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Hyperthyroidism refers to an excess in the production of thyroid hormone. Excess thyroid hormones in the United States are most commonly caused by an autoimmune condition called Grave’s Disease. There are other causes of hyperthyroidism including toxic multinodular goiter and a thyroid tumor / adenoma. We most commonly are involved in the functional medicine approach to Grave’s Disease.
Common signs and symptoms of excessive thyroid hormone include palpitations, heart racing, anxiety, heat intolerance, weight loss with increased appetite and insomnia. The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person from asymptomatic / mild to severe life threatening symptoms and need for hospital care. We often treat this condition in collaboration with endocrinology.
Grave’s Disease is an autoimmune condition. Thyroid Stimulating Antibodies activate thyroid receptors which flip the switch on thyroid hormone production. As in other autoimmune conditions, Functional Medicine seeks to answer the question Why? Why did the immune system mount an attack on the thyroid gland causing the excess in thyroid hormone? Conventional treatment often involves anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine or surgical thyroidectomy. Treatment often results in destruction of the thyroid gland. Sometimes this extreme measure is necessary however we always try to improve immune system balance and allow for remission before the thyroid is non-functional.
We look at possible triggers for immune system dysfunction that results in Grave’s Disease including gastrointestinal imbalances, food reactions, infections, and toxin exposure. We always hope to witness remission during the functional medicine treatment plan. Often our patients are taking anti-thyroid medication while we work on the functional medicine treatment plan. Our goal is always to try and preserve thyroid function and prevent other autoimmune conditions.
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