Treatment for Hyperthyroidism
The treatment for Hyperthyroidism includes treating the symptoms of the condition with medications, antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, and surgery.
Medications for the treatment of hyperthyroidism.
This is one of the treatments for Hyperthyroidism that immediately reduces hyperthyroidism symptoms caused by excessive thyroid hormones, such as a rapid heart rate, include beta-blockers, for example, propranolol (Inderal), atenolol (Tenormin), and metoprolol (Lopressor). These medications counteract the effect of the thyroid hormone to increase metabolism, but they do not alter the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood.
A doctor determines which patients to treat based on a number of variables including the underlying cause of hyperthyroidism, the age of the patient, the size of the thyroid gland, and the presence of coexisting medical illnesses.
Antithyroid drugs – another allopathic treatment for hyperthyroidism
There are two main antithyroid drugs available for use in the United States for the treatment of hyperthyroidism, methimazole (Tapazole) and propylthiouracil (PTU). The major risk of these medications is occasional suppression of the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow (agranulocytosis). (White cells are needed to fight infection.) It is impossible to tell if or when this side effect is going to occur, so the regular determination of white blood cells in the blood is not useful.
Long-term antithyroid therapy
This is only used for people with Graves’ disease, since this disease may actually go into remission under treatment without requiring treatment with thyroid radiation or surgery. If treated from 1 to 2 years, data shows remission rates of 40%-70%. When the disease is in remission, the gland is no longer overactive, and antithyroid medication is not needed.
Studies also have shown that adding a pill of thyroid hormone to the antithyroid medication results in higher remission rates. This type of therapy remains controversial, however. When long-term therapy is withdrawn, patients should continue to be seen by the doctor every three months for the first year, since a relapse of Graves’ disease is most likely in this time. If a patient does relapse, antithyroid drug therapy can be restarted, or radioactive iodine or thyroidectomy may be considered.
However, there are side effects that come with the above treatment for Hyperthyroidism, this is why a lot of people are dwelling on the natural treatment for Hyperthyroidism.
What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism, also known as overactive thyroid, can speed up your metabolism and cause unpleasant symptoms. If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can cause serious problems with the heart, bones, muscles, menstrual cycle, and fertility. During pregnancy, untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to health problems for the mother and baby.
Hyperthyroidism is also known as overactive thyroid occurs when your thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate your body’s metabolism, causing unintentional weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Around 1.2% of people in the United States have an overactive thyroid. Hyperthyroidism affects more females than males and is most likely to occur in people over 60.
Hyperthyroidism is distinct from hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. “Hyper” means there is too much thyroid hormone in the system, and “hypo” means it is too little.
What is Graves disease?
This immune system disorder is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It’s more likely to affect women under the age of 40.
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder. It causes your thyroid gland to create too much thyroid hormone in the body. Graves’ disease is one of the most common forms of hyperthyroidism.
In Graves’ disease, your immune system creates antibodies known as thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins. These antibodies then attach to healthy thyroid cells. They can cause your thyroid to create too much thyroid hormone.
Causes of hyperthyroidism
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below Adam’s apple. The thyroid has a huge impact on your health. Every single piece of your metabolism is controlled by thyroid hormones.
The thyroid produces two main hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which affect all cells in the body. They maintain the rate at which your body uses fats and carbohydrates, control your body temperature, affect your heart rate, and help regulate protein production. Your thyroid also makes a hormone that helps regulate the amount of calcium in your blood (calcitonin).
The causes of hyperthyroidism include Graves’ disease, thyroid nodules, and thyroiditis which is the inflammation of the thyroid. Rarely, the cause of hyperthyroidism is a noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain. Consuming too much iodine or taking too much thyroid hormone medicine also may raise your thyroid hormone levels.
Usually, your thyroid gland secretes the right amount of hormones, but sometimes it produces too much T4.
The major causes of hyperthyroidism are:
Thyroid nodules.
- These lumps of tissue in your thyroid can become overactive, creating too much thyroid hormone.
Thyroiditis.
- An infection or an immune system problem can cause your thyroid to swell and leak hormones. This is often followed by hypothyroidism, in which your thyroid doesn’t make enough hormones. These conditions are usually temporary.
