THYROID DISEASE

Read and learn more about hyperthyroid disease. For more, visit the Thyroid Disease website ThyroidDiseaseWiki.com.

Q: Hyperthyroid disease…?
I’ve encountered so many friends and relatives who developed hyperthyroid disease especially when they migrated from tropical country to cold regions. I’m wondering anyone who encounter like this before….?? Why?

A: I’ve never heard of a connection bewteen hyperthyroid and change in climate, probably just a coincidence.

Q: Why am I having symptoms of hyperthyroid disease?
Why am I having the symptoms of hyperthyroid disease, when I had my right thyroid gland removed 30 years ago, because of a tumor.? Altho, I have mentioned to my doctor the possibility, that I might have another tumor on the left thyroid gland, he doesn’t seem to listen and is treating me for other things he thinks might be causing these horrible symptoms. In the meantime, I’m in misery.

A: go see another doctors you should never trust just one doctor they want you to keep coming back to them so they can collect that money

Q: What is the difference between the hyperthyroid disease and the thyroid carcinoma?

A: GREETINGS, hyperthyroidism is that your thyroid is working too fast and usually people are very thin, cold, hungry but don’t gain weight easy and it can be fatal if not treated, thyroid cancer can do the same thing, the same symptoms but the cancer is a growth on the thyroid, nodule or tumor, that causes the thyroid to not function right, and sometimes when and if the growth can be removed without removing the thyroid itself, you will revert back to normal. If they remove the thyroid due to cancer, then you will be on meds for life as you will be come hypothyroid.

Q: What is Hyperthyroid and Graves Disease?
How many of you have hyperthyroid and grave disease? what type of medication are you taking? I am taking EVOTHYROXINE 0.25MG.

Please share with me what are you’ve gone through. i was hospitalize for over a week. I was also treated for Graves disease.

What should i do and not to do? like eating and drinking and so on.

Thank you all in advance.

A: Hyperthyroidism / Graves’ Disease / Overactive Thyroid Condition
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that can cause overactivity of the thyroid — a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can also result from toxic nodules, certain medications and supplements, and temporary viral infections of the thyroid, among other causes. Here is a listing of the many resources available here at the site that focus on Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism, as well as related issues including thyroid storm, Graves ophthalmopathy, radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment, stress, cigarette smoking, antithyroid drugs like PTU and methimazole, thyroidectomy, and thyroid arterial embolization.

Graves’ Disease and Hyperthyroidism 101
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that can cause overactivity of the thyroid — a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Here is a listing of the many resources available here at the site that focus on Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism, as well as related issues including thyroid storm, Graves ophthalmopathy, radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment, stress, cigarette smoking, antithyroid drugs like PTU and methimazole, thyroidectomy, and thyroid arterial embolization.
What causes hyperthyroidism?
FAQ frequently asked questions autoimmune thyroid condition Graves’ disease overactive thyroid hyperthyroidism tests diagnosis drugs treatment medications
What is hyperthyroidism?
Frequently asked questions about the autoimmune thyroid condition Graves’ disease and an overactive thyroid, known as hyperthyroidism. Information, including tests, diagnosis, treatment, medications, and other issues are discussed. This FAQ on Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism was developed by patient advocate Mary Shomon, bestselling author of Living Well With Graves’ Disease and Hyperthyroidism.
Kelly Osbourne Reveals Thyroid Problem is Cause of Rapid Weight Loss
Kelly Osbourne, 22, pop star and daughter of legendary Black Sabbath metal rocker/ditzy reality tv dad Ozzy Osbourne, has revealed that her weight loss of almost 30 pounds due to an untreated thyroid condition.
What You Need to Know About Thyroid Storm
Some people with Graves’ disease or hyperthyroidism — an overactive thyroid that is producing too much thyroid hormone — develop a potentially life-threatening condition known as thyroid storm. Find out about the risks, symptoms and treatments for this rare, but dangerous condition, from patient advocate and author Mary Shomon.

Cigarette Smoking Linked to Overactive Thyroid
According to research just published this month, women who smoke have double the risk of developing hyperthyroidism due to Graves’ disease.
Common Questions on Hyperthyroidism
Three-part, indepth in-depth Frequently Asked Questions / FAQ on hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease.
Graves’ Disease /Hyperthyroidism Checklist
A checklist of risk factors and symptoms to use in getting or finetuning your hyperthyroidism.
How to Tell If You Are Hyperthyroid
Step-by-step guidelines on how to tell if you are hyperthyroid.
Panic Attacks and Palpitations: Signs of Hyperthyroidism?
A look at the symptoms of panic attack, and whether they are due to hyperthyroidism, heart problems, or panic disorder.
Alternative Treatments for Hyperthyroidism
John Johnson’s site focuses on nutritional solutions to hyperthyroidism, and how to avoid RAI and anti-thyroid drugs when possible.

