How I detoxified myself and my household with Aromatherapy and why you should do that too..

As you already know me, I like to experiment with everything, especially if it may improve my and your lifestyle and health. My newest experiment was with Aromatherapy. The purpose- to detoxify myself and my household, which I believe will lead to better health and cleaner environment in general.  How I did it and what are the results- read below. You’ll be amazed!!

But why I started with this experiment on a first place? Recently, I read a book, called “The Hundred Year Lie” by an investigative journalist Randal Fitzgerald. As the author says, we are constantly exposed to all kinds of toxins, for which are not even aware of- personal care products, add to that the over-the-counter and prescription drugs (vitamins and supplements as well) and all of the household cleaning products that you use (and I do too!). And on the top of that, most people just take it for granted that the products they use must have been thoroughly tested and deemed completely safe to use. Not so, folks.

Chemicals and toxins are invading our lives, often bringing serious illnesses and chronic disorders and I believe thyroid disorders are no exception. They destroy our immune system- making it underactive (cancer), overactive (allergies) or confused (autoimmune disorders) I’ll not explain here why, but if you’re interested check the book I mentioned above.

So, when you make a decision which is aligned with your “divine purpose”, (in my case  to get rid of unknown, probably dangerous personal care products and cleaning supplies and substitute them with eco-friendly products + essential oils) the whole Universe starts to conspire with you. This is what happened:

I “met” Heather Grant (on Internet of course, where else?), a young, beautiful woman, mother of five and who was very kind to introduce me to aromatherapy- used as medicine, personal and household care. When you meet a mother of five and she starts talking to you, especially about Aromatherapy, you can only listen because probably she has a point.

For the purposes of my  experiment she provided me with 6 essential oils (Lemon, Wild Orange, Peppermint, Lavender, and a few combinations). Not much, but it happens they were enough for my experiment. So, these are some of the things that I’ve learned and done in the past few weeks and I want to share with you:

1. Essential oils are drinkable and can be used for literally thousands of ailments, but they have to be “Pure Certified Oil”, or you may poison yourself. So, don’t take them internally if you are not 100% sure!!
2. Toothpaste: mix powdered clay +baking soda (equal quantities) + a few drops of Pepper mint. Mouthwash: bottle of water+ a few drops peppermint + tea tree oil (my choice). Both worked.
3. All purpose cleaning: I trashed all different chemical sprays I could find under my kitchen sink and substituted with baking soda and/or white vinegar+ a few drops of Lemon or Peppermint. That’s it, worked fine.
4. Shampoo– was substituted with clay powder (pretty much any you can find)+ 4-5 drops Lavender. Works for me!
5. Conditioner– apple cider vinegar with Lavender (that didn’t work very well because of the vinegar smell, otherwise my hair was soft and manageable. I am looking for other options).
6. Face wash: 1 tbl honey+ Lavender. Another one: milled oats+ grinded almonds + 2-3 drops Lavender. Worked wonders on my skin.
7. Lavender: I also used it for relaxation and to put me to sleep, quickly. Infused or topically, even internally, added to the water (glass bottle!).
8. Lemon: a few drops in my glass water bottle. Now the water had taste so I could drink the necessary 8 glasses of water/ day. You’ll love it.
9. Peppermint: 1-2 drops in water (glass) for upset stomach (I had that problem once).
10. You can also use Wild orange oil in water as a detoxifier. Fabulous.
11. Combined essential oils: I could not figure out initially what to use them for, I mean they smelled good, but then what? Heather said that if I put them at the bottom of my feet, my wrists or temples they can balance my moods throughout the day (well, I have these moods and weird emotional states too, and who doesn’t?). (As Heather explained, with 5 kids you need balance and serenity, so I believed her:).
12. Besides the essential oils I used for this particular experiment of mine, I know a few other Aromatherapy uses that can help your life right away: Lemon balm (melissa) oil- works directly on your thyroid ( used internally or topically); Lavender calms down the hectic mind; Frankincense oil improves your autoimmune system (internally, topically or infused); Grapefruit oil will help you loose weight; Orange, Peppermint or Ylang Ylang may help depression and low moody states; Maleleuka (Tea tree oil) will improve your gums and has anti-fungal properties to name a few of its hundreds of uses (this is a “must have” oil).
13. Hyperthyroidism symptoms, to name a few: Lavender (again!) and Vetiver – for hyperactivity. Restlessness– lavender and Yland Ylang (topically). Palpitations: Ylang Ylang, Wild Orange, Lavender (topically or a few drops on the chest). Inflammation: Frankincense, Wintergreen- topically and internally. 