Abnormal secretion of TSH
- A tumor in the pituitary gland may produce an abnormally high secretion of TSH (the thyroid-stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland). This leads to excessive signaling to the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. This condition is very rare and can be associated with other abnormalities of the pituitary gland. To identify this disorder, an endocrinologist performs elaborate tests to assess the release of TSH.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can vary from person to person. Listed below are symptoms of hyperthyroidism:
- Nervousness or irritability
- Fatigue or muscle weakness
- Trouble tolerating heat
- Trouble sleeping
- Shaky hands
- Rapid and irregular heartbeat
- Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Mood swings
- Goiter
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in older adults are sometimes mistaken for depression or dementia. Older adults may have different symptoms, such as loss of appetite or withdrawal from people, than younger adults with hyperthyroidism. You may want to ask your health care provider about hyperthyroidism if you or your loved one shows these symptoms.
Graves’ disease symptoms and signs
Signs and symptoms of Graves’ disease include those of hyperthyroidism; however, Graves’ disease may be associated with eye disease (Graves’ ophthalmopathy) and skin lesions (dermopathy). Ophthalmopathy can occur before, after, or at the same time as hyperthyroidism. Early on, it may cause sensitivity to light and a feeling of “sand in the eyes.” The eyes may be reddened and produce excess tears. Swelling behind the eyeballs causes the eyes to protrude, and double vision can occur. The degree of ophthalmopathy is worsened in those who smoke.
In addition to the symptoms of hyperthyroidism mentioned above, Graves’ disease may be associated with eye disease (Graves’ ophthalmopathy) and skin lesions (dermopathy). Ophthalmopathy can occur before, after, or at the same time as hyperthyroidism. Early on, it may cause sensitivity to light and a feeling of “sand in the eyes.” The eyes may be reddened and produce excess tears. Swelling behind the eyeballs causes the eyes to protrude, and double vision can occur. The degree of ophthalmopathy is worsened in those who smoke.
Complications of hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism can lead to a number of complications:
Heart problems.
Some of the most serious complications of hyperthyroidism are related to the heart. These include a fast heartbeat, an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation, which increases your risk of stroke, and congestive heart failure, a condition in which your heart cannot circulate enough blood to meet your body’s needs.
Brittle bones.
Untreated hyperthyroidism can also lead to weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis). The flexibility and fragility of your bones depend in some way on the amount of calcium and other minerals they contain. Too much thyroid hormone interferes with your body’s ability to absorb calcium in your bones.
Eye problems.
People with Graves’ ophthalmopathy have vision problems, including bulging, red, or puffy eyes, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or double vision. If left untreated, severe vision problems can lead to vision loss.
Red and swollen skin.
In rare cases, people with Graves ‘disease develop Graves’ dermopathy. This affects the skin, causing redness and swelling, usually in the shins and feet.
Thyrotoxic crisis.
Hyperthyroidism also puts you at risk for a thyrotoxic crisis – a sudden intensification of symptoms, leading to fever, a fast pulse, and even delirium. If this occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
Natural treatment for Hyperthyroidism
Natural treatment for hyperthyroidism has been effective and shows no side effects. Natural treatment for hyperthyroidism also addresses these two options:
- Stop the damaging effects of excess thyroid hormone
- Resolve the root causes so that the symptoms stop and don’t recur.
Listed below are a few of the most effective and common approaches to natural treatment for hyperthyroidism
Diet for hyperthyroidism – the essential part of any natural treatment for hypothyroidism
Diet for hyperthyroid can help manage the underlying condition of this disease. Listed below are diets for hyperthyroidism:
Low-iodine foods
The mineral iodine plays a key role in making thyroid hormones. A low-iodine diet helps to reduce thyroid hormones. Add these foods to your daily diet for hyperthyroidism:
- Non-iodized salt
- Egg whites
- Fresh or canned fruit
- Unsalted nuts and nut butter
- Homemade bread or bread made without salt, dairy, and eggs
- Popcorn with non-iodized salt
- Oats
- Potatoes
- Honey
- Maple syrup
Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables and other types may stop your thyroid from using iodine properly. They may be beneficial for hyperthyroidism:
- Bamboo shoots
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cassava
- Cauliflower
- Collard greens
- Kale
- Mustard
- Rutabaga
Iron
Iron is important for many vital bodily functions, including thyroid health. This mineral is needed for blood cells to carry oxygen to every cell in your body.
Low levels of iron are linked to hyperthyroidism. Get plenty of iron in your diet with foods such as:
- Dried beans
- Green leafy vegetables
- Lentils
- Nuts
- Poultry, such as chicken and turkey
- Red meat
- Seeds
- Whole grains
Selenium
Selenium-rich foods may help to balance thyroid hormone levels and protect your thyroid from disease. Selenium helps to prevent cell damage and keep your thyroid and other tissues healthy.
