HYPERTHYROIDISM AND THYROTOXICOSIS
Definition
- Hyperthyroidism: A condition in which the thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormones.
- Thyrotoxicosis: A condition in which there is an excess of thyroid hormones in the body, which can be caused by hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, or other conditions.
Types of Hyperthyroidism
- Graves' disease: An autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to produce excess thyroid hormones.
- Toxic multinodular goiter: A condition in which multiple nodules in the thyroid gland produce excess thyroid hormones.
- Toxic solitary nodule: A condition in which a single nodule in the thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormones.
- Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland that can cause the release of stored thyroid hormones.
Causes of Hyperthyroidism and Thyrotoxicosis
- Graves' disease
- Toxic multinodular goiter
- Toxic solitary nodule
- Thyroiditis
- Exogenous ingestion of thyroid hormones
- Thyroid nodules or cancer
- Iodine deficiency or excess
Clinical Features of Hyperthyroidism and Thyrotoxicosis
- Weight loss despite increased appetite
- Heat intolerance
- Palpitations
- Exophthalmos (bulging eyes)
- Tremors
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Diarrhea
- Menstrual irregularities
- Hair loss
- Cold intolerance (in some cases)
Investigations of Hyperthyroidism and Thyrotoxicosis
- Thyroid function tests (TFTs)
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test
- Free thyroxine (FT4) test
- Free triiodothyronine (FT3) test
- Thyroid antibody tests
- Imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI) to evaluate the thyroid gland
Complications of Hyperthyroidism and Thyrotoxicosis
- Heart problems (e.g., atrial fibrillation, heart failure)
- Osteoporosis
- Thyroid storm (a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention)
- Eye problems (e.g., exophthalmos, thyroid eye disease)
- Skin problems (e.g., thinning skin, hair loss)
Management of Hyperthyroidism and Thyrotoxicosis
- Medications (e.g., antithyroid medications, beta blockers)
- Radioactive iodine therapy
- Surgery (e.g., thyroidectomy)
- Lifestyle changes (e.g., reducing stress, avoiding triggers)
Homoeopathic Treatment of Hyperthyroidism and Thyrotoxicosis
- Lycopodium clavatum
- Indications: Weight gain, bloating, and fatigue
- Dosage: 200C, twice a day
- Sepia
- Indications: Menstrual irregularities, hair loss, and fatigue
- Dosage: 200C, twice a day
- Calcarea carbonica
- Indications: Osteoporosis, hair loss, and fatigue
- Dosage: 200C, twice a day
- Iodium
- Indications: Thyroid problems, weight gain, and bloating
- Dosage: 200C, twice a day
- Thyroidinum
- Indications: Hyperthyroidism, weight loss, and fatigue
- Dosage: 200C, twice a day