Millions of patients are heading into their doctor's offices with a peculiar set of symptoms: they're losing weight at an alarming rate, they feel "off," and they can't seem to catch a good night's sleep, no matter what medications or regimens they try. Although these specific symptoms are often associated with work-related stress or a chaotic lifestyle, the doctor's diagnosis catches many patients off guard: hyperthyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that roughly one in ten individuals deals with in the Western world at some point. Many more are battling with its side effects without a proper diagnosis. If that weren't enough, hyperthyroidism is a condition that cripples a patient's lifestyle and leaves them feeling helpless and defeated. Here's what we know so far about hyperthyroidism, and more importantly, how to manage its symptoms.
Causes of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, also known as an overactive thyroid, is a condition where a patient's thyroid gland produces an abundance of hormones. This plays a pivotal role in a person's ability to regulate their metabolism and cardiovascular system. While hormones are much needed in patients of all ages, too much can lead to serious side effects and debilitating medical issues.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that presents itself from a myriad of causes. While ongoing research is still being conducted on the issue, here are the most common reasons patients struggle with side hyperthyroidism:
- Inflamed thyroid gland
- Thyroid nodules and lumps
- Excessive iodine levels
- Tumors on reproductive organs
- "Leaky" thyroid
- Grave's disease
- Infected immune system
- Overuse of prescription medication
Once patients understand the underlying factors that trigger their hyperthyroidism, maintaining their side effects becomes easier to manage. Knowing this, what are the symptoms someone should look for if they expect hyperthyroidism is at play?
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
Most patients brush off their symptoms when they begin to manifest themselves, but the first sign that alerts them something is wrong is rapid weight loss. The reason this occurs is on account of how thyroid hormones burn excess calories consumed during a meal. For individuals with regulated thyroid production, their body stores and burns weight in conjunction with how many calories they consume and how often they hit the gym.
For patients who struggle with hyperthyroidism, their metabolisms are like a furnace, using fat as its fuel source. Unwanted weight loss, much like weight gain, can be detrimental when it becomes excessive. Moreover, here are additional warning signs that show up once a patient develops hyperthyroidism:
- Rapid heart rate
- Hypertension
- Extreme anxiety and worry
- Hair Loss
- Nausea
- Vertigo
- Insatiable appetite
- Clumsy motor skills
- Losing weight daily
- Chronic fatigue
Ask anyone who deals with hyperthyroidism what their day is like, and they'll say the same thing: It wreaks havoc on their lifestyle and prevents them from engaging in activities that bring them joy and happiness. Luckily, science-backed strategies and methods can reduce the side effects of hyperthyroidism and help patients lead active lifestyles once more.
Treating Hyperthyroidism
The most effective strategy to reduce hyperthyroidism and its side effects is using radioactive iodine daily. For patients who incorporate this medication into their routine, their lives take a turn for the better.
However, the early stages of hyperthyroidism are hit-and-miss: Until a doctor finds the correct dosage of iodine to use in a patient's treatment plan, medication may exacerbate the symptoms and side effects. When the doctor finds their patient's tolerated dosage, their quality of life improves tenfold.
Moreover, readers who struggle with side effects can introduce lifestyle modifiers and supplements that target hyperthyroidism specifically. While each patient is unique, here are the methods and tactics that many patients have found beneficial:
- Regular exercise
- Cardiovascular-boosting activities
- Vitamin D
- Calcium
Utilizing these natural strategies in combination with radioactive iodine will help patients lead fun, energetic and adventurous lifestyles once again!