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Hyperthyroidism – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Wednesday, April 25, 2018 by

Hyperthyroidism, also known as an overactive thyroid, is the condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormones. The thyroid is located at the front of the neck, and it produces hormones that affect the heart rate and body temperature. Therefore, excess levels of thyroid hormones can lead to unpleasant and potentially harmful complications. Although hyperthyroidism can affect anyone, it is more commonly seen in women than men, and it typically occurs between 20 and 40 years of age.

The most common cause of an overactive thyroid is the autoimmune disorder called Graves’ disease. Other causes of hyperthyroidism include thyroid nodules, inflammation of the thyroid, consuming too much iodine, and taking too much synthetic thyroid hormone.

Known side effects of hyperthyroidism

The side effects of hyperthyroidism vary, depending on the duration and extent of thyroid hormone excess and the age of the patient. The side effects of hyperthyroidism may include nervousness, irritability, palpitations, tachycardia, heat intolerance or increased sweating, tremor, sudden weight loss or gain, increase in appetite, diarrhea, swelling of the lower leg, sudden paralysis, shortness of breath, reduced menstrual flow, impaired fertility, sleeping difficulties, changes in vision, fatigue and muscle weakness, thyroid enlargement, and pretibial myxedema.

Body systems harmed by hyperthyroidism

The body system damaged by hyperthyroidism is the endocrine system as the condition affects the thyroid and thyroid hormone production. The cardiovascular system is also harmed by hyperthyroidism as it causes a faster heart rate, a higher blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and reduced exercise performance. Hyperthyroidism also causes hormonal imbalance and can reduce the absorption of the sex hormone progesterone by the body’s cells which can disturb the menstrual cycle. Thus, the reproductive system is also harmed. The digestive system is also affected because the condition can cause diarrhea or frequent bowel movements.

List of foods or nutrients that prevent hyperthyroidism

There is no information on what foods or nutrients can prevent hyperthyroidism. However, there are some foods and nutrients that can help treat the condition. These include: bugleweed, lemon balm, motherwort, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, broccoli, hawthorn, calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc.

Treatments, management plans for hyperthyroidism

Treatment options for hyperthyroidism may include medications that prevent the thyroid from producing hormones, radioactive iodine, and surgery to remove a section or all of the thyroid gland. To improve its symptoms, eat a healthy diet rich in calcium and sodium, take nutritional supplements, and exercise.

Where to learn more

Summary

Hyperthyroidism is the condition wherein the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormones.

Hyperthyroidism can cause nervousness, irritability, palpitations, tachycardia, heat intolerance or increased sweating, tremor, sudden weight loss or gain, increase in appetite, diarrhea, lower leg swelling, sudden paralysis, shortness of breath, reduced menstrual flow, impaired fertility, sleeping difficulties, changes in vision, fatigue and muscle weakness, thyroid enlargement, and pretibial myxedema.

Hyperthyroidism harms the endocrine, cardiovascular, reproductive, and digestive systems.

Hyperthyroidism can be treated with medications, radioactive iodine, and surgery.

Sources include:

NHS.uk

MedlinePlus.gov

EMedicineHealth.com

EverydayHealth.com

TotalHealthMagazine.com

OrganicFacts.net

Healthline.com



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