Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism means overactivity of the thyroid gland, resulting in too much thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. The oversecretion of thyroid hormones leads to overactivity of the body's metabolism.

About the thyroid gland

The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland. This means that it secretes hormones into your bloodstream. Hormones are chemicals produced by the body to help regulate how your cells and organs work. They are sometimes called chemical messengers.

Your thyroid gland is located in the neck in front of your windpipe. It is about 2cm wide and 4cm high.

There are several types of hyperthyroidism, each associated with a different particular cause.

The most common type is Graves' disease (also called diffuse toxic goiter), which is possibly a genetically linked disease, caused by antibodies in the blood which stimulate the thyroid to grow and produce excess hormone.

Other causes of hyperthyroidism include toxic multinodular goiter, in which individual thyroid nodule(s) are responsible for excess
thyroid hormone production.

Graves' disease

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease. An abnormality of the immune system is the cause. The immune system is a collection of special cells and chemicals that fight infection from foreign agents, such as bacteria and viruses.

A key element of the immune system is the antibody, which is a type of tailor-made 'poison' produced by lymphocytes (white blood cells) to kill a particular foreign agent. In a person with Graves' disease, the immune system manufactures antibodies which behave like TSH and stimulate the thyroid uncontrollably

Symptoms

You may have hyperthyroidism if you:

· Feel nervous, moody, weak, or tired.
· Have hand tremors, or have a fast or irregular heartbeat, or have trouble breathing even when you are resting.
· Sweat a lot, and have warm, red skin that may be itchy.
· Have frequent and sometimes loose bowel movements.
· I am losing weight but my appetite has increased
· I feel like I have a lot of nervous energy that I need to burn off
· I am having diarrhea or loose or more frequent bowel movements
· I feel nervous or irritable
· My skin looks or feels thinner

Expected Duration

In people with hyperthyroidism caused by certain types of thyroid inflammation or viral thyroid infections, levels of thyroid hormones usually return to normal after several months. Most people with Graves' disease require long-term treatment, although the condition occasionally goes away on its own.

Diagnosis

Physicians will look for physical signs and symptoms indicated by patient history. On inspection, the physician may note symptoms
such as a goiter or eye-bulging. Other symptoms or family history may be clues to a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. An elevated basal (lowest range of normal) body temperature above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees centigrade) may be an indication of a heightened basal metabolic rate (which measures the energy used to maintain vitality) and hyperthyroidism.

Prognosis and Treatment

Treatment of hyperthyroidism depends on the cause. In most cases, the problem causing hyperthyroidism can be cured, or the symptoms can be eliminated or greatly reduced. If left untreated, however, hyperthyroidism places undue stress on the heart and many other organs.

By: james sameul

Labels: graves disease, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroid, hypothyroidism, iodine, thyroid, thyroid disease, thyroiditis, thyroxine, underactive thyroid

Thyroid is an important gland that is situated somewhere middle of the front side of the neck. Thyroid gland secrets some of the important hormones, known as 'thyroid hormones', that play important role in metabolism of the body. Metabolism is the process through which, the body utilizes the food to get energy. In a case of hyperthyroidism the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormones than required by the body result of which, the body gets accelerated metabolism.

What causes Hyperthyroidism?

Graves disease, the most common cause, is an auto-immune disorder in which the body makes antibodies which stimulate cell activity inside the thyroid gland. Another common cause of the condition is when an enlarged thyroid becomes overactive becomes overactive (Toxic modular goiter).

