hyperthyroidism is in controlling excessive hair fall where the patient complains of falling of hair in bunches. Certain peculiar eating habits also give a hint in using this medicine in Hyperthyroid patients like a craving for meat, salty things, cold drinks and ice creams.

5. Conium Maculatum : For Hyperthyroidism with depression

   Conium Maculatum is a very beneficial natural remedy for patients of Hyperthyroidism who are very depressed and don't take any interest in work. The patient gets irritated easily and suffers from weakness of memory. This medicine works well for patients who experience trembling in hands along with perspiration on hands. Conium Maculatum is also a useful cure for menstrual problems faced by women due to Hyperthyroidism where the menses appear late and that too for a short time and are very scanty in nature.

Benefits of Homoeopathic Treatment

1. Individualised Care: Homoeopathy recognizes that each person is unique. A homoeopath will assess your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle to prescribe a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
2. Gentle and Natural: Homoeopathic remedies are derived from natural substances and are known for their minimal side effects. They work in harmony with the body, promoting self-healing and overall well-being.
3. Holistic Approach: Homoeopathy takes into account not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional and mental aspects of an individual. It aims to restore balance at all levels, providing comprehensive care.
4. Long-Term Relief: By addressing the underlying causes of Ulcerative Colitis,homoeopathy strives to achieve long-term relief and improved quality of life.

Consulting a Homeopath

If you are seeking homoeopathic treatment for hyperthyroidism, it is important to consult with a qualified and experienced homoeopath. At Sanjivani Homeopathy Clinic, our team of skilled homoeopaths will conduct a thorough evaluation, considering your symptoms, medical history, and individual characteristics to develop a personalised treatment plan.