The above list of essential oils and their applications is not exhaustive or complete. I am just mentioning the most popular oils and their everyday use (or at least for what I have used them). I can’t also share all the recipes I prepared and used due to limitation of space and time (deodorants, dish washing liquids, softeners, face tonic etc. (Heather Grant was so nice to provide me with a cheat sheet on how to use the different products and she also made herself available for my crazy questions!).

There are a few conclusions that emerged from my last experiments: 

1. You can substitute pretty much any chemical product in your household/personal care with products that are toxin- free and environmentally friendly. (And I mean make them by yourself!).
2. The product substitutes will be cheaper financially and health wiser as well.
3. Aromatherapy is centuries old alternative/complementary method for treating various ailments. It’s safe (if you use pure, certified essential oils of course), effective and works in most of the cases (if a particular oil does not work for you, try the next in line). 
4. A single essential oil has numerous applications. You just need to know what you’re doing!
5. If you are sensitive or allergic- check first, or before applying the oil directly to your skin and mix with coconut oil/ almond oil or any other carrier oil. Never put in eyes and ears. In all cases, use essential oils with the label “Pure Cerified oil”. 

This article is not complete; I didn’t have the space to write about everything I’ve learned about aromatherapy these past few weeks. But it’s a start. I feel lighter, happier and healthier. I know my body is also thankful for this experiment!

I am sure that many of you know or have applied at least one essential oil, and we want to hear from you how! Heather was kind enough to set up a drawing for my subscribers. Depending on when you are reading this article, the contest may be over. We actually have a winner from my subscribers and this is Terry, from Portales, NM, USA. 

Also, any of you who may have any questions about the essential oils you may contact Heather at heathergrantwellness@gmail.com , she will be happy to answer to the best of her knowledge.

(Sorry guys, when it comes to Aromatherapy, Heather is the expert, so better ask her than me! I only can tell you that Aromatherapy is one of the best complementary methods I’ve ever used and you probably already guessed: I am not going back to the chemicals!

Happy smelling!

Disclaimer: I have no financial interest for writing this article, or recommending Aromatherapy or any of the above mentioned essential oils.

Thyroid Storm- Dangers and Prevention

by Svetla Bankova

Thyroid storm is a severe, life-threatening condition caused by an excess of thyroid hormone. A number of factors can be involved in causing thyroid storm, including over-replacement of thyroid hormones or discontinuing medications taken to treat hyperthyroidism.  Do not discontinue your medication without the permission of your doctor. This could be very dangerous for your health!

Symptoms of thyroid storm can include fever (potentially as high as 105-106 degrees F), racing pulse, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heart beat, confusion, and weakness. Thyroid storm may lead to heart failure and requires emergent medical treatment.

Thyroid Storm Symptoms

1. Hyperpyrexia, temperature in excess of 106^oC, dehydration.

2. Heart rate faster than 140 beats/min, hypotension, atrial dysrhythmias, congestive heart failure.

3. Nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, hepatocellular dysfunction.

4. Confusion, agitation, delirium, frank psychosis, seizures, stupor or coma

Presently, the most common cause of thyroid storm is intercurrent illness or infection (i.e., medical storm). Other reasons include, but are not limited to:

• • Infection
  • Emotional stress
  • Tooth extraction
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Trauma
  • Bowel infarction
  • Parturition
  • Toxemia of pregnancy

The therapeutic options for thyroid storm are the same as those for uncomplicated hyperthyroidism, except that the drugs are given in higher doses and more frequently. In addition, full support of the patient in an intensive care unit is essential, since the mortality rate of thyroid storm is substantial.

The therapeutic regimen typically consists of multiple medications, each of which has a different mechanism of action:

• A beta-blocker to control the symptoms induced by increased adrenergic tone. 
• A thionamide, such as methimazole, to block new hormone synthesis. 
• An iodinated radiocontrast agent to inhibit the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3. 
• An iodine solution to block the release of thyroid hormone. 
• Glucocorticoids to reduce T4-to-T3 conversion and possibly treat the autoimmune process in Graves’ disease.
• Acetaminophen is the drug of choice, as aspirin may displace thyroid hormone from binding sites and increase severity of thyroid storm.
• Cooling blankets, ice packs, and alcohol sponges encourage dissipation of heat. Use of a cooled humidified oxygen tent is advised.