Hypothyroidism is caused by varied causes. It could stem from a singular cause or a mixture of various causes such as complications arising from thyroid gland diseases, afflicted brain activities, exposure to medical treatments, and autoimmune disorders. It is common knowledge that hypothyroidism can arise from a chronic thyroid disease known as Hashiloto’s thyroiditis. This ailment is characterized by thyroid glands that are inflamed or enlarged. This inflammation can be responsible for the brutal damaging of the thyroid cells if it is not attended to early enough and on time. The reason the thyroid cells are damaged is because of the body’s antibodies attacking the thyroid cells and tissues in the body instead of functioning as a protector.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include

* Anxiety and restlessness
* Rapid heart beat
* Trembling of fingers
* Intolerance to the heat
* Weight loss despite an increased appetite

The thyroid gland is situated at the base of the throat and plays a major role in the regulation of the body´s energetic metabolism. In normal conditions the thyroid gland produces and releases two important hormones with role in the cell metabolism; they induce the transformation of oxygen and calories from food in energy needed by the organism.

Treatment of Hyperthyroidism

Myxedema coma is a medical emergency that occurs when the body's level of thyroid hormones becomes extremely low.

If a serious illness or infection triggered your hypothyroidism, your thyroid function most likely will return to normal when you recover.

Sea-greens are useful in regulating the production of thyroid hormones and helps in combating the condition. Importantly it also contains a number of excellent nutrients for the nutritional balance of the body. Another hyperthyroidism herbal cure valued by certain natives includes the use of Peruvian Maca. This particular herb helps in normalizing the functions of the thyroid glands. It is recommended that sea greens supplementation be complemented with Peruvian maca.

Another herb that is very useful for treating Graves’’ Disease and Hyperthyroidism is Bugleweed (Lycopus). Bugleweed has a considerable folk history for treating thyroid conditions, and modern research supports this use. This herb inhibits iodine metabolism and reduces the amount of hormone that's produced by thyroid cells.

By: Peter rodrick

Labels: graves disease, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroid, hypothyroidism, iodine, thyroid, thyroid disease, thyroiditis, thyroxine, underactive thyroid

Hyperthyroidism is the term for overactive tissue within the thyroid gland, resulting in overproduction and thus an excess of circulating free thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4), triodothyronine (T3), or both. The term is also often used more loosely to describe any syndrome of excess thyroid hormone (more properly termed hyperthyroxinemia), regardless of the source.

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is suggested by several signs and symptoms; however, patients with mild disease usually experience no symptoms. In patients older than 70 years, the typical signs and symptoms also may be absent. In general, the symptoms become more obvious as the degree of hyperthyroidism increases.

Major clinical signs include weight loss (often accompanied by a ravenous appetite), anxiety, intolerance to heat, fatigue, hair loss, weakness, hyperactivity, irritability, apathy, depression, polyuria, polydipsia, and sweating. Additionally, patients may present with a variety of symptoms such as palpitations and arrhythmias (notably atrial fibrillation), shortness of breath (dyspnea), loss of libido, nausea, vomiting, osteoporosis and diarrhea. In the elderly, these classical symptoms may not be present and they may present only with fatigue and weight loss leading to apathetic hyperthyroidism. Thyrotoxic crisis comes when the sick person is having stress.

Following an infection or a stressful event such as surgery, people with hyperthyroidism may develop a severe form of the condition called thyroid storm. Symptoms include:

Extremely high temperature

Severe diarrhea leading to dehydration

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck, just below your Adam's apple. Although it weighs less than an ounce, the thyroid gland has an enormous impact on your health. Every aspect of your metabolism is regulated by thyroid hormones.

How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical exam. Then he or she will order blood tests to see how much thyroid hormone your body is making.

Sometimes hyperthyroidism is found while you are having a test for another reason. You may be surprised to find out that you have this problem.

Treatment of Hyperthyroidism

Treatment varies depending on the cause of the condition and the severity of symptoms. Hyperthyroidism is usually treated with antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine (which destroys the thyroid and stops the excess production of hormones), or surgery to remove the thyroid.

If the thyroid must be removed with radiation or surgery, replacement thyroid hormones must be taken for the rest of the person's life.