Q: I have a hyperthyroid disease can i still drink alcohol?
can i still drink beer and other liquors?

A: Some people just have to drink alcohol no matter what!!! I don’t see how drinking alcohol will affect your thyroid one way or the other, unless your undergoing treatment for it, then I would check with the doctor.

Q: Who has successfully used diet, exercise and natural remedies for hyperthyroid – graves disease?
I have been diagnosed after the birth of my first child 6 years ago with graves disease I have been medicated, taking carbimazole, for 3 years and was all good for the 2 years that followed but it has flaired up again. I have had enough of carbimazole and want to find out if any one has successfully tried a natural remedy. I have checked out a couple of EBook but the cost for these books is huge.

A: I have Graves Disease too. I’ve been on PTU for around three years. My T3 T4 TSH numbers are ok, but I’ve had a few bouts of atrial fibrillation. These lasted for 24-48 hours then stopped. I wish I could help, but I’m looking for a solution too. I don’t like the idea of radioactive iodine…so I’m hoping that long-term anti thyroid drugs will give the thyroid a chance to burn itself out. The only thing I can suggest is to eat lots of green leafy vegetables and soy…..they can have an impact on the thyroid hormone production. Best wishes.
Forgot to say….try to get a copy of ‘The Thyroid Solution’ by Dr Ridha Arem (an endicronologist)….should be available at most bookshops…..worth a read.

Q: Can you have hyperthyroid disease but gain weight instead of lose it?
I’ve just been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, and all the symptoms fit except for the massive (and rapid) weight gain. My doc sounds stumped….is it possible? Or could we be overlooking something else?

A: no, that is hypothyroidism.

Q: Hyperthyroid Disease – can i still lift weight and workout at the gym like normal people do?
(some of you might have read my questions already) I have a Hyperthyroid Disease and i am wondering if i can still go to gym and do normal workout like normal people do. i was hospitalized for over a week for hyperthyroid and graves disease. i had the radioactive treatment done and now i am under LEVOTHYROXINE 0.25MG. i’ve been under this medication for almost two years now. i do get follow up with thyroid specialist every 6 months. before i was diegnosed with thyroid i go to gym 3 to 4 times a week. reason i quit the gym cuz i would get muscle cramp when i workout. my abs would cramp up when i do sit up. my legs and my side would cramp up also. to make the long story short, that’s how i found out i had thyroid. oh, for no reason i would colapse, i couldnt walk and i would calapse on the floor for no reason. couldnt feel my leg or move. i had to go to emergency room and that was how i found out i had hyperthyroid. so, can i go back to the gym…. run out of space… sorry.

A: You should talk to a doctor first because how you have to modify your workout may be different than you might think. Make sure after you start woking out you are at the doctor’s getting regular check ups as well. Just make sure you keep track of your heart rate and try not to get too hot. Walking is a great exercise and might be the best for you.

Q: If a mother has hyperthyroid, graves disease and low iron while she is pregnant?
what are her chances of having a healthy baby. This person never seek medical attention till she was already in her 3 trimester. And her hypothyroid has gotten really bad. Will her baby be healthy? Or will the baby have health problems?

thanks in advance!

A: no way of telling….that why prenatal care is so important. I would go with whatever the medical professional said during the 3rd trimester visit

Q: Could a vet tell me what to feed my cat on a tumor and hyperthyroid disease?

A: Let me share with you what I have learned about feline nutrition to help you make an informed decision on what diet you should feed your cats.

Many brands of manufactured cat foods claiming to be “healthy” really are not. In fact they are made of the lowest ingredients possible. I’m not saying that a cat can’t live off them… just the same as you could live off hot dogs and Mac and cheese forever, but better choices can and should be made for your feline friends. I would not venture to say that any manufactured food is “best” for a cat but a grain free organic wet food would be a good start. Feeding canned is certainly better than feeding dry in all cases.

Cats were never meant to eat dry food, also known as cereals or kibble. We, humans, make them eat it for convenience to us. It has nothing to do with them or their nutritional needs. It’s completely species inappropriate.

In the wild, cats derive their entire liquid intake from their prey. They do not have a thirst mechanism because they don’t need it when eating a species appropriate diet. They get all they need from what they eat. So they do not drink water. Regular ol’ house cats have descended from those same wild cats.

