Thyroid Disorders

Causes

Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) can occur because of an insufficiency with the thyroid gland itself (primary hypothyroidism) or because of inadequate amounts of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) being produced by the pituitary gland (secondary hypothyroidism). Another cause can be Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition that attacks the thyroid tissue. An autoimmune condition, called Grave’s disease, can also be responsible for hyperthyroidism or over-active thyroid. Certain types of medication can cause hyperthyroidism, particularly if they contain large volumes of iodine. Swelling of the neck, known as goitre, results because of an enlarged thyroid gland. Thyroid dysfunction may also result because of the presence of a tumour of the pituitary or thyroid gland or may be partly due to an underlying viral infection. Dehydration, poor diet, and low immunity can also contribute towards these conditions. Stress and emotional problems can make a person more likely to develop a thyroid disorder, because these suppress the immune system. Women are more likely to be affected than men. A lack of iodine can lead to hypothyroidism, while too much iodine may contribute towards hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms

Hypothyroidism can lead to a condition called Myxoedema, where the skin becomes thick and has a dry and waxy texture. In adults, under-active thyroid can also lead to increased cold sensitivity, weight-gain, pain in the joints, thinner hair, brittle nails, depression and constipation. Women may have irregular menstrual cycles and bleed for longer than they should do as well as having pregnancy problems such as miscarriages and premature births. Men may have low libido. A lack of thyroid hormone from birth can lead to congenital iodine deficiency syndrome (cretinism); this causes impeded mental and physical growth as well as coarse skin. Hashimoto’s disease can prevent the thyroid from being able to produce hormones by destroying its tissue and causing it to become inflamed. This can lead to serious symptoms including problems with metabolism and a greater risk of heart disease. Over-active thyroid can cause weight loss, weak muscles, palpitations, fatigue, insomnia, diarrhoea, increased thirst and urination and heat sensitivity. There may also be emotional and mental symptoms such as mood swings and anxiety. If left untreated, problems with the eyes or aggravated symptoms can develop. When the body is producing too much of the thyroid hormones, this can lead to a sensitivity to them.

BICOM® Programs to be Used

Supplements to take

Iodine, vitamin D3, vitamin C, magnesium, thiamine (vitamin B1), selenium, vitamin B12

Other therapies

Healthy thyroid function can be supported by consuming a diet that limits wheat and sugar intake but contains beneficial fat sources, probiotics and plenty of fruits and vegetables. At least 2 litres of water should be drank per day. Daily exercise should be carried out to help regulate the thyroid. Sufficient sleep is important and if possible, appropriate measures should be taken to reduce stress levels, therefore putting less strain on the immune system. Medication and radiation can be used to limit the number of hormones being produced by the thyroid gland. In some cases, surgery is used to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. When this is done, the patient will need to be on medication for the rest of their life to replace the vital hormones that the gland would otherwise be producing. People with insufficient thyroid function can also be treated with thyroid hormones.

Experiences and case studies

A 56-year-old woman had Grave’s disease with a feeling of pressure in her throat and inflammation of the neck and sinuses. After completing a course of bioresonance treatment, her symptoms were almost completely gone, she only had occasional slight pressure in the throat. Her TSH and thyroid hormone levels, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), were within the normal range and she continued to have a stabilising treatment 2 times a year.