Have you ever wondered how your metabolism can affect your health, specifically your weight? Having a hyperactive thyroid can result in having an overactive metabolism. Find out more about hyperthyroidism and what causes it.
What is a hyperactive thyroid and what are the causes?
Having a weight problem is not always necessarily caused by what you eat. Your weight and health issues could be caused by having problems with your thyroid. A lot of people suffer from having either an overactive (hyperactive) or underactive thyroid. Having a hyperactive thyroid increases the rate of your metabolism and it is important to understand the causes and symptoms of a hyperactive thyroid. This doesn’t mean that you must use your thyroid problem as an excuse to not eat healthy and exercise as diet forms an integral part of a healthier thyroid!
What is hyperthyroidism (hyperactive thyroid)?
Hyperthyroidism is a disorder in which your thyroid gland makes and releases more thyroid hormone than your body needs. Your thyroid gland is located in the front of your neck. Hormones released by the thyroid affect nearly every part of your body, from your brain to your skin and muscles. They play a crucial role in controlling how your body uses energy, a process called metabolism. This includes how your heart beats and even how you burn calories. Women are five to ten times more likely to develop hyperthyroidism then men.
What are the causes of a hyperactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)?
- Graves’ disease – the most common cause of hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune condition called Graves’ disease. The body’s immune system creates an antibody that causes the gland to make an excessive amount of thyroid hormone. Graves’ disease runs in families and usually affects younger women.
- Thyroiditis – Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid. A virus or problem with the immune system causes the gland to swell, leaking thyroid hormone into the bloodstream. There are different types of thyroiditis namely subacute, postpartum and silent.
- Thyroid nodule – one or more lumps or nodules can grow in the thyroid gland, gradually increasing the gland’s activity and the amount of thyroid hormone in your blood.
- Excess Iodine – you may also develop hyperthyroidism if you eat, drink, or are otherwise exposed to substances that contain a high amount of iodine. Iodine is used by the body to make thyroid hormone. Kelp or seaweed supplements and the medication, amiodarone (once used to treat irregular heartbeats), are examples of medicines that contain high doses of iodine.
What type of medication can be taken for a hyperactive thyroid?
First and foremost – make sure that you consult with a medical practitioner before taking any form of medication, especially for a hyperactive thyroid. Taking too much thyroid medication can wreak havoc on your thyroid gland and cause hyperthyroidism. If you have been prescribed thyroid replacement hormone (for hyperthyroidism), never take an extra dose, even if you have missed one, without consulting your doctor first.
Making sure that you are diagnosed correctly with a hyperactive thyroid is where Dr Alain Sanua can assist you. Dr Alain Sanua will prescribe the right natural medication for you and help you with a diet to control your hyperactive thyroid.