Homeopathy for Hyperthyroidism/Graves Disease

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid, which causes it to become overactive. Although a number of disorders may result in hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease the most common cause. Graves’ disease can affect anyone, it’s more common among women and in people younger than age 40.

It can be hard to diagnose and treat Graves’ disease because many people who have symptoms of abnormal thyroid activity also experience symptoms that can confused with other disorders. Therefore it can sometimes be hard for a Graves patient to receive the correct diagnosis leading to a lot of confusion, frustration and uncertainty.

One of the areas that sets homeopathy apart from conventional medicine is that in homeopathy, we treat the symptoms and not necessarily the diagnosis. What you are experiencing at that time, both mentally and physically. You do not necessarily have to wait for the correct diagnosis before you can begin treatment. By being prescribed the homeopathic remedies most pertinent to your symptoms plus diet changes and supplementation symptoms can be managed or resolved.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism/Graves disease

Thyroid hormones affect many body systems, so signs and symptoms of Graves’ disease can be wide ranging.

These include:

Anxiety and irritability
A fine tremor of the hands or fingers
Heat sensitivity and an increase in perspiration or warm, moist skin
Weight loss, despite normal eating habits
Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter)
Change in menstrual cycles
Erectile dysfunction or reduced libido
Frequent bowel movements
Bulging eyes (Graves’ ophthalmopathy)
Fatigue
Thick, red skin usually on the shins or tops of the feet (Graves’ dermopathy)
Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
Sleep disturbance

Complications of Graves’ Disease

Eye complications

A small percentage of all Graves’ patients will develop a condition called thyroid eye disease in which your eye muscles and tissues become swollen. This can cause exophthalmos — your eyeballs protrude from their sockets — and is considered a hallmark of Graves’ disease, even though it’s rare.

Skin complications

Some people with Graves’ may develop a rare skin condition known as pretibial myxedema or Graves’ dermopathy. It is a lumpy reddish thickening of the skin on the shins. It is usually painless and is not serious. Like exophthalmos this condition does not necessarily begin with the onset of Graves’ and doesn’t have to do with how severe your disease is.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism/Graves disease

Stress

80% of patients who develop autoimmune disorders classify themselves as having suffered from high amounts of stress and stress has long been the recognised as a precipitating factor for the development of Graves disease. Studies now support what Homeopaths have often concluded, that the onset of Graves’ often follows some kind of emotional shock such as divorce, death or difficult separations. This is because immune system hyperactivity can precipitate autoimmune thyroid disease.

A stressful lifestyle can also trigger Graves. So it is important to try to put measures in place to reduce stress such a regular yoga practice, gentle exercise, meditation and making time to relax and recuperate.

Smoking

Smoking is a widely recognised risk factor of hyperthyroidism and particularly Graves. It depends of course on the amount smoked but is more prevalent in women than in men.

Genetics

Genetic susceptibility contributes to 20-30% of Graves and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Infective organisms

Infective organisms such as H.pylori, Yersina enterocolitica and Borrelia burgdorferi can be associated with the onset of Graves disease.

Digestion

Leaky gut

N/SAIDS, corticosteroids

Microflora imbalance in GIT

Poor digestion and elimination

Environmental toxins

Food additives, agricultural chemical run-off, environmental pollutants, chemical exposure, household cleaners and sprays. Herbicides, pesticides and hair dyes.

Other factors

Left-handedness

Excessive Iodine supplementation

People with a depressive disorder (especially women).

Treating Hyperthyroidism/Graves disease naturally

Supplements

Vitamin A

Vitamin C

Vitamin E

Selenium

Zinc

Vitamin D

CoQ10

Magnesium

B complex

Quercetin and Bioflavanoids

Omega 3 fatty acids

L-Cartinine

R- Alpha lipoic acid

*Make sure that supplements do not contain any iodine as many multi-vitamins contain Iodine.

Homeobotanicals for Hyperthyroidism/Graves disease

Marina Blend.

Herbal Medicines

Avena Sativa

Cratagus Monogyna (Hawthorn)

Tumeric

Motherwort

Bugle weed

Lemon Balm

Iris Versicolour (Blue Flag)

Skull Cap

St Mary’s thistle

Nutrition

Increase

Protein (due to high energy output)

Brassica family (Broccoli, cabbage etc, especially raw cabbage).

Decrease

Dairy

Gluten

Iodine rich foods such as Seaweed

Stimulants such as Caffeine, sugar and alcohol

Vegan and Vegetarians have a lower risk of developing hyperthyroidism

Homeopathic remedies

Lycopus

Iodum Purum

Cactus

Thyroidinum

Pilocarpinum

Spongia

Homeopathy can be very effective in treating Graves’ disease and can address this condition even if it is due to an inherited susceptibility. As homeopathy can get to the root cause of a condition, and works to correct it. Diet, herbs and supplements will all contribute to the healing process but I believe that it is the Homeopathic remedies that are able to facilitate the biggest and fastest change.

Homeopathy for Hyperthyroidism/Graves Disease.