Overactive thyroid treatment
Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.
Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Overactive thyroid treatment
Recommended health tests for Overactive thyroid
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
How it works
Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.
Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.
Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.
Learn about Overactive thyroid
An overactive thyroid, medically known as hyperthyroidism, is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. This excess in thyroxine can accelerate your body's metabolism, causing unintentional weight loss and rapid or irregular heartbeat among other symptoms. Hyperthyroidism affects about 1.2% of the population in the US, making it a relatively common endocrine disorder. Understanding this condition, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and natural treatment methods is crucial for managing its effects and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Causes
The causes of an overactive thyroid can vary but commonly include conditions such as Graves' disease, thyroiditis, and toxic adenoma. Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder and the most frequent cause of hyperthyroidism, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland leading to overproduction of thyroid hormones. Other causes might be excessive iodine intake, taking large amounts of thyroid hormone, and nodules that may develop within the thyroid gland, causing it to produce excess thyroid hormone.
Signs and symptoms
- Sudden weight loss, even when your appetite and food intake stay the same or increase - Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) — commonly more than 100 beats a minute - Increased appetite - Nervousness, anxiety, and irritability - Tremors — a fine trembling in your hands and fingers - Sweating - Changes in menstrual patterns - Increased sensitivity to heat - Changes in bowel patterns, especially more frequent bowel movements - An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), which may appear as a swelling at the base of your neck - Fatigue, muscle weakness - Difficulty sleeping
Diagnosing Overactive thyroid
Diagnosing hyperthyroidism typically involves a thorough clinical evaluation, including a detailed patient history and physical examination. Doctors use various tests to diagnose an overactive thyroid, which may include thyroid function tests that measure levels of thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood. The TSH test is crucial because it can indicate an imbalance directly caused by the thyroid gland's performance. Additional tests could include the radioactive iodine uptake test, thyroid scan, and thyroid ultrasound to assess the gland's size, shape, and function.
Prevention and natural treatment
Preventing an overactive thyroid largely depends on identifying and managing its underlying causes. While some causes, like Graves' disease, can't be prevented, lifestyle changes and proper iodine intake can help minimize risks. Natural treatments for hyperthyroidism focus on relieving symptoms and slowing the production of thyroid hormones. Functional medicine offers several strategies, such as: - Dietary changes: Reducing iodine consumption can help manage hyperthyroidism. Functional medicine advocates for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains while limiting foods high in iodine. - Supplements: Certain supplements, including selenium and L-carnitine, may help normalize thyroid function in some people when used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. - Stress reduction techniques: Since stress can exacerbate hyperthyroidism, practices like yoga, meditation, and other relaxation techniques can be beneficial. - Herbal remedies: Some herbs, like lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus), have been traditionally used to manage mild hyperthyroidism symptoms. However, it's crucial to use these remedies under the supervision of a healthcare provider to avoid exacerbating the condition. - Avoiding stimulants: Limiting or avoiding substances that can stimulate the thyroid, such as caffeine and nicotine, can help manage symptoms. Managing an overactive thyroid often requires a comprehensive approach that includes monitoring and treatment by healthcare professionals. Incorporating natural and functional medicine strategies can support overall well-being and complement conventional treatment plans.
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