So in a home environment, your kitty does not get the moisture it needs from dry food and it’s almost always in a constant state of dehydration. Water fountains are encouraged to TRY to get your cat to drink more and your kitty may even enjoy it, but it will never meet its water intake needs drinking from a bowl.

Deadly feline illnesses such as diabetes, kidney failure, obesity, stones, urinary tract blockages and Urinary Tract Infections (FLUTD), with and without deadly crystals run rampant these days. Cats are not taking in enough water to stave them off. Proper water intake through a species appropriate diet alone can prevent most of these conditions.

Overall, wet is a better all around better for any cats diet, be it canned or Raw and they should never be fed dry cereal kibble if we wish to most closely match their wild nutritional and dietary needs. Kibble meets our needs… not our cats.

It is also bogus that kibble cleans teeth. DRY FOOD DOES NOT CLEAN TEETH. It’s an old myth that has been scientifically disproved for years, but old-school vets drilled it into people’s heads for so long (and sadly still do) that people still believe it. Cats can not “chew”. They do not have chewing teeth. They have meat ripping pointy carnivorous teeth. They do not have molars. They may “crunch” a piece of food once to crack and break it… but they are absolutely unable to chew a hard piece if food. Want your cat to have clean teeth? Give them an appropriately sized raw bone. )

I personally feed a Raw Meat and Bones based diet to my cats and they are very healthy on it. I HIGHLY recommend it. Once I got the hang of it and felt comfortable with it it’s a snap to prepare. It’s something you might want to consider someday. They are obligate carnivores after all and must derive ALL their nutrients from meat based sources. They are unable to absorb them from any other source. Despite thousands of years of domestication they remain strictly carnivorous. True and honest meat eaters and that is what they need most. Protein from meat!

If you are interested in feeding a raw diet some great places to start learning are http://www.catinfo.org/ , http://www.catnutrition.org/ , and http://www.felinefuture.com/nutrition/ .

If you would like to try raw with your cats and don’t want to get all technical about it but want to try a trusted, time tested and balanced raw diet you can order from http://www.felinespride.com/products/catfood.aspx . I purchased this myself when I first started and my cats loved it!

If raw is not an option for you please be aware that there are three Categories of Pet Foods:

-”Grocery store” foods – (Generic Brands and cheap name brands) Those foods found in grocery stores and mass-market retailers are made with lower-quality, less-digestible, inexpensive ingredients and are therefore a cheaper alternative. While easy on the pocketbook, “grocery store” foods normally do not provide your cat with the healthiest, most nutrient-dense ingredients.

-Premium foods – (Iams/Eukanuba, Purina One, Hills Science Diet, Nutro and such) Foods often found in grocery stores, pet stores, and veterinarian offices that contain higher-grade ingredients, but still include many elements of “grocery store” food, such as artificial colors, artificial flavors, chemical preservatives, and “filler” ingredients such as corn and wheat products, by-products and even animal digest. Yuck! Premium foods are usually more expensive than “grocery store” foods because their ingredients are sometimes of a higher quality, and are therefore somewhat more beneficial and digestible. But don’t be fooled, some of those same so called Premium brands are sometimes worse than grocery store foods, but they charge prices like they are better. They aren’t!

-Healthy foods – (Wellness, Merrick, Eagle Pack, Drs Foster & Smith) The newest addition to the pet food market – provide pets with the highest quality, healthiest, and most nutritious ingredients. They are typically available for purchase online or direct from the manufacturer. Some better retailers are starting to carry them now. Complete Petmart carries a few healthy brand foods. Foods in the Healthy class contain nutrient-rich ingredients. Formulated to provide optimum health benefits for pets, these foods often use real meat as the primary protein source, carbohydrate-rich whole grains like brown rice and barley and whole, fresh fruits and vegetables. They should not contain artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. They will almost always be fortified with additional vitamins and minerals, and will use the best natural sources for fatty acids to help build healthy skin and a beautiful coat. Because healthy foods use high quality ingredients, you should expect to pay a little more than you would for other types of pet food. Remember, though, with healthy foods you can feed less since healthy foods are more nutrient-dense than other types of food so it often evens out or cost’s les than feeding foods filled with cheap non-nutritional by-products fillers.

With all that information in mind, when you are choosing a new cat food, study the ingredients. All ingredients on pet food labels are listed by weight. Meaning whatever ingredients are listed first on the list, there is more in there. The first ingredients listed should be whole meat ingredients, protein sources, such as Chicken or Turkey. NOT just the word “meat”! Who the heck knows what that is? The word Chicken Meal is ok, but it should be a secondary ingredient, not first. Meal is the meat dehydrated and ground into a powder.

