Toronto-Centre Naturopathic Medicine is a Toronto naturopathic clinic dedicated to providing safe and effective treatment of a wide variety of health conditions using natural therapies and the principles of naturopathic medicine.
Hyperthyroidism is well treated using naturopathic medicine. Hyperthyroidism, or over activity of the thyroid gland, is a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone, thyroxine (T4). Excess thyroxine causes an increase in metabolism, and all the symptoms associated with increased metabolism. Hypothyroidism can be caused by autoimmune disease (antibodies produced by the immune system stimulate thyroxine production), presence of thyroid adenoma (overactive portions of thyroid gland) and unexplained thyroid gland inflammation. Hyperthyroidism can lead to serious heart problems (e.g., heart failure), eye problems or osteoporosis. Professional healthcare should be sought out if you notice unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat, swelling at the base of the front of your neck or other symptoms that cause you to suspect you may have hyperthyroidism.
Seek emergency medical care if your hyperthyroid symptoms suddenly become very intense, leading to:
- Fever
- Rapid heartbeat
- Delirium
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism
Possible symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Pounding in your chest (palpitation)
- Thyroid gland enlargement (goiter)
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Insomnia
- Tremor
- Increased appetite
- Change in bowel habits, particularly diarrhea
- Change in menstrual pattern
- Increased sensitivity to heat
- Sweating
Hyperthyroidism treatment at Toronto-Centre Naturopathic Medicine
At Toronto-Centre Naturopathic Medicine, the goals of hyperthyroidism treatment are to correct thyroxine balance, thereby eliminating hyperthyroidism symptoms, and managing consequences of high thyroid activity (e.g., muscle wasting, osteoporosis).
Conventional treatment for hyperthyroidism may include surgery, and a variety of medications, including radioactive iodine, methimazole (Tapazole) or beta blockers which may have short- or long-term side effects. For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your hyperthyroidism symptoms.
Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves identifying specific treatment goals, and the development and execution of a comprehensive treatment plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment.
At Toronto-Centre Naturopathic Medicine, a number of therapeutic options may be used in treatment of hyperthyroidism, alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:
- Nutritional supplements
- Botanical (herbal) medicines
- Acupuncture
- Homeopathic medicines
- Lifestyle counseling
- Relaxation techniques
Reference
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) [Online]. [cited 2009 Feb 18]; Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hyperthyroidism/DS00344