Hyperthyroidism
What is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism, also known as an overactive thyroid, is when the thyroid- gland produces more thyroid hormones than your body requires. Hyperthyroidism can occur at any age and can affect anyone. However it is 10 times more common in women than in men. Approximately 1 in 8 women will be affected by a thyroid disorder at some point in their lives. The reasoning behind this is thought to be that thyroid disorders are often triggered by an autoimmune response. An autoimmune response is when the body’s own immune system begins to attack its own cells.
There is also research looking at the connection between thyroid hormones and the hormones that fluctuate during menstrual cycles. There is a rise in the number of women being diagnosed with an over active thyroid during or after the menopause, when hormone levels are changing.
Symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. Thyroid hormones control the way the body uses energy, so they affect nearly every organ in your body, even the way your heart beats. Since the thyroid is responsible for controlling your body’s metabolism, an overactive thyroid will place your body into overdrive.
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.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can vary from person to person and may include:
- Menstrual changes and infertility
- Nervousness or irritability
- Fatigue or muscle weakness
- Trouble tolerating heat.
- Trouble sleeping
- Rapid and irregular heartbeat
- Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Mood swings
- Goiter
Hyperthyroidism has several causes, including Graves’ disease, thyroid nodules, and thyroiditis—inflammation of the thyroid. Rarely, hyperthyroidism is caused by 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.
Diagnosis and Treatment and why Chiropractic may help you..
A full medical history and a physical exam will be performed, as well as a variety of tests to confirm a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. Many symptoms of hyperthyroidism are the same as those of other diseases, so diagnosis of hyperthyroidism can’t be based on symptoms alone. Blood tests that measure the hormones T-4 and T-3 and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) can confirm a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. A high level of T-4 and a low level of TSH will be more common in people who have hyperthyroidism. Imaging tests, such as a thyroid scan, can also help diagnose and find the cause of hyperthyroidism.
Medical Treatment
Medicines, radio-iodine therapy, or thyroid surgery may be offered to treat hyperthyroidism. The aim of treatment is to bring thyroid hormone levels back to normal to prevent long-term health problems and to relieve uncomfortable symptoms. No single treatment works for everyone. Treatment depends on the cause of your hyperthyroidism and how severe it is.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care can be a beneficial, it aims to remove any nerve interference from the spinal column, thus allowing for better nerve communication throughout the body. The brain and the spinal cord also known as the central nervous system is responsible for how each system of your body functions. Bringing it back into balance, the body is better able to function at it most optimal level when all the levels of communication are open.
If you would like to talk to us about your case, get in touch https://www.topchiro.co.uk/contact/
Dr Amy Champion DC
References
https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/understanding-thyroid-problems-basics
Winsa B, Adami HO, Bergström R, et al. Stressful life events and Graves’ disease. Lancet. 1991;338:1475–79.
Menconi F, Marcocci C, Marinò M. Diagnosis and classification of Graves’ disease. Autoimmun Rev. 2014;13:398–402.
Goichot B, Caron P, Landron F, Bouée S. Clinical presentation of hyperthyroidism in a large representative sample of outpatients in France: relationships with age, aetiology and hormonal parameters. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2015published online May 9. DOI:10.1111/cen.12816.