So said, do not underestimate the danger of thyroid storm. To learn about treatment options for treating Graves’ Disease and Hyperthyroidism, click here:

Graves’ Disease Treatment Options

Reasons for Thyroid Hair Loss 

by Svetla Bankova

Thyroid hair loss is one of the most terrible symptoms of Graves’ Disease and hyperthyroidism. For centuries, men, women and even children have had to endure the embarrassment and emotional pain caused by hair loss. There are number for reasons for hair loss. Some people experience higher level of hair loss after illness or some weeks after surgery. The other reasons for hair loss are chemotherapy regimens used in cancer therapy and anticoagulants. The hair will return to normal once the medication has been stopped, or if your thyroid levels become normal again.

Other reasons for hair loss include too much vitamin A and anti-depressant therapy. The physical reasons for hair loss are over or under-active thyroids, certain fungal infections and hormonal imbalances. Even underlying problems such as lupus or diabetes may result in excessive hair loss.

The common reasons for hair loss in an individual varies from genetics, pregnancy, diet, improper hair care, cancer treatment and illness. Male pattern baldness is noticeable among many men, which is marked by thinning hair near the forehead and at the crown. If it has not stopped by using suitable medications, it can eventually remove all the hair on opt of the head. Hair loss can be inherited from their mother, their father, or from both parents.

   The other essential reasons for hair loss are as follows:

· Toxic substances

· Severe radiation

· Illness and infectious diseases

· Heredity factors

· Ageing

· Hormonal Imbalance

· Injury and impairment

· Nervous disorders 

Pregnant women may notice hair loss problems within a period of about 3 months after delivery. This is also attributed as a reason for hair loss. During pregnancy, high levels of particular hormones cause the body to keep hair that would normally fall out. When the hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels, that hair falls out and the normal growth and loss cycle starts again.

Improper hair care can also be one of the causes for hair loss. Excessive combing or brushing, hair styles such a ponytails or braids, which pulls at the hair, and last but not least the over usage of chemicals such as bleaches and dyes. Although these are the reasons for hair loss due to improper hair maintenance, physiological imbalances such excess production of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

An excessive level of  DHT influences the growth cycle of a hair by preventing the availability of the nutrients to the hair thereby causing excessive hair falling.

Deficiency in Protein and Iron is found to be the major reasons for hair loss. The hair falling is noticed extensively only after the body recognizes the deficiency. This happens after about three months of deficiency. This can easily be achieved by the dietary inclusion of proteins and Iron.

Medications prescribed for blood pressure, arthritis, depression, and birth control pills are also among the reasons of hair loss. Stopping the medicine and select another type of medicine and contraceptive is the best way to treat this condition. However, don’t do that without your doctor’s supervision.

The Role of Nutrition in Thyroid Hair Loss Prevention 

Healthy diet maintenance is one of the best things for hair loss prevention, especially when we are talking about Graves’ Disease or Hyperthyroidism. Though there are certain factors influencing the hair loss, maintaining regular exercise and healthy diet will definitely bring fruitful results if you are suffering from hair loss. 

The common dietary nutrients which help in hair loss prevention are copper, iron, zinc, iodine, protein, silica, vitamin-A, Vitamin-B complex (vitamins B—6 and B-12), biotin, water and folic acid. In addition to this one must know about certain food, which may cause hair loss. 

Maintaining a healthy mineral and vitamin intake doesn’t mean that you should buy a lot of over-the-counter vitamin supplements and fill your cabinet with hair loss prevention supplements. You should be aware that most vitamin supplements available at drugstores or pharmacies are not able to get absorbed by the body, since they are chemically processed. Sometimes over dosage of these vitamins might cause adverse reactions and toxicity. Hair loss prevention can be achieved best by getting the mass of your vitamin needs from food itself.

The first and foremost dietary component that helps best is Vitamin-A. One of the key components of hair is vitamin A. It prevents clogging and drying of the sebaceous glands, which is an essential for hair follicle lubrication. Thus it helps to prevent hair loss. The main source of dietary vitamin A is fish oil, fortified milk, eggs, liver, and orange vegetables. Dark green leafy vegetables are a good source of vitamin A.

