- Information on Hyperthyroidism
- By: SAM NICKEL6
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones affect the metabolic processes of the body. Hypothyroidism can be caused by conditions of the thyroid as well as other disease which may indirectly affect the thyroid. Women are affected by hypothyroidism more than men, especially as they age. The incidence of hypothyroidism increases significantly in the elderly.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone. Since the main purpose of thyroid hormone is to "run the body's metabolism", it is understandable that people with this condition will have symptoms associated with a slow metabolism. Over five million Americans have this common medical condition. In fact, as many as ten percent of women may have some degree of thyroid hormone deficiency.
The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck, just below the larynx (voice box). It helps to maintain a healthy metabolism (the process by which foods are transformed into basic elements to be utilized by the body for energy or growth) by producing and releasing iodine-containing hormones called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). They help regulate the body's growth, metabolism, digestion, body temperature and heartbeat.
The primary cause of hypothyroidism is the failure of the thyroid gland termed primary hypothyroidism. There are several causes of primary hypothyroidism such as Hashimoto’s disease (inflammation of the thyroid by an autoimmune mechanism)6, iatrogenic hypothyroidism such as after radioactive iodine therapy, iodine deficiency, enzyme defects, underdevelopment of the thyroid gland, and substances that cause goiters. Another cause of thyroid disorder is Wilson’s Syndrome. A less common cause of hypothyroidism is from pituitary or hypothalamic disease called secondary hypothyroidism.
Two other glands—the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland—work together with the thyroid to regulate thyroid hormone levels. There are many things that can interfere with the functioning of all these organs, and, consequently, thyroid hormone levels. For example, the pituitary gland, located in the brain, is one of the “master glands,” and controls other glands in the body. It makes a hormone called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is involved in hypothyroidism.
The purpose of treatment is to replace the deficient thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine is the most commonly used medication. The lowest dose effective in treating symptoms and normalizing the TSH is used. After replacement therapy has begun, if report any symptoms of increased thyroid activity such as restlessness, rapid weight loss, and sweating.
Treatment for hyperthyroidism is not a simple matter. Working closely with your physician is paramount to finding your cause and making the appropriate corrections. Some treatment regimes include: antithyroid drugs ~ blocks thyroid gland’s ability to make new thyroid hormone; potential minor side effects of skin rashes, hives, fever or joint pain; rarely liver damage as evidenced by jaundice, dark urine, severe fatigue or abdominal pain
Vitamin B Complex 50 is used in the treatment of Hyperthyroidism as it contains a variety of components required for a normally functioning thyroid. Thiamin is involved in energy production. Riboflavin and Flaxseed are necessary for the normal glandular functions. Vitamin B6 has the ability to activate many relevant enzymes. Lecithin is used in the treatment of Hyperthyroidism as it aids fat digestion and also has shown a protecting effect on cells. Ester C is an anti-stress vitamin.