Hyperthyroidism: Understanding, Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment Approaches

October 24, 2024

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine (T4), leading to an overactive metabolism. This can cause a range of symptoms, from weight loss to irritability, and if left untreated, can lead to more serious health problems, including heart issues and osteoporosis. In this blog post, we’ll explore what hyperthyroidism is, common symptoms, how it’s tested, and both conventional and functional medicine approaches to managing and treating it.

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. It plays a critical role in regulating your body’s metabolism by releasing hormones—primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)—which influence nearly every cell, tissue, and organ in the body.

In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland becomes overactive and produces excessive amounts of these hormones, leading to a condition known as thyrotoxicosis. The heightened levels of T4 and T3 overstimulate metabolic processes, pushing the body into a hypermetabolic state.

Common Causes of Hyperthyroidism

The most common causes of hyperthyroidism include:

Graves’ Disease: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid, causing it to overproduce hormones.
Thyroid Nodules: Lumps in the thyroid that can become overactive, leading to excessive hormone production.
Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can cause a temporary release of stored hormones into the bloodstream.
Excessive Iodine: Iodine is a key element in thyroid hormone production, and too much iodine can overstimulate the thyroid.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

The symptoms of hyperthyroidism can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause, but they commonly include:

Unexplained weight loss despite an increased appetite
Rapid or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia) or palpitations
Nervousness, anxiety, and irritability
Tremors (usually in the hands and fingers)
Increased sensitivity to heat and excessive sweating
Changes in menstrual patterns (light or less frequent periods)
Fatigue and muscle weakness
Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
Increased bowel movements or diarrhea
Thinning hair and brittle nails
Bulging eyes (in Graves’ disease)

Because hyperthyroidism symptoms are often nonspecific and can mimic other health conditions, it is essential to get properly tested to confirm a diagnosis.

Testing for Hyperthyroidism

If hyperthyroidism is suspected, your healthcare provider will order blood tests to measure your thyroid hormone levels:

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and signals the thyroid to produce hormones. In hyperthyroidism, TSH levels are usually suppressed (low), as the thyroid is producing excessive hormones on its own.
Free T4 and T3: Elevated levels of these hormones confirm that the thyroid is overactive.
Thyroid Antibody Tests: In cases of suspected autoimmune hyperthyroidism, such as Graves’ disease, antibody tests (like TSI – Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin) can confirm the autoimmune nature of the condition.
Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test: This test can determine how much iodine the thyroid absorbs. High uptake suggests Graves’ disease, while low uptake may indicate thyroiditis.

Conventional Medicine Approach to Hyperthyroidism

In conventional medicine, the primary goal is to reduce the overproduction of thyroid hormones. The most common treatments include:

Anti-thyroid Medications: Drugs like methimazole or propylthiouracil (PTU) work by preventing the thyroid from producing excess hormones. These are typically the first line of treatment and can be effective in managing symptoms, but they don’t address the underlying cause.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy: This involves ingesting radioactive iodine, which is absorbed by the thyroid and destroys overactive thyroid cells. While effective, this treatment often results in hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), requiring lifelong thyroid hormone replacement.
Beta-blockers: These medications, like propranolol, do not treat hyperthyroidism directly but can help manage symptoms such as rapid heart rate and tremors.
Surgery: In severe cases or when other treatments are ineffective, partial or total thyroidectomy (removal of part or all of the thyroid) may be recommended. Like radioactive iodine, this often results in hypothyroidism.

While these treatments can be effective, they often come with side effects and do not always address the root cause of the condition, especially in cases of autoimmune thyroid disease. This is where the functional medicine approach can offer a more comprehensive, long-term solution.

Functional Medicine Approach to Hyperthyroidism

In functional medicine, the goal is not just to reduce thyroid hormone levels but to identify and address the root cause of the thyroid dysfunction. Here’s how a functional approach to hyperthyroidism would differ:

Comprehensive Testing: Beyond standard thyroid panels, functional medicine practitioners often order advanced testing to assess gut health, adrenal function, nutrient deficiencies, and autoimmune markers. This provides a broader view of your overall health and helps to pinpoint factors that may be contributing to thyroid dysfunction.
Addressing the Immune System: In cases of autoimmune hyperthyroidism, like Graves’ disease, the focus is on calming the immune system. This often involves:
- Dietary Interventions: Eliminating potential food triggers (like gluten, dairy, and refined sugars) that may be driving immune dysfunction.
- Gut Health Optimization: Since 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, improving gut health through probiotics, fermented foods, and possibly an elimination diet can help to reduce autoimmune activity.
- Anti-inflammatory Diet: A nutrient-dense diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and whole foods can help reduce inflammation and calm the immune response.
Stress Management: Chronic stress can exacerbate thyroid dysfunction by impacting the adrenal glands and promoting inflammation. Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises can help balance the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and reduce symptoms.
Nutritional Support: Certain nutrients play a critical role in thyroid function. Functional medicine practitioners often focus on:
- Selenium: This trace mineral helps reduce inflammation and can lower thyroid antibodies, especially in autoimmune thyroid conditions.
- Vitamin D: Low vitamin D levels are commonly seen in autoimmune diseases and optimizing these levels may improve immune regulation.
- Iodine: While excess iodine can be harmful in hyperthyroidism, functional medicine practitioners will carefully assess iodine levels and ensure you are neither deficient nor overloaded.
Toxin Reduction: Environmental toxins, such as heavy metals and endocrine disruptors, can interfere with thyroid function. Functional medicine practitioners often recommend reducing exposure to these toxins through diet, lifestyle changes, and sometimes detoxification protocols.
Holistic Support: Functional medicine doesn’t just look at the thyroid in isolation. Other systems, including the gut, liver, and adrenals, are also considered. For example, improving liver detoxification can enhance the conversion of T4 to T3, the active form of thyroid hormone.

What to Do If You Suspect Hyperthyroidism

If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms we’ve discussed—such as unexplained weight loss, anxiety, palpitations, or a noticeable goiter—it’s important to seek medical advice for proper testing and diagnosis. Hyperthyroidism can have serious long-term health consequences if left untreated, so early intervention is key.

Here are a few important steps you can take:

Seek Medical Evaluation: If you suspect hyperthyroidism, visit a healthcare provider for a full evaluation, which will likely include blood tests (such as TSH, free T4, and T3) and possibly imaging to assess thyroid function.
Discuss Treatment Options: Once diagnosed, your provider will outline treatment options, which may include anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.
Regular Monitoring: After starting treatment, it’s essential to regularly monitor thyroid hormone levels to ensure they remain balanced. Adjustments to treatment are common based on lab results and symptom management.
Consider Lifestyle Changes: In addition to conventional treatments, optimizing diet, reducing stress, and managing environmental toxin exposure can help support thyroid health. A functional medicine approach can help address root causes and improve overall well-being.
Work with a Specialist: Managing hyperthyroidism, especially autoimmune causes like Graves’ disease, can be complex. Working with a Functional Medicine provider who understands both conventional and functional medicine can offer a more comprehensive approach to treatment.

Ready to Take Control of Your Thyroid Health?

At Resolve Medical, we specialize in personalized, root-cause-focused care to help you achieve optimal health. If you’re experiencing symptoms of hyperthyroidism or want to explore treatment options, schedule a free discovery call with our team. Together, we can create a personalized plan to get your thyroid health—and your life—back on track.

Click here to schedule your free discovery call now