Vitamin B is essential for red blood cell metabolism.Your body needs Vitamin B to make hemoglobin. The function of hemoglobin is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues including hair. For hair loss prevention, it is always advisable to have high hemoglobin level in the blood. The vitamin B complex can be obtained through chicken, pork, kidney, liver, fish, and soybeans. In general, daily inclusion of any one of these items might help in hair loss prevention. Folic acid will get assimilated in the body via cereals, nuts, whole grains, orange juice, wheat gram and liver. Folic acid also plays an important role in hair loss prevention. Another important nutrient that causes hair loss prevention is Biotin. One should be aware that a serious intestinal disorder or malnutrition might affect the absorption of biotin, since biotin is produced by living bacteria in the healthy gut.

It is obvious that Asians consume exactly the food that is enriched with these nutrients that are an important part in hair loss prevention. Particularly rice is an important part of Asian diets and that’s why Asians tend to have strongest and healthiest hair. Although maintaining a healthy diet is the best way for hair loss prevention, consuming these diets in correct form is essential. Moreover the green vegetables and foods should be eaten uncooked, as they may lose trace minerals once they are cooked extensively.

Approximately twenty-five years ago, many cases of hyperthyroidism with cardiac failure were not even diagnosed. Many times the physician failed to appreciate that the cardiac failure resulted from the associated hyperthyroidism.

Heart failure in hyperthyroidism is a manifestation of inability of this organ to meet the abnormal demands of an increased metabolism. Heart failure without hyperthyroidism is a manifestation of inability of this organ to meet the usual demands of a normal rate of metabolism.Thus, a thyrocardiac has a condition precipitated by hyperthyroidism and relieved by cure of the hyperthyroidism. However, people diagnosed with hyperthyroidism or Graves’ Disease and having palpitations not necessarily have thyrocardiac disease and in most cases they don’t.

No conclusive evidence exists that hyperthyroidism damages the heart although it may produce physiologic exhaustion. Thus, the cessation of the abnormal demands of hypermetabolism relieves the unusual strain on the heart, so that when normal conditions return, the heart is capable of carrying on without difficulty.

This is probably one of the most important articles I’ve ever written because palpitations, shortness of breath and hypertension are some of the most typical symptoms of Graves’ Disease and a lot of people are complaining of them. They are often confused with Panic Attack or anxiety disorders, but what happens in practice is that our thyroid is the main cause for these debilitating symptoms.

Usually what the people are experiencing is that your heart is pounding in your chest and you have the feeling of dying. The good news is that it won’t happen unless you have initially some really serious heart complications. These “Graves’ disease palpitations” are happening usually when you are resting, or in bed and that makes them even scarier. 

What is happening in practice? Are Graves’ Disease Palpitations a reason for Thyrocardiac Disease?

The bad thing is that you’re also feeling “urged” “forced” (as some patients explain) to move constantly around your house, office, you picking up and moving things, cleaning, arranging, organizing, talking- all at the same time.

Something is like forcing you run around like a “chicken with the head cut off”, as I like to say. You don’t know what to do and you are panicking even more. Your breath becomes shorter; you feel like you can’t really breathe, your pulse is probably over 100 (usually it shouldn’t be). I personally know the feelings very well because I have been there. 

There are a few things you can do here to prevent Graves’ Disease palpitations. I’ve found that Lemon Balm tea calms my heart very quickly. Same is done by Valerian Roots tea, or a combination of both. Make sure that you are not going to drive soon after that!

Meditation in a long term run is the best medication I found so far. meanwhile, you can ask your doctor to prescribe you some beta- blockers (medication that is usually prescribed for anxiety symptoms and panic like symptoms). I have no idea why some of the doctors usually don’t do it. 

As per what you need to do on the spot when the palpitations hit, here are some emergency techniques you can use right there:

First- stop! The worst thing you can do is to keep being active and trying to discharge the pressure which is building up in your body. It is a natural reaction of your body, but the logic does not work here and in that way.

The movement and “doing” won’t make you feel better. You got to stop right there whatever you are doing. The only way to stop your palpitations is by “no activity”. Here are some recommendations for you:

If you are in your office:

 – Go to the back room, rest room whatever you have there where you’ll be alone for at least a few minutes.

– Explain to your boss/clients/co-workers that you need a few minutes break- they will understand.

– Lock the door (if possible) and switch off the phone.

– Sit on a chair, put your feet on the ground and lay your back on the chair so you can have a full contact with the floor, back of the chair and feel supported. Make yourself comfortable.

– Put your palms on your thighs, legs and close your eyes.

– Concentrate on the feeling of your palms- what is warmer- your palms or your thighs? This will switch your attention to something different rather than your heart palpitations.

