Thyroid

Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism) and Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidsm)

Underactive Thyroid

Underactive thyroid, more commonly known as Hypothyroidism, generally develops gradually and many of the symptoms are sufficiently vague, so that many do not even know that they are experiencing a problem with their thyroid. At Mullen Natural Health Centre, our practitioners focus on finding and successfully treating the cause not just the symptoms.

What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland no longer produces enough thyroid hormone or when the hormone is not being converted properly for the body. This can lead to a slower metabolism which sees sufferers gaining weight, feeling overly fatigued, and other related symptoms. Women are ten times more likely to suffer from hypothyroidism than men and, as onset and symptoms can mirror menopause, it can be overlooked. In Australia, the most common cause of hypothyroidism is the autoimmune disease known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Are you suffering from Hypothyroidism?

Many people report no signs early on as it can develop slowly; however, if you experience the following symptoms, you could be suffering from hypothyroidism:

Fatigue/exhaustion/low energy (even after a good sleep)
Constipation
Weight gain
Increased intolerance to cold (related to poor circulation)
Dry hair/skin
Sluggishness
Muscle weakness
Poor memory and concentration
Depression
Infertility (female)
Losing the outer third of your eyebrows

There are many things that may cause and/or trigger Hypothyroidism:

Family history
Environmental triggers
Dietary triggers
Stress triggers
Liver Stress
Emotional triggers
Exercise induced triggers
Cold/flu induced triggers
Leaky Gut

Overactive Thyroid

Overactive thyroid, more commonly known as Hyperthyroidism, has symptoms which can mimic other diseases or conditions, making it difficult for some doctors to immediately diagnose. At Mullen Natural Health Centre, our practitioners focus on finding and successfully treating the cause not just the symptoms.

What is Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland begins to produce too much thyroid hormone (called thyroxine.) This can lead to a faster metabolism which sees sufferers losing weight quickly, experiencing feelings of anxiety or nervousness, and other related symptoms. Women are more likely to suffer from hyperthyroidism than men and as many as 1 in 50 women in Australia will experience overactive thyroid issues. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is the autoimmune disease known as Graves’ disease with risk of onset highest between 20-40 years of age. Other risk factors for developing overactive thyroid include stress (including pregnancy), intestinal dysbiosis and overuse of antibiotics.

Are you suffering from Hyperthyroidism?

Many people report no signs early on as it can develop slowly; however, if you experience the following symptoms, you could be suffering from hyperthyroidism:

Weight loss (even with increased appetite)
Swelling at the base of the neck (where the thyroid gland is located)
Excessive sweating and/or intolerance to heat
Anxiety/nervousness
Poor sleep
Muscle weakness
Tremors/shaking
Increased heart rate and/or palpitations
Shortness of breath
Diarrhoea or increase in bowel movements
Infertility (female) or infrequent menstruation
Swollen, red and/or bulging eyes
Double vision or sensitivity to light
Constant staring/infrequent blinking
Raised, thickened skin over the shins, tops of feet, back, hands or face

There are many things that may cause and/or trigger Hyperthyroidism:

Family history
Environmental triggers
Dietary triggers
Stress triggers
Liver Stress
Emotional triggers
Exercise induced triggers
Cold/flu induced triggers
Leaky Gut

Relevant Blogs:

Naturopathic Approach to Thyroid Treatment

Our approach at Mullen Natural Heath is to find and treat your individual causes and triggers, then to help manage and reduce both the frequency and severity of your hyperthyroidism/ hypothyroidism and, ultimately, to help balance your immune system.

We will look at the following: Four Filters (Digestive, Liver, Immune and Kidney), medical testing, naturopathic testing, dietary advice, lifestyle advice, supplements and more.

If you have any more questions, you can call us to book a FREE 15 minute chat with one of our Naturopaths to see how we can help you. Call now on (02) 4961 4075.