Radioactive Iodine -- This is the preferred treatment of hyperthyroidism caused by Graves' disease. A radioactive iodine tablet is ingested and then taken up by thyroid cells. These overactive cells are damaged so that the thyroid can shrink in size and produce hormones at normal levels. Although this is a safe treatment, most people eventually become hypothyroid after radioactive iodine therapy and therefore require lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Radioactive iodine therapy cannot be given to pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding.

Anti-thyroid medications. These medications gradually reduce signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism by preventing your thyroid gland from producing excess amounts of hormones. They include propylthiouracil and methimazole (Tapazole). Symptoms usually begin to improve in six to 12 weeks, but treatment with anti-thyroid medications typically continues at least a year and often longer. For some people, this clears up the problem permanently, but other people may experience a relapse.

By: peterhutch

Labels: graves disease, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroid, hypothyroidism, iodine, thyroid, thyroid disease, thyroiditis, thyroxine, underactive thyroid

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to function adequately, resulting in reduced levels of thyroid hormone in the body. One common cause is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland. Natural hyperthyroidism can be a lifetime struggle if it occurs at birth, but luckily it arrives later and a chronic form can be avoided. While natural hyperthyroidism treatment may help to some extent, treatment to replace the thyroid hormone artificially is necessary for most people with hypothyroidism.

Treatment of hyperthyroidism

You can treat hyperthyroidism by eating less of some key vegetables. Some foods, such as rapeseed (used to make canola oil) and Brassica vegetables (cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower), contain natural goitrogens, chemicals that cause the thyroid gland to enlarge by interfering with thyroid hormone synthesis. Cooking has been reported to inactivate this effect in Brussels sprouts. Natural thyroid enhancing goitrogens to beware of include maize, sweet potatoes, lima beans, soy, and pearl millet. While some practitioners recommend treating a hyperthyroid condition by avoiding these foods, none has been actually proven to cause hypothyroidism in humans.

Being aware of the potential of getting natural hyperthyroid problems means checking possible symptoms. Natural hyperthyroidism should always be treated according to natural hyperthyroidism methods. Through eating and drinking appropriately, you can do wonders for your natural hyperthyroidism and enjoy more of your life. Sometimes your natural hyperthyroid problem results from your working conditions: one study found a correlation between high blood levels of lead, a toxic heavy metal, and low thyroid hormone levels in people working in a brass foundry. Many of these people who have natural hyperthyroidism from work also complained of depression, fatigue, constipation, and poor memory, all natural hyperthyroidism symptoms.

The relationship between iodine and thyroid function is complex. Iodine is required by the body to form thyroid hormone, and iodine deficiency can lead to goiter and hypothyroidism. Today, most cases of iodine deficiency occur in developing nations, where iodine supplementation is the most important hyperthyroidism treatment. Fortunately, in industrialized countries where iodized salt is used, iodine deficiency has become extremely rare. It is estimated that one and a half billion people living in 118 countries around the world are at risk for developing iodine deficiency.

By: Mitamins Team

Labels: goiter, graves disease, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroid, hypothyroidism, iodine, thyroid, thyroid disease, thyroiditis, thyroxine, underactive thyroid

Hyperthyroidism is the condition in which, there is increased amount of the thyroid hormone in the body. This is generally due to over-activity of the thyroid gland in the human body. Thyroid gland is the gland that is situated at front side of the neck somewhere nearer to the voice-box. The gland play important role in the metabolism of the body. Metabolism is the process by which the body converts food particles into the consumable form and release the energy for its routine functions. Hyperthyroidism should be treated as early as possible and fortunately, we have natural treatments for hyperthyroidism that can effectively treat condition without producing any side or harmful effects.

In hyperthyroidism, the metabolism is highly affected and body has faster digestion and assimilation of the food. Whatever the cause, hyperthyroidism causes many problems in the body and it becomes necessary to treat it before it turns into any complications, which in turn, becomes difficult to treat.

