Hyperthyroidism
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Therapeutics
Once a diagnosis of hypothyroidism has been made, treatment may include phytotherapeutic agents, lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, and hormone replacement therapy.
Priority 1: Cardiac Complaints
The first priority in treating hyperthyroid patients is to manage any cardiac complaints the patient may be having. In particular, the physician should bring the blood pressure and heart rate within normal limits. Patients with cardiovascular symptoms may benefit simply from the use of the hyperthyroid formula. Lycopus virginacus (bugleweed) is a cardiac sedative and cardiac tonic, while Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) and scutellaria lateriflora (skullcap) are calming nervines. However, in acute thyrotoxicosis patients will need extra assistance from cardiac and hypertension formulas. Natural approaches in very aggressive, high dosages often can be used instead of pharmaceuticals. However, in emergency situations, PTU might be needed to decrease thyroid hormone production from the thyroid and to decrease peripheral conversion of T4 to T3.Priority 2: Hyperthyroidism Control
Once cardiovascular symptoms are under control, the second priority is to work toward controlling the hyperthyroidism. The current medical paradigm believes that hyperthyroidism can only be permanently “cured” by using radioactive iodine or surgery to destroy the thyroid gland permanently. However, the use of natural medicine in the high doses will usually be able to reverse hyperthyroidism.Hyperthyroid Botanicals and Nutraceuticals
Hyperthyroid herbs in high doses often reduces thyroid hormone levels, allowing the TSH level to come up over time as described in the tables below. However, it is possible that TSH levels may get a little worse before they improve.
| Herb/Nutrient | Action | Dose |
| Lycopus virginicus(Bugleweed) | Thyroid alterative helpful for both hyperthyroid and hypothyroid Reduces thyroid hormone levels in hyperthyroid animals. | 150 drops of a 1:3 extract |
| Mellissa officinalis(Lemon Balm) | Helps in decreasing anxiety and calming an overactive thyroid (Demonstrated the ability to normalize TSH levels in animal experiments when combined with Lycopus virginicus) | 45 drops of a 1:3 extract. |
| Scutellaria officinalis(Skullcap) | Nervine to calm the emotionally and physically over-stressed patient | 45 drops of a 1:3 extract |
| Iris versicolor(Blue Flag) | Lymphatic herb Potent detoxifier of the thyroid Helpful for goiters and nodules | 45 drops of a 1:6 extract |
| Tripterygium wilfordii(Thunder God Vine) | Considered in TCM to be safer and more effective than corticosteroids in treating autoimmune diseases. Chinese doctors use it for a wide range of autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis (the variety leigongteng is used), lupus, and hyperthyroidism. | Availability in North America is limited due to toxicity issues |
| Niacin | Anecdotal response of thyroid normalizing action with the use of niacin, according to Dr Hoffer. Two reports of decreasing Graves’ ophthalmopathy after 3 months of continued use. | 3 grams a day |
Prognosis
- Most patients with hyperthyroid respond within a few months. The majority will have restored thyroid function within a year to the point that they are no longer hyperthyroid, even after discontinuing a hyperthyroid formula. Patients who have severe hyperthyroidism might need several years to normalize.
- TSH values usually increase within several months of taking hyperthyroid formula.
Drug Interactions: The use of thyroid hormone supplementation is contraindicated in hyperthyroidism.
Side Effects: In clinical practice, none have been noted.
Side Benefits: The formula is not only calming to the thyroid, but also effective for anxiety and heart palpitations.
Combination with Adaptogens: Since adaptogenic herbs are an adjunctive therapy for all endocrine conditions, it is recommended that patients take them as part of the hyperthyroid protocol.
Combination with Cardiac Support: Hyperthyroid patients often suffer from cardiac bundle branch blocks, arrhythmia, cardiac hypertrophy, and tachycardia, among other symptoms. Often hyperthyroid formula is enough to alleviate these problems. If not, these supplements are helpful in regularizing cardiac symptoms, especially the herbs containing cardiac glycosides, such as Convallaria officinalis and Cereus grandiflorus.
