Generally, there are two types of thyroid health issues that can lead to thyroid gland symptoms: the condition of Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism.
HYPOthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid is under-active, leading to an underproduction of the thyroid hormone. It can be caused by a number of glandular-type diseases, but most often is a problem within the thyroid gland itself. When there is not enough thyroid hormone being produced, there is a general slowing of all physical and mental processes and therefore thyroid gland symptoms.
HYPERthyroidism is an over-activity of the thyroid gland, often caused by a growth or tumor, such as a benign nodule or cancer, that cause inflammation and stimulate the thyroid to produce too much of the thyroid hormone, which again can lead to thyroid gland symptoms.
The signs and symptoms of Hypothyroidism:
Fatigue
Lack of energy
intolerance of cold temperatures
severe constipation
heavy menstrual periods
weight gain despite a decrease in appetite
As the problem persists, the thyroid gland symptoms can become more obvious in time – slowing of the pulse, skin becomes cool, dry and coarse, muscles ache, puffiness around the eyes, hair falling out, sluggishness in the reflexes and a hoarseness to the voice.
Traditional thyroid gland symptom therapy would be taking a thyroid hormone to replace what has been lost.
Herbal treatments focus on supporting the thyroid and strengthening its ability to produce the thyroid hormone in sufficient supply.
Dangers of Thyroid medications and side effects:
Once you have determined, or your doctor has determined, you have a thyroid problem and disease, you really have no other choice than to begin to treat it, as if left untreated, there can be serious conditions that can even prove fatal. In addition to surgical methods, thyroid gland symptoms are treated with anti-thyroid drugs, radio-iodine therapies, and hormone replacement therapy. This is all well and good but unfortunately, thyroid medications can have some unpleasant side effects.
For example, Methimazole is a very commonly used anti-thyroid medication. When taking this medication, it is crucial that you monitor yourself for sore throat and fever after taking this medicine as these thyroid gland symptoms could be a sign of an acute, though relatively uncommon, blood disorder called agranulocytosis. This condition features a large decrease in the number of white blood cells. The drug also has some other undesirable side effects such as:
Drowsiness and vomiting
Severe hair loss.
Loss of taste.
Joint and muscle pains.
Gastric upsets.
Abnormal sensations.
Itching and skin rash.
In addition, the hormones used to treat thyroid gland symptoms are often made synthetically, coming from various animal tissues. Once the therapy has been started, it often has to continue throughout the patients life. And the administration of these hormones requires regular monitoring by the doctor as there is a good chance of the under-active thyroid turning into an over-active thyroid.
Radio-iodine therapyfor treating over-active thyroids has been around since the 1940's. But this treatment is risky during pregnancy and with breastfeeding and is therefore not recommended in these situations due to the adverse risk to the unborn baby.
But perhaps the most significant side effect of radio-iodine therapy is the risk of damage to the thyroid gland that can leave it unable to be controlled. There is also the risk of simply trading one problem for another. The over-active thyroid can then turn under-active and thus one has to balance the benefits of conventional treatments with the risks and side effects. There are, however, alternatives for thyroid gland symptoms, which one can put to good use to make sure their thyroid is in optimal health conditions.
Herbs for treating Hypothyroidism:
As hypothyroidism can often accelerate the condition of heart disease, the following herbs can support the cardiovascular system:
Hawthorne
Ginkgo
Garlic
In addressing the issues of dry skin, herbal moisturizers and ointments can be very usefu
In addressing the general sense of melancholy that can accompany thyroid disease, the following nervine herbs can be very helpful:
Hyperthyroidism is an over-activity of the thyroid gland, often caused by a growth or tumor, such as a benign nodule or cancer, that cause inflammation and stimulate the thyroid to produce too much of the thyroid hormone. Graves Disease is one of the most common causes of hyperthyroidism. This appears to be an autoimmune disease that is causes the production of thyroid antibodies that then stimulate the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormone. One sign of Grave's Disease is the build up of thick deposits of a substance within the skin, behind the eyes, and elsewhere in the body. Many thyroid gland symptoms are caused by this disease.
Symptoms of Hyperactive Thryoid
In the photo at right, we see the characteristic symptoms of hyperactive thyroid. Hyperthyroidism can lead to a condition of bulging eyes producing a startled-like expression.
Rapid pulse at rest as well as with exertion, palpitations.
Low heat tolerance, profuse perspiration, flushed skin (e.g. hands are unusually warm and moist.
Fine tremor in the hands, change in bowel habits – i.e. constipation or diarrhea.
Increased appetite and progressive weight loss.
Muscle weakness or muscles are unusually fatigued.
Bulging eyes producing a startled expression.
Herbs for Thyroid Gland Symptoms
The best known herbs for Thyroid gland symptoms, also known as hyperthyroidism, is Bugleweed. Taken along with regular consumption of sea vegetables which provide iodine for thyroid, bugleweed is a powerful herb to combat thyroid gland symptoms. When combined with other nervine or relaxing herbs, these herbs and idodine for thyroid can have great benefit to the condition of hyperthyroidism. The following formula can be made into a tea infusion or a tincture to treat the conditions related to an over-active thyroid:
4 parts Bugleweed
2 parts Motherwell
2 parts Skullcap
1 part Hawthorne
1 part Oats
General Natural Remedies for Hypo and Hyper thyroidism:
Iodine for Thyroid: When Iodine for thyroid is lacking in the diet, thyroid glands will swell and blood vessels harden. Seafoods and sea vegetables, such as kelp, hiziki, and dulse can introduce a good natural source of iodine for thyroid into the body.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts: Parsley, Swiss chard, apricots, watercress, and tahini are thought to be very beneficial to the thyroid. Along with Iodine for thyroid, these natural sources can enhance the thyroid's functioning.
A Quick and Easy Way to Check for Thyroid Functioning:
Something called the Barnes Basal Temperature Test can easily check how your thyroid if functioning. To perform the test, follow this simple procedure:
Refrain from drinking alcohol on the day of the test
Before bed, place a thermometer by your bedside. In the morning, put the thermometer firmly in the armpit and rest for ten minutes. A normal resting reading will be 97.8 F (or 37 degrees Celsius).
Repeat this step the next day.
If the reading is lower, this may mean you have an under active thyroid. (Women should do this after their menstrual cycles are complete as temperature tends to fluctuate during this time)