Apart from radioactive iodine therapy, surgical removal of the thyroid gland and anti-hyperthyroid drugs, there are some other natural and safe way to treat hyperthyroidism and all those symptoms that are related to the disease. There have been continuous researches performed in order to know about the role of various herbs and natural therapies to treat hyperthyroidism. Research confirms that the traditional wisdom gives favorable results in the condition and hence, they are to be evaluated further (Auf'mkolk M, Ingbar JC, Kubota K, et al. 'Extracts and auto-oxidized constituents of certain plants inhibit the receptor-binding and the biological activity of graves' immunoglobulins'. Endocrinology 1985; 116:1687-1693)

Some of the herbs have favorable effect for hyperthyroidism. For instance, Lycopus europea, is useful treating hyperthyroidism. There are some clinical trials and studies suggest that bugleweed can reduce thyroid hormone as it increases the levels of TSH, the hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland and orders it to produce thyroid hormone). The herb also impairs the thyroid hormone synthesis. Another effective treatment includes L-Carnitine. This is an amino acid that blocks the effects of thyroid gland that is over-active. It blocks the entry of excess thyroid hormones into the liver cells' nucleus, neurons and many other bodily structures that are targeted by excessive thyroid hormones.

Some of the naturopaths suggest trying magnet therapy and reflexology that can be very helpful treating hyperthyroidism. Acupressure and acupuncture also play important role in treating various endocrine disorders including hyperthyroidism. These are typical Chinese system of medicines that describe that our body has various acupoints that are regulators for the body's negative and positive energies. In diseased condition, negative energy is more than positive and treating such acupoints in a special way can balance those energies and can cure various health ailments including hyperthyroidism.

Some of the health experts suggest taking Vitamin supplements. Vitamins such as B12 and C significantly restore body hormones and enzymes including thyroid excessive hormones. Vitamin B12 depletion is occasionally considered as the factor giving raise to hyperthyroidism and its related symptoms.

By: Raj Kumar

Labels: for thyroid, goitre, hyperthyroid, low thyroid, overactive thyroid, thyroid disease, thyroid hormone, thyroiditis, thyroxine, underactive thyroid

Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone (called T3 and T4). It controls your metabolism , which is how your body turns food into energy. Hyperthyroidism can significantly accelerate your body's metabolism, causing sudden weight loss, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating, and nervousness or irritability. It also affects your heart, muscles, bones, and cholesterol.

Other rare causes include excess dietary iodine consumption, abuse of thyroid hormone medication when patients overdose on thyroid hormone pills (either accidentally or purposefully because they think it will help them lose weight - a fallacy because taking too much thyroid hormone can be dangerous and life threatening), overactive metastatic thyroid cancer, or rare diseases of the ovary or testicles that can cause the thyroid to be over-stimulated. Or you may have no symptoms at all. Your doctor may discover that you have hyperthyroidism while doing a test for another reason.

Several treatment options are available if you have hyperthyroidism. Doctors use anti-thyroid medications and radioactive iodine to slow the production of thyroid hormones. Although hyperthyroidism can be fatal if it's ignored, most people respond well once hyperthyroidism is diagnosed and treated.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

The common Causes of Hyperthyroidism :

The body recognizes the thyroid antigens as foreign, and a chronic immune reaction ensues, resulting in lymphocytic infiltration of the gland and progressive destruction of functional thyroid tissue.

Drugs such as amiodarone, interferon alpha, thalidomide, and stavudine have also been associated with primary hypothyroidism.

One such medication is lithium, which is used to treat certain psychiatric disorders. If you're taking medication, ask your doctor about its effect on your thyroid gland.

Other types of 'thyroiditis' (thyroid inflammation) caused by infection or other rare conditions.

Failure of the pituitary gland to secrete a hormone to stimulate the thyroid gland ( secondary hypothyroidism ) is a less common cause of hypothyroidism.

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a disease of the thyroid gland where the body's immune system attacks the gland.

Radiation used to treat cancers of the head and neck can affect your thyroid gland and may lead to hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Some Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism :

Fatigue

Weakness

Increased appetite

Constipation

Increased sweating

Inability to tolerate cold.

