When the throid gland becomes more active than it should then it is referred to as hyperthyroidism. The thyroid is a tiny gland that is in the neck below the Adam's apple.
Many of our body functions are encouraged by the thyroid gland including: physical growth, body temperature, puberty, fertility, metabolism and efficient functioning of the organ's. The thyroid manufactures two important chemicals that are responsible for all these functions called T3 and T4.
The thyroid gland works together with the pituitary gland. When the levels of T3 and T4 are not high enough then the pituitary gland kicks in and tells the thyroid to produce more of these chemicals. The way this happens is that a chemical messenger is manufactured in the pituitary, called Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
When the thyroid is manufacturing more T3 and T4 than the body can use then energy is consumed faster than it should. Since the thyroid is responsible for so many important functions hypothyroidism can cause a variety of unwanted symptoms. Symptoms that might alert you to hypothyroidism include: nervousness, weight loss, mood swings, brittle hair that falls out, anxiety, bowels moving more often than normal, shaky hands, profuse sweating, tremors, warm itchy skin, fast heart beat and trouble breathing.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms then you should visit the family doctor. They will use a blood test to screen you for hyperthyroidism. The important things they will be looking for are the levels of T3, T4 and TSH in your blood.
Your doctor will be able to determine how well your thyroid is functioning from the blood test, but if they feel further tests are necessary they might try a radioactive iodine uptake test. This is not a harmful test, where the levels of radioactivity are measured 24 hours after the solution is put into your system.
There are many different ways that hypothyroidism can be treated. The type of treatment plan you receive is based on your symptoms and which type of treatment you find acceptable. All treatments center around one thing, though. They all aim to lower the levels of T3 and T4 in the bloodstream.
The most popular conventional treatments include thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine, medicines and betablockers.
Alternative medicine also offers many treatment options that work to keep the body in balance. These plans usually center around things like homeopathy, massage, acupuncture and herbal medicines.
Herbs that can be used to slow down an overactive thyroid gland include bugleweed, motherwort and lemon balm. You can use these herbs alongside the plan your family doctor has laid out for you. Just make sure you let your doctor know you are using herbs to supplement their treatment plan, regardless of what else you do.
Author Resource:-
Dee Braun, a single mom of 6, is a Cert. Aromatherapist & natural health practitioner. Click now to visit Natural Holistic Health Blog which offers info on more natural home remedies & healing techniques for common health, emotional ailments & conditions at http://www.Natural-Holistic-Health.com/
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