Hyperthyroidism vs. Hypothyroidism

Graves Disease is the most common hyperthyroid disorder, while Hashimoto’s Disease is the most common hypothyroid issue. Although both are autoimmune diseases, with Hyperthyroidism there’s an elevation of thyroid hormones, while Hypothyroidism has decreased levels.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism usually include decreased weight, increased appetite, heart palpitations, tremors, loose stool, insomnia, anxiety, and bulging eyes. Hypothyroidism generally has the opposite symptoms, including weight gain, brain fog, coldness in the hands and feet, constipation, and thinning hair, but sometimes symptoms can overlap.

Common Triggers of Thyroid Diseases

Most cases of thyroid issues are autoimmune diseases, and people with thyroid disease often develop Celiac Disease or other food sensitivities. Dr. Osansky breaks down the common triggers into four categories: food, stress, toxins, and infections.

Eating Paleo or trying the AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) diet can help determine trigger foods if you struggle with unknown sensitivities. Diets are a great starting point for studying progression and modifying, but some diets are stricter than others. The easiest option is to ensure you’re eating as many whole, plant-based foods as possible.

Chronic stress has a more significant impact than stress from a singular event, and emotional stress isn’t the only form of stress. For example, losing weight, detoxifying, dieting, and over-exercising are all stressors on the body and can trigger an autoimmune issue.

Infections like Epstein Barr, H. Pylori, and Lyme Disease can all trigger latent autoimmune diseases. When people think of infections, they think of symptoms like fever and fatigue. But you can have a chronic, undiagnosed and untreated infection for years.

Stress also impacts the immune system, which can impact hormone function over time. The whole system is involved with the thyroid, so we really need to take a holistic approach to determine and treat thyroid issues. Subclinical Hyperthyroidism is not autoimmune, but it is possible to have both autoimmune and not autoimmune components affecting your thyroid hormone levels.

Types of Hyperthyroidism and Diagnosis

Graves is the most common form of Hyperthyroid Disease and is the type of Hyperthyroidism that Dr. Osansky has. He started his journey with a general practitioner who tested his hormone levels and confirmed he had elevated thyroid levels. However, his diagnosis didn’t come until he saw an endocrinologist who ran antibody tests. They can also run radioactive iodine tests where they administer a small amount of iodine and monitor how it interacts with the thyroid.

Ultrasounds can detect the presence of a goiter or nodules on the thyroid. These don’t always cause issues, but it’s a good idea to look into why the nodules exist. For example, research shows problems with estrogen metabolism or insulin resistance can cause nodules to form. However, it can also indicate cancer, so it’s crucial to ensure all avenues are being investigated.

Another type of Hyperthyroidism is Toxic Multinodular Goiter, which often needs surgery to treat. However, if estrogen metabolism or insulin resistance is causing the nodules to form, it’s essential to address those factors.

Listen now and start lowering your risk for thyroid disease!

Guest Bio

Dr. Eric Osansky is a chiropractor, clinical nutritionist, and certified functional medicine practitioner who helps people recover from thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions. He is the author of the books “Natural Treatment Solutions for Hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease” and “Hashimoto’s Triggers”. Dr. Osansky was personally diagnosed in 2008 with Graves’ disease and, after taking a natural treatment approach, has been in remission since 2009.

After seeing how natural treatment methods helped with his condition, he began using these natural protocols to help others with different thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions, including Hyperthyroidism, Graves’ Disease, hypothyroidism, and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hyperthyroidhealing
Youtube: Natural Thyroid Doctor https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor
https://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/
Thyroid Checklist: http://thyroidchecklist.com/
Podcast: Save My Thyroid: http://www.savemythyroid.com/
Books:
Hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease: https://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/my-books/reverse-hyperthyroidism-and-graves-disease/
Hashimoto’s Triggers: https://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/my-books/hashimotos-triggers/