Heat intolerance

Cold skin.

Weight loss

Muscle cramps

Restlessness

Menstrual irregularities in women

Slow body movements.

Treatment of Hyperthyroidism

Myxedema coma is a medical emergency that occurs when the body's level of thyroid hormones becomes extremely low.

If a serious illness or infection triggered your hypothyroidism, your thyroid function most likely will return to normal when you recover.

After replacement therapy has begun, report any symptoms of increased thyroid activity ( hyperthyroidism ) such as restlessness, rapid weight loss, and sweating.

Surgery is indicated for large goiters that compromise tracheoesophageal function; surgery is rarely needed in patients with hypothyroidism and is more common in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.

If you have mild (subclinical) hypothyroidism , you may not need treatment but should be watched for signs of worsening hypothyroidism current research does not provide clear evidence to support treatment, and many health professionals disagree about whether mild hypothyroidism should be treated.

Hypothyroidism in pregnancy is associated with preeclampsia, anemia, postpartum hemorrhage, cardiac ventricular dysfunction, spontaneous abortion, low birth-weight, impaired cognitive development, and fetal mortality even mild disease may be associated with adverse affects for offspring.

Sometimes hypothyroidism is a temporary condition in older children. (This is not so for children who are born with an under-active thyroid.

By: Juliet Cohen

Labels: for thyroid, goitre, hyperthyroid, low thyroid, overactive thyroid, thyroid disease, thyroid hormone, thyroiditis, thyroxine, underactive thyroid

Hypothyroidism is a condition under which production of thyroid hormone is far less than usual. The purpose of thyroid hormone is to focus on the body's metabolism and when that is hit, it results in slow metabolism. Slow metabolism affects the growth, development and many cellular processes which can have adverse effect on your body. Many people are victims to this disease, women in general bear the brunt most of the times. The increasing age is another reason to be affected by this disease. In early stages of hypothyroidism, there are hardly any symptoms to detect it early on. When left untreated it can cause many health problems including obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease.

One of the common reasons for hypothyroidism is due to problems with the thyroid gland. On other occasion it happens due to some problem in the brain or pituitary gland. Other causes for this problems is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, increased amount of drugs, treatment of hyperthyroidism, treatment for thyroid tumors, iodine deficiency, family history, old age, radiation and postpartum thyroiditis.

Symptoms which detect hypothyroidism are fatigue, exhaustion, tiredness, weight gain, dry or coarse hair, hair loss, muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches, constipation, depression, irritability, lapse of memory, sensitivity towards cold, puffy face, abnormal menstrual cycles and decreased libido. Many of these symptoms go unnoticed but as you get older these become a real threat.

Natural Treatments

Kanchanara - Bauhinia veriegata (purple mountain ebony) is mainly useful for functioning of thyroid. Other herbs like jatamansi, brahmi guggulu, shilajita, gokshura, punarnava are some of the other useful herbs.

You can try this home remedy which may help your problem. Make a fine paste of vegetable jalakumbhi (Pistia Straticies) to be applied over your neck to reduce the swelling.

Coconut oil has fatty acid chains which may help to improve your metabolism.

Yoga

You can try yoga which has been effective even before the existence of medical science. Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) can be a very suitable asana to help your thyroid gland. The pressure applied on the gland provides the necessary boost to the thyroid gland. Once you have done sarvangasana you should perform matsyasana, also beneficial to improve your thyroid gland.

These asanas should not be practiced if you are suffering from severe thyroitoxicosis or enlarged goiter. You can include Surya Namskara, Pavamuktasana to help you with this problem. One of the best ways to deal with thyroid problems is to practice Ujjayi Pranayama.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

By kevinp

Labels: for thyroid, goitre, hyperthyroid, low thyroid, overactive thyroid, thyroid disease, thyroid hormone, thyroiditis, thyroxine, underactive thyroid