– Breath in- count to 4

– Hold your breath- count to 4

– Breath out – count to 4. Concentrate on your breath. Breath in. Breath out.

– Do that breathing exercise at least 20 times and sit down for at least 15- 20 min (if you can of course)

If you are at home:

 – rest in  bed for at least 20 minutes

– do the same breathing exercise

– make a cup of lemon balm tea and chamomile (valerian roots will make you sleepy). Usually these herbs are found in any food store, but check with an herbalist if in doubt.

The main thing is: do not move, do not run, do not talk.  The more you do this exercise, the more of control you’ll be regarding your Graves’ Disease palpitations and the shortness of breath.  The world won’t be over if you allow yourself a break and this is what you need most.

In a long term plan: you need a real vacation, time off and paying more attention to yourself. The key factor when treating Graves’ Disease and Hyperthyroidism is become more aware of yourself, what you need and what you want. Since you probably are the type of person who takes care for the others, takes more responsibility than you can handle and usually is not very attentive to your own health and needs- this probably will be the most challenging part of your healing from Graves’ Disease and Hyperthyroidism.

You need to learn how to ask other people for help, delegate responsibilities and be truthful to yourself and the people surrounding you. 

Your body is speaking, listen to it!

Graves’ Disease Causes

Every day I receive a lot of emails from people asking “Why do I have Graves’ Disease or Hyperthyroidism? Why exactly me? What happened or what I did wrong? What is the cause for Graves’ Disease?

You didn’t do anything wrong. There is an explanation for everything and everything happens for a reason. You’ve heard that before, right?

Well, let me start from the beginning with a little bit history here…

The disease is named after Robert Graves, the 19th century Irish physician who first discovered the condition. Graves’ Disease is caused by a generalized over activity of the thyroid gland (which looks like a butterfly), and is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.

In this condition, the thyroid gland is diffusely enlarged and hyperactive, producing excessive thyroid hormones. It has lost the ability to respond to the normal control by the pituitary gland via TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).

Although Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism (80% of the cases), not all patients suffering from hyperthyroidism have Graves’ disease and not all patients with Graves’ disease have hyperthyroidism symptoms.

 It is believed that the triggers for this disease include stress, smoking, radiation to the neck, medications, and infectious organisms such as viruses… Finally, who can tell for sure?

I personally believe that STRESS (in a very broad term) is one of the main reasons for Graves’ Disease and Hyperthyroidism. Not stress generally- but how you personally react to this STRESS! This stress could be emotional, work related, family related, event related, or a prolonged state of unhappiness to whatever reason. And suddenly, there is a triggering event that brings Graves’ Disease!

I would like to add a few things that may trigger Graves’ Disease or Hyperthyroidism– the reason I know them is because I read the emails and surveys from my subscribers and this is what they say:

Graves Disease Causes

1. death of a spouse

2. divorce

3. marital separation

4. spending time in jail

5. death of a close family member

6. personal illness or injury

7. marriage

8. pregnancy

9. retirement

10. switching jobs

11. unemployment/ laid off

12. moving your home/ house

13. excessive traveling schedule

14. marriage problems

15. dealing with problem kids

16. time pressure

17. financial problems

18. career related problems

19. long term abuse at home or at work

20. concerns about money

Some of them seem unrelated and probably you are asking yourself- well, this is happening to everyone, but not everyone gets Graves’ Disease or Hyperthyroidism?

And you are absolutely right. The questions is how you handle these events in your life. And how you handle your Life in generally, or your life handles you? Now, these are your immediate triggers, but what actually stays behind? Let me summarize that for you, to the best I can:

Four BASIC reasons why YOU may develop Graves’ Disease:

1. Inability to speak up for yourself

2. Inability to be creative or lack of creativeness

3. Inability to ask for what you really want

4. Inability to make decisions based upon real needs and therefore creating a life style based upon these needs

Once you have realized where the problem is, it’s easy to change. Everybody  has different methods for that.

Also, stress can be avoided. Anxiety is #1 reason for the stress. That’s why I have written a few articles about anxiety and stress and how to handle them.  Check them out, you may find one or 2 methods how to handle that more effectively and accelerate your healing process.

Anxiety and Stress

If you can read other people’s stories, you’ll find out that a year or two before the Graves’ Disease diagnosis they have been through some kind of stress, or emotional dis-balance, or unhappiness. I never heard of someone, who is happy and sick. Diseases doesn’t go to happy people who respect their emotional and body needs.

