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. Hyperthyroidism 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 and Symptoms

Normally, the thyroid gland works efficiently. Though hyperthyroidism is mostly associated with other thyroid problems like Grave's disease, thyroiditis, toxic thyroid adenoma, toxic multinodular goiter and very rarely node secretion. Weight loss, anxiety, heat intolerance, hair loss, muscle aches, weakness, fatigue, hyperactivity, irritability, hypoglycemia, apathy, polyuria, polydipsia, delirium, tremor, sweating, and palpitations are the commonest symptoms. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is fluctuating iodine diet.

Treatment

Natural Treatment
Some of the natural ways to cure hyperactive thyroidism date long back and include the use of certain herbs. The hyperthyroid symptoms in women associated with menstrual problems can be treated with black cohosh. Symptoms of hyperactivity during hyperthyroidism, heart racing and high blood pressure can be controlled by 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
As expected, diet is one of the many natural ways of treating hyperactive thyroid. The diet intake includes high proteins especially animal proteins like meat, fish, eggs, poultry and otherwise 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 thyroid diet should consist of broccoli, cauliflower and kale as raw salads. Goiter associated with hyperthyroidism 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, tea 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 long-term basis to prevent reoccurring of the symptoms. In very severe cases of hyperthyroidism, doctors generally suggest a surgery which involves the removal of the entire gland or a part of it or a thyroid nodule that is responsible for causing hyperthyroidism. 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.

Hypo and hyper-thyroidism are very common conditions, however, since the symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism differ, so do the treatments for both. 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. Take care.