What is it?
With the term hyperthyroidism we mean a pathological condition that affects the thyroid, where in this case we have a hypersecretion of hormones by the thyroid.
Causes
The underlying causes of hyperthyroidism are different:
- Graves-Basedow disease, one of the most common endocrinological diseases. In general, there are autoantibodies that bind to specific receptors in the thyroid, stimulating a greater production of hormones.
- Toxic nodular goiter involves an enlarged thyroid gland. The gland contains areas that have increased in size and formed nodules. One or more of these nodules produce too much thyroid hormone.
- A greater production of TSH in the pituitary gland, which consequently stimulates the thyroid to produce more thioroid hormones.
- Dysfunctions induced by the abuse of hormonal therapies for slimming purposes.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism can be made by an endocrinologist who will prescribe specific analyzes:
- Ultrasonography to assess the probable presence of inflammation or enlargement of the thyroid.
- Blood test with TSH, FT3 and FT4 dosage;
- Dosage of anti-peroxidase antibodies, anti-thyroglobulin, anti-receptor antibodies to thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins or TSI.
Symptoms
Thyroid hormones are metabolic hormones, which lead to a high acceleration of metabolism with oxygen consumption and heat production.
The symptoms associated with this condition are different:
- Weight loss;
- Tachycardia;
- Tremor;
- Hyperactivity;
- Hot skin due to hyperoxidation;
- Eyes bulging;
- Asthenia and muscle weakness;
- Brittle and thin hair;
- Alopecia;
- Nervousness;
- Agitation;
- Insomnia.
Pharmacological treatment
Pharmacological treatment for hyperthyroidism is also established based on the triggering function and can be pharmacological with the use of thyrostatic drugs or surgery to remove the entire thyroid or part of it.
The surgical operation is very special, as a few weeks before the surgery, the patient in question is subjected to treatment with iodine-based drugs.
This treatment is useful both to inhibit the production of hormones by the thyroid gland and to better compact the glandular parenchyma (which decreases the likelihood of bleeding during the operation).
Among the main drugs prescribed we have:
- Iodine 131, which is the main drug used in radiotherapy, to treat the condition of hyperthyroidism in patients who are unable to operate.
- Carbimazole which in the long term can lead to the onset of severe dermatitis;
- Potassium perchlorate, used above all for the treatment of thyroid nodules, although its effects begin to be seen after a month of therapy.
Natural remedies
There are several types of natural remedies that can help our thyroid:
- Lemon balm has flavonoids that help attenuate the hyperactivity of the thyroid gland;
- The same action of lemon balm is also carried out by black currant;
- Basil, rosemary, oregano, ginger are foods with an anti-inflammatory action that can mitigate inflammation of the overactive thyroid.
- Bugleherb mother tincture contains phyto-acids with anti-inflammatory action for the thyroid.
Diet
Even those suffering from hyperthyroidism must pay attention to the diet, certainly it must be rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber.
There are certainly several foods that slow down the production of hormones by the thyroid:
- Vegetables from the cruciferous family, such as broccoli, savoy cabbage, spinach and turnips, contain compounds that fuel the production of thyroxine.
- Fruits such as pear, peach and mango are rich in essential nutrients for the thyroid;
- Absolutely avoid stimulants such as coffee, alcohol and cigarette smoke;
- Definitely avoid the consumption of saturated fats found in red meat, smoked cheeses, spicy sauces, crustaceans and molluscs.
- Consume little salt and packaged products rich in monosodium glutamate and salt;
- Frequent consumption of fish rich in omega-3 with anti-inflammatory action.