Hyperthyroidism

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Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland becomes overactive and secretes excessive amounts of the hormone thyroxine. The thyroid is a small, somewhat butterfly-shaped structure located at the base of the neck. The hormone it produces, thyroxine, is converted in the liver into another hormone, tri-iodothuronine, which regulates metabolism. If the thyroid produces too much thyroxine, this ultimately throws the baby's metabolic processes into overdrive and speeds up many of the functions of the body.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. One of the primary symptoms of hyperthyroidism is a disturbance in appetite. You may find you have little interest in food, or you may be much hungrier than normal. No matter how much you eat, however, you will likely experience noticeable weight loss. Because the digestive processes are strongly affected by excessive amounts of thyroid hormone, nutrient support required for normal functioning. As a result, you may eat more in an attempt to give your body what it needs, but continue to lose weight.

Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include fine tremors of the hands and fingers; warm, moist palms; fatigue; irritability; nervousness; rapid heartbeat; heart palpitations; elevated blood pressure; sleep disturbances; bulging eyes; breathlessness; frequent bowel movements; stomach and intestinal spasms; muscle weakness; intolerance to heat; profuse perspiration; hair loss; and light, infrequent menstrual periods. As the disease progress, a swollen thyroid gland may become apparent. This is known as a goiter. It usually occurs in people who are deficient in iodine, which the thyroid requires in order to function. Hyperthyroidism can also lead to an enlarged thymus, overgrowth of the lymph nodes, and heart and bone disorders.

There are different types of hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism affects about one percent of the population, is more common among women than men, occurs most often between the ages of twenty and forty, and often arises after an infection or following physical or emotional stress. This condition is diagnosed by measuring the levels of thyroid hormones present in the blood.

General Recommendations

Get some type of exercise daily. Regular exercise benefits the whole body, and can even help stabilize metabolic function.

Consult a licensed acupuncturist. Acupuncture is very helpful for endocrine disorders because it works to restore balance in the body. Craniosacral therapy, which involves gentle, subtle manipulation of bones in the head, face, and vertebral column, can also be beneficial.

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