How to Manage Hyperthyroid? Tips and Treatment Options

Nearly 42 million people in India are suffering from thyroid disorders. Hyperthyroidism affects an estimated 1-2% of women and 0.1-0.2% of men in their lifetime. It's more common in younger adults, particularly women between 20 and 40.

Did you recently lose weight without doing anything or notice faster heartbeats than ever? These could be signs of hyperthyroidism, a condition where your thyroid gland produces too much hormone. This disrupts the body's natural balance, speeds up the metabolism, and causes various symptoms, including nervousness, irritability, trouble sleeping, fatigue, shaky hands, muscle weakness, sweating, or difficulty tolerating heat. Fortunately, hyperthyroidism is a treatable condition. This blog will help you understand how you can manage hyperthyroidism effectively.

What causes hyperthyroidism? 

Various factors affect hyperthyroidism levels. Let’s understand these factors in detail-

• Graves' Disease- This autoimmune disorder is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism, accounting for roughly 70% of cases. In Graves' disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, stimulating it to produce excess hormones.
• Thyroid Nodules- These are lumps that form within the thyroid gland. In some cases, nodules can become overactive and release excessive thyroid hormone.
• Thyroiditis- This thyroid gland inflammation can disrupt its normal function, leading to the release of stored hormones and temporary hyperthyroidism.
• Iodine Excess- While iodine is essential for thyroid function, consuming too much can trigger hyperthyroidism, especially in individuals with underlying thyroid problems.

Important Fact: Hyperthyroidism can also be linked to certain medications, pregnancy, and even psychological stress.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism You Should Not Ignore 

Watch out for these symptoms of Hyperthyroidism. 

• Weight Loss
• Rapid Heartbeat (Tachycardia)
• Increased Anxiety and Irritability
• Shaky hands and feet
• Heat Intolerance
• Changes in Sleep Patterns
• Eye Problems
• Irregular Bowel Movements
• Muscle Weakness and Fatigue
• Skin and Hair Changes

Who is at high risk of developing Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is treatable, but it may affect your daily life activities. The effect may differ in different people. Let’s understand who is at high risk of developing Hyperthyroidism.

• Women- Due to hormonal fluctuations women experience throughout their lives, such as during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Statistics show that roughly 1-2% of women will experience hyperthyroidism in their lifetime, compared to just 0.1-0.2% of men. 

• Autoimmune Disease-  People with conditions like type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis are at higher risk of developing Graves' disease, the leading cause of hyperthyroidism. 

• Family History- A close relative with a thyroid condition increases your risk.

• Age- Hyperthyroidism can strike at any age, but it's more common in younger adults, particularly women between the ages of 20 and 40. However, the risk increases again in older adults, especially after 60.

• Iodine Exposure- Excessive iodine intake through certain medications, supplements, or iodine-rich foods can trigger hyperthyroidism. 

Other people who could be at risk

• The people who use medicines that contain iodine
• People who use nicotine products
• Women who were pregnant within the past 6 months

8 Tips to Manage Hyperthyroidism Effectively

Living with hyperthyroidism is challenging, but there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Let’s see how these tips can help you manage hyperthyroidism:

Consult your doctor

If your thyroid reports are abnormal, the first and foremost step is to consult your doctor. Discuss your concerns with your doctors. They may help you understand your body requirements based on your medical history, family history, and other facts. They may also recommend other health checkups to monitor whether everything is functioning normally. Doctors may advise medications; therefore, don't skip or adjust your doses without consulting your doctor. Along with this take a regular Thyroid Profile Test from Redcliffe Labs to know your hypothyroidism levels. 

Take a healthy diet

While no one-size-fits-all hyperthyroidism diet exists, certain dietary choices can support your overall health and well-being. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods, including fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources..

Stay hydrated

Dehydration can worsen hyperthyroidism symptoms, so ensure you drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

Prot tip- Aim to drink 8 glasses of water daily. You can adjust based on your activity level.

Manage your stress levels. 

Chronic stress and anxiety may exacerbate hyperthyroidism symptoms. Explore relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to help manage stress and elevate your overall well-being.

Get Enough Sleep

When you're well-rested, you feel better. Thus, try to rest your symptoms and cope with the demands of daily life.

Pro tip- Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. 

Limit caffeine Intake

Caffeine and alcohol can worsen hyperthyroidism symptoms, like anxiety and heart palpitations. Therefore, try to avoid or limit your intake or eliminate this from your routine to manage thyroid disorders effectively.

Maintain a healthy weight.

The disorder can sometimes lead to unexpected weight loss without any exact cause. However, it's crucial to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Stay cool

Hyperthyroidism can make you feel excessively hot. 

Tip- Wear cool, loose-fitting clothing and avoid spending too much time in hot weather.

By following these tips and working closely with your doctor, you can effectively manage your hyperthyroidism symptoms and live a full and healthy life.