HYPERTHYROIDISM
by Dr. Heather Herington, ND, DHANP

With hyperthyroidism, there are abnormally high blood levels of thyroid hormone circulating in the body. These hormones are secreted from an overactive thyroid gland (located in the neck area.) Symptoms include a rapid pulse, unexplained weight loss, an enlarged (although often not visible) thyroid gland, possible bulging eyes, profuse sweating, fatigue, along with a increased metabolic rate that can lead to substantial weight loss and neurological symptoms such as restlessness and irritability.

The most common type of hyperthyroidism is the autoimmune disease, Graves Disease. Named after an Irish doctor, Robert Graves, who in the early 1800s (along with an English Dr Caleb Parry) identified a pattern of symptoms. Along with the above symptoms both doctors observed the patient had experienced a deep and unresolved, grief. (This must be the first mind body connection in illness.)

In naturopathic medical school I was trained not to treat hyperthyroidism because of the dangers involved. It is a complex condition, one that is thought to be incurable and managed only by pharmaceuticals.

I no longer think this to be the case after my own (thankfully brief) experience with Graves Disease, an autoimmune disease. A long story short I was able to put myself on my own regimen and four months later all my blood levels had returned to normal. And this was after I was told I had an incurable disease and I would have to learn to live with it. I was advised to have this overactive gland irradiated. Clearly this was not an option for me, I told even the holistic MD who refused me treatment due to my very low TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) level.

What did I do to cure not only hyperthyroidism but an autoimmune disease? I dug deep and learned as much as I could. As I took a tiny amount of the allopathic drug Tamoxifen I also took homeopathic Iodum along with my constitutional homeopathic remedy, Chinese herbs, acupuncture, ate no seafood or seaweeds (for its high iodine content), took L-carnitine and other supplements and meditated twice a day.

As for the grief component I didn’t have to look far. One of my best friends had died six months earlier and my daughter was expecting her first child, three thousand miles away.

It’s interesting to note that women are four times as likely than men to have Graves’ Disease, which is true of all thyroid dysfunction perhaps because of its association with estrogen. In terms of an autoimmune disease-- which means your immune system is attacking your own body--it is possible that women are more susceptible to giving up power and turning emotions inward.

Having hyperthyroidism is not something I believe can be treated properly naturally without being incredibly motivated to dig deep. Unresolved issues must be attended to and you must be able to create a quiet space for yourself as you heal. I went to a retreat center for a few weeks where my overactive system could calm down long enough for me to do the emotional work I needed to do.

The other part of any thyroid issue is environmental toxins. Reading Dr Ryan Drum PhD’s essays is essential. He does a great job of unveiling the most damning material in regards to what the environment is doing to our bodies. Chemicals and heavy metals can derange a thyroid gland. A
thorough blood and urine panel checking for any excessive levels is crucial. (see www.ryandrum.com)

Besides homeopathic Iodum and the other modalities mentioned there are certain herbs that can help. Bugleweed (Lycopus, various species) inhibits iodine metabolism thereby reducing the amount of hormone that is produced by thyroid cells. A tincture of its leaves, orally, (rather than a root or a tea) gets better results.

Bugleweed is often used in combination with Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) that acts as a mild sedative. In studies it has shown to cause a decrease in blood and pituitary levels of TSH, reducing thyroid production.

Foods that suppress thyroid hormone production are broccoli, radishes along with the rest of the cruciferous vegetables. (Turnips, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale.) Soy may also have this property.

It is important to catch hyperthyroidism early. Many people have suffered with this disabling disease including the opthmalia needlessly, I believe.

Holistic medicine has many answers but you do need an educated guide. Hyperthyroidism is complex, a tricky business. But by honoring the body’s wisdom and inherent desire to heal, by acknowledging the disease as an avenue for change, it will be possible to heal your thyroid gland, and your life