Definition:

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much of its hormones. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped collection of cells located below the Adam’s apple and produces two main hormones, thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3), that influence every cell in your body. The main functions of thyroid hormones include regulating the body’s metabolism, growth and development, temperature, and catecholamine levels, as well as influencing heart rate, amongst other things.

• Grave’s disease, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, is an autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland leading to an overactive thyroid.
• In Graves’ disease, thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins activate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, resulting in the synthesis and release of excessive amounts of thyroid hormone.
• Grave’s disease can be followed by Hashimoto’s disease.
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder, is the most common cause of thyroiditis that can eventually lead to hypothyroidism. Thyroiditis is a general term referring to inflammation of the thyroid gland.
• Other causes of hyperthyroidism may include hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules (toxic adenoma, toxic multinodular goiter, Plummer’s disease), which are formed by benign adenomatous lumps in the thyroid gland producing excessive thyroid hormone.
• Hyperthyroidism tends to run in families and is more common in women than in men.
• Thyrotropin-receptor antibody is an autoantibody to the thyroid cell receptor for thyroid-stimulating hormone. It can be demonstrated in 90% of patients with Graves’ disease, and is the cause of the hyperthyroidism of that condition.

Contributing factors:

• Genetic predisposition
• Leaky gut syndrome
• Hormonal imbalances
• Toxicity
• Food allergies
• Stress

Symptoms:

• Anxiety, irritability, and mood instability
• Trouble sleeping
• Tremor is usually of the hands and fingers
• Sweating
• Increased sense of smell and appetite
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Thinning hair and skin
• Osteopenia and osteoporosis
• Irregular heartbeat
• Weight loss
• Irregular menstruation
• Fatigue and weakness
• Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
• Protruding eyeballs in Graves’ disease

 Other associated diseases seen  with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may include: 

• Addison’s disease
• Graves’ disease
• Premature ovarian failure
• Type 1 diabetes
• Lupus erythematosus
• Pernicious anemia
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Thrombocytopenic purpura
• Vitiligo

Tests/Labs:

• Common laboratory blood tests obtained to assess hyperthyroidism and distinguish between the causes of hyperthyroidism may include the following tests: TSH, T3, Free T3, T4, Free T4, Reverse T3, Thyroglobulin Antibody, Thyroperoxidase Antibodies (TPO), Thyroid-Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI), Thyrotropin Receptor Antibody (TRAb), etc.
• Thyrotropin-receptor antibody is an autoantibody to the thyroid cell receptor for thyroid-stimulating hormone. It can be demonstrated in 90% of patients with Graves’ disease, and is the cause of the hyperthyroidism of that condition.
• Check adrenal function
• Check for ovarian failure
• Check for diabetes (Type 1)
• Check for lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Check for pernicious anemia (B12)
• Check for rheumatoid arthritis
• Check for thrombocytopenic purpura
• Radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test is used to evaluate the function of the thyroid gland by determining how much iodine the thyroid gland absorbs. A high uptake indicates an overproduction of thyroid hormones, as seen in Graves’ disease or hyperfunctioning nodules. A low uptake indicates that the thyroxine stored in the gland is leaking into the bloodstream and indicates thyroiditis.
• A thyroid scan is a way to produce an image of the thyroid gland to determine the size, shape, and position of the thyroid gland.

Treatment:

• Treat food allergies
• Treat the gut, including leaky gut syndrome
• Balance hormones
• Detoxify
• Reduce stress

Lifestyle:

• Weight-bearing and aerobic exercise help maintain bone density. Exercise can also help reduce appetite and increase energy levels.
• Relaxation techniques. Stress is a risk factor in developing hyperthyroidism, so learning to relax and achieve balance in life can help maintain physical and mental well-being.

Diet:

• Foods to Avoid: Gluten, Dairy, Artificial flavorings and preservatives, Sugar, including artificial sugars, Packaged foods, and GMO foods.
• Foods to eat: Whole foods and organic, if possible. Nutrient requirements are increased in hyperthyroidism, so it may need to add extra calories and protein to the diet. Green juices – from organic vegetables such as kale, spinach, and spirulina,  Anti-inflammatory herbs such as basil, rosemary, and oregano, Ginger, and Bone Broth.

Other: Certain supplements and medications can be used to help in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.