The ingredients also should NOT include any by-products or animal digest whatsoever. Those are disgusting left over animal parts that are scraped off the filthy floors of meat and poultry plants. They should just go into the trash but they put them into pet food instead. EW!!!! Also make sure there are no artificial colors or flavors. And make sure there is no BHA and BHT used preservatives. These preservatives have been shown to cause cancer in both cats and dogs. Bad Bad stuff and it’s in almost every cat treat on the market.

So, in summery of the ingredients… if you see the words by-products, Animal Digest, the word “meat” alone, Corn, Corn Gluten, Wheat Gluten, or BHA or BHT… stop reading, put down that product and move on to the next.

Be aware that when switching to a Healthy, Holistic or Organic food, you will pay for what you get. Good foods are not cheap. They are pricey and will cost you more than cheaper products, just like steak costs more than hotdogs. But again, you will be feeding a better food and improving the over all health of your pet. This in turn leads to less vet visits for illness now and more importantly later in life in their geriatric years. You will also feed less of this food on a per animal basis because a smaller amount of food contains what your cat needs. Overall healthy wet foods are well worth it, if only for the piece of mind that the ingredients are better for your cat than cheap crap.

You can start your research for a healthy cat food here if you are not ready to try feeding a Raw diet:

http://www.onlynaturalpet.com

If you want to buy in a store, Complete Petmart is a good store and carries quite a few natural, organic, and holistic blends. Also check with your local feed/grain stores.

I highly recommend you take the time to research for yourself, but the information I have given should get you off to a good start. Good luck choosing a new healthy food!

********IMPORTANT*******Don’t forget to switch your Pets food slowly over a period of 10 to 14 days, if you can. Mixing 25% new to 75% old. Then 50/50… then 75% new to 25% old. And finally switch over to 100% new. Take it slow as not to upset their digestive system.

Side note… Please don’t feed Iams / Eukanuba. It’s ALL fillers, byproducts, animal digest and CRAP. Read the ingredients! There is nothing good for your cat in that food. Not to mention they conduct the most appalling animal testing you have ever seen. http://www.iamscruelty.com to see the terror they create.

Q: what does hyperthyroid disease have to do with congestive heart failure?

A: Hyperthyroidsm can cause high output heart failure. It can also worsen preexisting heart failure by the increased metabolic demand.

Q: What is the difference between Graves Disease and Hyperthyroid?

A: Hyperthyroidism is one SYMPTOM of Grave’s disease. Granted, it is the most common, main symptom. But it’s still only one symptom.

You can have hyperthyroidism without Grave’s disease.

You can also have Grave’s disease without hyperthyroidism, although that’s kind of rare. Grave’s disease can attack the eyes, the skin, and other areas besides the thyroid.

Q: How do you develop hyperthyroid disease?

A: The pituitary may secrete to much thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH),

OR

An antibody to the thyroid mimics the activity of TSH

OR

Nodules in the thyroid start secreting hormone without control from the pituitary. (Single nodule = adenoma; multiple nodules = goiter).

Q: I i have hyperthyroid disease can i still go to gym and do the normal workout?
thank you.

A: It depends on what part of treatment you are in…
I was hyperthyroid and then took RAI to kill my thyroid and now I take synthroid the rest of my life.
If your hyperthyroidism is not under control you definitely should take it easy, it puts a lot of pressure on your heart and gone undiagnosed can cause a heart attack. Because it speeds up everything in your body, digestion, metabolism, nervous system and your heart.
I would not do it if I were you.

Q: Any childrens books on hyperthyroid and/or graves disease?
My stepdaughter was just diagnosed with a hyperthyroid and graves disease. She is 11 years old and is pretty confused, and I was wondering if anyone knows of any books that are actually FOR kids on these issues?

A: I’m sorry about your stepdaughter, it must be a difficult thing for her to go through. The only children’s book I could find that wasn’t just about the endocrine system in general was about the Olympic track runner Gail Devers, who was diagnosed with Graves’ disease when she was in her early 20’s. One out of the 7 chapters in her 93 page biography is about Graves’ disease. The author of this specific book is Richard Worth, and the title is “Gail Devers: Overcoming Adversity.” Publisher is Chelsea House, 2002, ISBN 0791063054. I’d check with your local public library first — even if they don’t have it, they should be able to borrow it from another library for you.

Good luck with this.