Last Updated on 7 March 2024 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Making decisions about calming Hyperthyroidism can feel overwhelming. The challenge that many overactive thyroid patients face is that the treatment options (including anti-thyroid drugs, radioiodine, and thyroidectomy) have many side effects without completely curative results. (1) Naturally, it’s not unusual for patients to seek complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to explore their options, by getting the support to navigate the management of their condition. Studies show hyperthyroid patients choose CAM for the following reasons: (2)
- coping with side effects of medication and treatment including fatigue, dry mouth, weight gain, and mental fog
- alleviating the stress and anxiety of medication and treatments
- concerns about having a lifelong diagnosis
- help with care or to treat or cure their disease
How Natural Medicine can help to address Hyperthyroidism
Naturopathy can play a protective role in supporting hyperthyroidism and Graves Disease, by providing a vital contribution to improving health outcomes. Natural solutions offer a chance for prevention strategies which may include:
- delaying or avoiding surgical intervention
- reducing the chance of post-medication relapse
- minimising the likelihood of subsequently developing hypothyroidism
- preserving fertility
- lowering the risk of cardiovascular problems
Many patients begin treatment with antithyroid medication around the time of diagnosis, but discontinuation of antithyroid drugs is followed by a 50% chance of recurrence within 4 years. (3) It’s worth taking the steps to avoid the chance of post-medication relapse and lifestyle medicine has a significant role in how a person can overcome this condition, as seen in the example below.
Why it’s worth incorporating natural medicine
A case study showed the success of a 34-year-old female diagnosed with Graves’ disease in normalising her thyroid hormones as well as her autoimmune markers in 6 months. She exclusively implemented lifestyle modifications, proving that making healthy choices can come with a real reward. These changes included: (4)
- dietary change
- oral health interventions
- practice of yoga
- avoidance of environmental toxicants
- eating organic food and drinking filtered water
- using natural products to clean or for personal hygiene
- supportive supplements
Support with Supplements
Supportive supplements are best selected under professional guidance, especially when it comes to hyperthyroidism and its many associated symptoms. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been shown to relieve many of these symptoms, such as heat intolerance, palpitations, tremor, anxiety, weight loss, increased frequency of bowel movements, and shortness of breath. (2)
Nutritional medicine is also an invaluable part of any hyperthyroid prescription since the increase in thyroid hormone activity drives the increased demand for nutrients. Vitamin D and selenium deficiency are considered to be non-genetic risk factors for the development of Graves’ disease, (5) and are often prescribed therapeutically.
H is for Help with Hyperthyroidism
Calming both the body and mind can help any hyperthyroid patient immensely. A discussion with a CAM practitioner can be reassuring, helping to look at the condition from a different perspective. We are here to help take the hype out of Hyperthyroidism!
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