What is it?
Hyperthyroid refers to an overactive thyroid, the gland in the neck, to produce more hormones than the body needs. This often results in weight loss and challenges in gaining or maintaining weight, even with food intake.
Graves’ Disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, an autoimmune disorder that triggers the body to produce antibodies that excessively stimulate the thyroid gland.
Typically this affects individuals aged 30 to 50, and is more prevalent in women than in men. Those with existing autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Type I diabetes, have a higher likelihood of developing Graves'.
Graves' disease
Creating balance. Restoring function.
Symptoms of Graves' disease
Oftentimes hyperthyroid symptoms may not appear until Graves’ disease is in the advanced stages, or may be overlooked or misdiagnosed.
People with Graves' and hyperthyroidism may experience just all or some following symptoms. Some may aslo be asymptomatic:
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Hair loss
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Bulging eyes
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Enlarged thyroid
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Heat intolerance and sweating
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Warm moist palms
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Rapid heart rate or heart palpitations
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Unintentional weight loss or difficulty gaining weight
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Frequent bowel movements
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Thickened skin on shins or feet
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Difficulty sleeping
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Infertility / Miscarriage and pregnancy complications
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Irritability, Nervousness or anxiety
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Muscle weakness
Causes of Graves' disease
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Thyroid Prescription Medications: Medications for hypothyroidism can sometimes lead to an overproduction of thyroid hormones.
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Thyroid Nodules: Non-cancerous lumps in the thyroid that can become overactive and produce excess thyroid hormone, particularly common in older adults.
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Throiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland that causes stored hormone to leak, usually resulting in temporary hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism.
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Postpartum Thyroiditis: A type of thyroiditis occurring due to hormonal and autoimmune changes following pregnancy and childbirth.
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Silent Thyroiditis: Painless inflammation of the thyroid, likely related to autoimmune mechanisms
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Pituitary Tumor: Although rare, a non-cancerous tumor on the pituitary gland can cause hyperthyroidism.
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Iodine Overumption: Excessive intake of iodine from sources like iodized salt, seaweed, and processed foods may disrupt hormone production.
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Infections or Toxicity: Infections such as Epstein-Barr or herpes, along with exposure to heavy metals, can contribute to thyroid dysfunction.
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Intestinal Hyperpermeability: Often referred to asleaky gut,' this condition allows undigested food particles and toxins to enter the bloodstream, potentially causing inflammation and autoimmunity.
Functional medicine support for Crohn's disease
A common underlying factor in the causes of anactive thyroid is inflammation and immune dysregulation. While inflammation alone isn't enough to treat hyperthyroidism, it often serves as a crucial first step in regaining control over autoimmune disorders.
At Balance Functional Medicine, many patients seek to reduce or avoid medications and surgeries. We take a holistic, proactive, and preventative approach to hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease.
We support your recovery journey from hyperthyroidism through various methods, including optimizing Nutrition. Managing nutrition for hyperthyroidism beyond simply gaining weight. The foods we consume can significantly impact autoimmune disorders and thyroid health, and our functional medicine physician collaborates with each individual to identify right foods and supplements tailored to their needs.