What Does It Mean?
Thyroid hyperfunction, commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormones, leading to an overactive metabolism. This can result in systemic dysfunction, increased heart rate, weight loss, and heightened nervous system activity.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes:
- Autoimmune Activation (Graves’ Disease) – The immune system overstimulates the thyroid gland.
- Thyroid Nodules – Benign nodules that independently overproduce thyroid hormones.
- Excess Iodine Intake – High iodine levels can trigger overproduction of thyroid hormones.
- Inflammatory Triggers – Chronic infections or oxidative stress can dysregulate thyroid function.
- Hormonal Imbalances – Elevated estrogen levels may contribute to thyroid overactivity.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Unintentional weight loss despite adequate caloric intake
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Heat intolerance and excessive sweating
- Anxiety, nervousness, or irritability
- Tremors or muscle weakness
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Increased bowel movements or diarrhea
Lab Test Findings
| Lab Test Name | Expected Change | Optimal Range |
| Apolipoprotein B | Increased | 52.00-117.00 mg/dL |
| Cholesterol, Serum | Decreased | 180.00-220.00 mg/dL |
| Cholinesterase, Serum | Increased | 1355 - 3299 IU/L |
| Free Thyroxine Index | Increased | 1.70-4.60 Index |
| HDL Cholesterol | Increased | 55.00-93.00 mg/dL |
| Iodine Serum/ Plasma | Normal or Increased | 52.00-80.00 µg/dL |
| Ketones | Normal or Decreased | Negative |
| T3-Uptake | Increased | 27.00-35.00 % |
| T3, Total | Increased | 90.00-168.00 ng/dL |
| T4, Total (Thyroxine) | Increased | 6.00-11.90 µg/dL |
| Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) | Decreased | 1.00-2.00 µU/mL |
| Triglycerides, Serum | Decreased | 70.00-80.00 mg/dL |
How Do We Treat It?
Functional Medicine Approach:
Management of thyroid hyperfunction involves modulating immune activity, supporting adrenal function, and balancing thyroid hormone production.
Treatment Recommendations:
The provided information suggests referring to an Endocrinologist for further management. However, functional medicine strategies may include:
- Dietary Modifications:
- Reduce iodine-rich foods (seaweed, iodized salt) if iodine excess is a contributing factor.
- Focus on an anti-inflammatory diet to reduce autoimmune triggers.
- Stress Reduction & Adrenal Support:
- Implement stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and proper sleep hygiene.
- Ensure adequate adrenal function to balance thyroid hormone metabolism.
- Gut Health & Detoxification:
- Optimize gut health with probiotics and digestive enzymes to reduce systemic inflammation.
- Support liver detoxification pathways to improve thyroid hormone metabolism.
Referral:
Due to the complexity of thyroid hyperfunction and the potential need for pharmaceutical interventions (such as antithyroid medications or beta-blockers), referral to an Endocrinologist is recommended for further evaluation and management.