Overactive Thyroid Treatment

The condition wherein excessive thyroid hormones are released by the thyroid gland is known as hyperthyroidism. Thyroid regulates the rate of metabolism and helps maintain calcium levels in the body. Overactive as well as under-active thyroid can hamper the growth and development in children. Increased rate of metabolism due to overactive thyroid gland may result in rapid weight loss and people with hyperthyroidism may look skinnier than normal.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

• Weight loss in spite of increased appetite
• Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Joint pain
• Excessive sweating, hot flashes
• Nervousness, anxiety, depression and irritability
• Tremors, especially in the hands and fingers
• Frequent bowel movements, nausea
• Insomnia, fatigue and muscle weakness
• Poor concentration and hyperactivity
• Osteoporosis
• Menstrual irregularities
• Hair loss
• Periodic paralysis
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Eyelid retraction, protruding eyeball, swelling, redness of the eye, excessive tearing, double vision and increased light sensitivity.

Treatment for Hyperthyroidism

Surgery: When all other options fail, thyroidectomy (removal of entire thyroid or part of thyroid) is recommended. In spite of modern technology, there are chances that the patient might suffer due to certain health complications after the surgery. Thyroid surgery may result in hypothyroidism, scarcity of thyroid hormones or calcium in the body. It may damage your voice box and may result in temporary or permanent hoarseness in the voice. After the surgery, the patient may have to take synthetic thyroid hormone, calcium and vitamin D supplements for the rest of his life.

Radioactive Iodine Therapy: Radioactive iodine therapy is used to treat thyroid cancer or even overactive thyroid. Usually, patients are required to take a dose of radioactive iodine for about three months. Side effects like hypothyroidism, eye problems or Grave's ophthalmopathy may be experienced by the patients. Artificial tears and lubricating gels are used to treat eye problems like dry eyes. Sometimes, eye muscle surgery and orbital decompression surgery are performed to treat Grave's ophthalmopathy. Corticosteroids can also be used to treat severe cases.

Anti-Thyroid Drugs: Prescribed anti-thyroid medications help stabilize the thyroid levels. Propylthiouracil (normally referred to as "PTU") and methimazole (also called "Tapazole") are mainly used to treat overactive thyroid. Initially, patients are supposed to take large doses to bring down the elevated thyroid levels. Blood tests are performed to check the thyroid levels and the dose is adjusted accordingly. Side effects of these pills are rare and minor. Major side effects like liver problem or severe loss of white blood cells (WBCs) are rarely noticed. If patients notice fever and sore throat, they should immediately stop the pills and get their blood checked as these can be the symptoms of loss of WBCs.

Natural Overactive Thyroid Treatment: Studies show that acupuncture helps reduce the symptoms of hyperctive thyroid. Practicing yoga regularly helps reduce the symptoms. Yoga plays an important role in prevention of hyperthyroidism. A healthy diet, high in proteins, vitamins A and C, foods like eggs, milk, sprouted pulses, vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and kale (these control the hormone production) and fruits like mango and papaya can help reduce the effects of hyperthyroidism. Herbs like motherwort, bugleweed and lemon balm help stabilize the hormone levels. Natural thyroid remedies like consuming fruits having low glycemic index, eating organic food, zinc and copper rich foods, excluding refined sugars completely, leading a stress free life, help prevent overactive thyroid problems.

Hyperthyroidism can be the cause of serious illnesses like, heart diseases, eye problems, brittle bones and thyrotoxic crisis. Though natural thyroid treatment has no side effects, certain problems like thyrotoxic crisis need immediate medical attention, otherwise it can be a life-threatening condition. Prompt medical treatment is essential to treat such complications. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism should never be neglected. You should consult your physician as soon as possible if you notice any of the above mentioned symptoms.