Good food sources of selenium include:
- Brazil nuts
- Couscous
- Chia seeds
- Mushrooms
- Tea
- Meat, such as beef and lamb
- Rice
- Oat bran
- Poultry, such as chicken and turkey
- Sunflower seeds
Zinc
Zinc helps you use food for energy. This mineral also helps keep your immune system and thyroid health. Food sources of zinc include:
- Chickpeas
- Cocoa powder
- Cashews
- Mushrooms
- Pumpkin seeds
- Lamb
Calcium and vitamin D
Hyperthyroidism causes weak and brittle bones. Bone mass may be restored with treatment. Vitamin D and calcium are necessary for building healthy bones.
Calcium-rich foods include:
- Spinach
- Collard greens
- White beans
- Kale
- Okra
- Calcium-fortified orange juice
- Almond milk
- Calcium-fortified cereals
Vitamin D is found in these low-iodine foods:
- Vitamin D-fortified orange juice
- Vitamin D-fortified cereals
- Beef liver
- Mushrooms
- Fatty fish
Healthy fats
Fats that are from whole foods and largely unprocessed may help reduce inflammation. This helps to protect thyroid health and balance thyroid hormones. Nondairy fats are important in a low-iodine diet. These include:
- Flaxseed oil
- Olive oil
- Avocado oil
- Coconut oil
- Sunflower oil
- Safflower oil
- Avocado
- Unsalted nuts and seeds
Spices
Some spices and herbs have anti-inflammatory properties to help protect and balance thyroid function. Add flavor and a dose of antioxidants to your daily meals with:
- Turmeric
- Green chilies
- Black pepper
Herbs for hyperthyroidism – effective home-based natural treatment for hypothyroidism
Herbs for hyperthyroidism is a form of natural treatment for hyperthyroidism that has been proven to be effective without any side effects. Listed below are some of the herbs for hyperthyroidism that are effective to help reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism:
Kelp and Brown Seaweed
- Kelp seaweed and brown seaweed are common ingredients in TCM remedies for the thyroid. Seaweeds are known traditionally as dissolvents that can soften chronic swellings, decongest lymphatic tissue, and reduce tumors. This is one of the most effective herbs for hyperthyroidism
Chinese yam
- Chinese yam is another herb for hyperthyroidism that is traditionally used in the treatment of Hyperthyroidism. The root is used to strengthen and resolve thyroid tumors caused by hyperthyroidism
Exercises for hyperthyroidism – an important part of natural treatment for hypothyroidism
Exercises for hyperthyroidism is another natural treatment for Hyperthyroidism that helps reduce the symptoms of this disease and causes no side effects. If your condition is well controlled, you should be able to do the same physical activity as someone without a thyroid disorder.
But if you’re just starting an exercise plan or if you’re still dealing with symptoms, low-impact aerobic exercise and strengthening moves are best. Low-impact exercise doesn’t apply as much pressure, since hypothyroidism can cause pain and swelling in your muscles and joints.
Listed below are exercises for hyperthyroidism to try:
- Walking: One of the easiest workouts to do. All you need is a pair of comfortable shoes. It gets your heart pumping and burns about 280 calories an hour.
- Water aerobics: If you have swelling in your ankles or feet, some exercises may be painful. Water aerobics is a good option. The water holds you up and lowers the impact on your joints.
- Yoga: This can stretch and strengthen your muscles. It also helps you focus on breathing. One study found that people with hypothyroidism had better lung strength after practicing yoga breathing for 6 months.
- Strength training: Whether you lift weights or use your body weight, building muscle helps you burn more calories — even when you’re sitting still. And that can help you shed extra pounds. Strong muscles also help ease pressure on your joints.
Homeopathy for hyperthyroidism – the #1 natural treatment for hypothyroidism
Homeopathy for hyperthyroidism provides a better chance of treatment, because the treatment is patient-specific, based on the individual’s persona — not just the disorder by its name alone.
What it means is that the homeopathic medicine for hyperthyroidism is selected depending on the patient’s mental, physical, and psychological make-up that is specific to them along with the symptoms produced.
Listed below are homeopathic remedies for hyperthyroidism
Iodium
- Iodium is one of the best natural medicines for treating Hyperthyroidism. This remedy is mainly prescribed for patients with Hyperthyroidism who lose weight quickly despite having a good appetite.
Natrum Muriaticum
- Natrum Muriaticum is a natural medicine used for treating Hyperthyroidism mainly for patients who are irritated very easily and get upset over little things.
Lachesis Mutus
- Lachesis Mutus is of great help for patients with Hyperthyroidism who suffer from the sensation of the body feeling extremely hot.
Phosphorus
- Phosphorus is another top natural medicine for the treatment of Hyperthyroidism. This remedy is of great help for tall and thin patients who are very sensitive to external impressions like touch, odor, light.
Acupuncture for Hyperthyroidism – the traditional Chinese natural treatment for hypothyroidism
Acupuncture offers an effective treatment for Hyperthyroidism through the use of the body’s natural healing ability. Acupuncture has its origin in ancient traditional Chinese medicine which is still in use today and offers a better alternative to conventional treatment that is popular. Acupuncture has gained increasing acceptance in recent years due to the safety associated with it because procedure involving Acupuncture has neither risk nor side effects. On the other hand, many drugs administered for the treatment of ailments come with associated risks such as side effects that are dangerous to the body in the long run. The good news is that Acupuncture for Hyperthyroidism is an effective means of getting rid of Hyperthyroidism.
How Acupuncture Works
Acupuncture according to traditional Chinese medicine helps the body to free up the blocked flow of energy. Ailments are caused by the blockage of energy to certain parts of the body. Acupuncture work to free this energy to allow a free flow and when this is achieved, the body is set on a natural healing course.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine tiny needles to specific points on the body surface, and these points are called acupuncture points. Ailments have Acupuncture points peculiar to them and the particular point to be needled is determined by a trained acupuncturist who administers the needles. The acupuncturist also determines the number of sessions required to achieve complete treatment.
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Acupuncture for Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid gland is an integral part of the endocrine system which comprises the pituitary gland in the brain and the adrenal gland in the kidney. Specific imbalances can lead to the thyroid gland functioning abnormally. The abnormality usually involves either the low production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4 which is called hypothyroidism or the excessive production of thyroid hormones which is Hyperthyroidism.
According to the principle of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hyperthyroidism is believed to be caused by liver Qi depression, and this leads to what is called liver fire responsible for other complications such as increased blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate. Suffers will start overeating but simultaneously lose weight.
Acupuncture, as administered by an experienced and qualified acupuncturist, will detoxify the liver and reduced the liver fire. By so doing, balance is restored to the body system. This option is free of side effects associated with conventional drugs such as liver damage and immune system damage.
Acupuncture in some cases has made T3 and T4 return to a reasonable level within the space of a month without the use of any drug. Just the use of Acupuncture, dairy-free, low-iodine, and low-gluten diet as prescribed by the acupuncturist.
Why Acupuncture is most suitable for Treating Hyperthyroidism
Anti-thyroid therapy for the treatment of hyperthyroidism could last for a long time, usually between 2 to 3 years, and when this is compared with how long an acupuncture treatment will continue, the latter is a preferred option.
Conventional treatment cannot guarantee total eradication of Hyperthyroidism as symptoms can return after the medication is stopped. Another point that cannot be overemphasized is the side effect associated with anti-thyroid medicines. A side effect associated with these medications includes nausea, allergies, lower blood counts, liver damage, and lowered immunity due to continuous use of these drugs over an extended period.
Acupuncture treatment remains useful, and it prevents the reoccurrence of symptoms of Hyperthyroidism even after treatment is stopped. Further, it also helps patients with thyroiditis, subacute thyroiditis, and even hypothyroidism that is caused by the protracted use of anti-thyroid drugs.
A reputable acupuncturist is recommended to administer this treatment to achieve a lasting recovery from Hyperthyroidism. Complete destruction of the thyroid can result from the use of radioactive exposure in treatment. Once the thyroid gland is destroyed, it is permanent, and the function of the thyroid is gone. This is why taking the path of Acupuncture in the treatment is highly recommended as patients stand no risk whatsoever.
Conclusion.
Effective natural treatment for hyperthyroidism at Philadelphia Acupuncture Clinic performed by Yelena Galanter, LAc under supervision of Dr. Tsan
Due to the specific of our services we usually combine acupuncture treatment with homeopathic remedies for better and faster results.
To schedule your appointment for evaluation and treatment at the clinic, contact us at (267) 314-7575 or use our online booking application.