I’ve also created a book about their real life stories (as told by themselves) and how they managed to cure their Graves’ Disease and Hyperthyroidism. Feel free to check their stories now:

Life Stories for Graves’ Disease Ebook

Graves’ Disease and Hyperthyroidism  Symptoms

by Svetla Bankova

32 Symptoms of Graves’ Disease, Hyperthyroidism and Overactive Thyroid

If you are reading this page you are probably wondering if you have Graves’ Disease and Hyperthyroidism, based on the symptoms you are experiencing. Some of the hyperthyroidism symptoms though can easily be mistaken with panic attacks or menopause symptoms, especially of the patient is woman over 45. Many doctors rely just on the thyroid blood tests to determine if you are suffering from this autoimmune disease, which is totally wrong. Many people have normal thyroid tests, but are experiencing symptoms at the same time. Or they have gone into remission, but still have symptoms for hyperthyroidism. Both cases should be considered.

Most people have just a few of the symptoms, but they are very representative and evident, for example, heart palpitations when they are not a result of normal physical activity. Menstrual period that has been one and the same for years and now has changed or is totally missing. Or you are losing a lot of weight without any particular reason. In those cases- I would say trust your intuition and if you think that something may be wrong, it’s better to check it and find out earlier than later. If you find that you have 3-5 of these symptoms present, you should inform your doctor and insist on further tests. 

Graves’ Disease Symptoms

1. Excessive sweating. Since Graves’ Disease is typical for women ages 40- 55 it is often mistaken with menopausal symptoms.

2. Heat intolerance. Same as above- it could be due to menopause, or simply hyperthyroidism symptom.

3. Increased bowel movements. Diarrhea. It is related with the rapid weight loss. All body processes are speeding and this is no exception.

4. Tremor (usually fine shaking). Trembling hands. It could be due to nervousness, or just inability of the body to handle the increased body processes.

5. Rapid heart rate, often referred as palpitations. This is the scariest symptom, because it is connected with the heart and people think that they are dying. Often misused by health care professionals to scare additionally the patients.

6. Weight loss. Some people are loosing more than 30 pounds.Unexplained weight loss despite increased appetite.

7. Decreased concentration. It is not a primary symptom, but often as a result of all other symptoms.

8. Lumpy, reddish-colored thickening of the skin, usually on the shins). Very typical symptom.

9. Weakness, as a result of weight loss and lack of sleep.

10. Shortness of breath. Related to palpitations and sense of panic. Very often mistaken with panic attacks, and wrongly treated by psychiatrists with anxiety medication.

11. Double vision- as a result of Thyroid Eye Disease and it’s symptoms. It occurs at a later stage of the disease when the eyes are severely affected.

12. Muscle wasting

13. Mental impairment, memory lapses, diminished attention span.

14. Brittle nails

15. Diminished sex drive. Or increased sex drive. Erratic behavior.

16. Abnormal breast enlargement (men).

17. Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)- not always. Goiter could be the reason for hyperthyroidism.

18. Nervousness, agitation. Very typical symptom. Emotional instability. Patients can cry frequently with no apparent reason.

19. Irritability. Same as nervousness above.

20. Fatigue. Not very typical for hyperthyroidism. It is often seen in hypothyroidism though.

21. Insomnia (inability to get enough sleep). That’s one of the reasons for most of the other symptoms.

22. Protruding eyeballs (Graves’ disease only). Eye irritation. Eye pain, irritation, or the feeling of grit or sand in the eyes. It is result of Thyroid eye disease and one of the most debilitating symptoms.

23. Decrease in menstrual periods (oligomenorrhea), Irregular and scant menstrual flow (Amenorrhea). Again- often mistaken with a menopause symptom.

24. Hair loss. I believe this symptom is related to the anti-thyroid medication, if it is taken. Once the patient becomes euthyroid (normal thyroid function) the hair grows back.

25. Itchy skin, hives. Most people treated with medication for Graves’ Disease or hyperthyroidism report this symptom. They are either allergic to that particular medication or overdosed.

26. Restlessness as a result of increased of energy. Patients can not sit still for longer period of time, they have to do something all the time. Meditation helps but it is very difficult to implement.

27. Tachycardia (rapid heart rate: 100-120 beats per minute, or higher) or Arrhythmia (irregular heart beat). Similar to palpitations. Usually beta- blockers (medication for anxiety as well) help for relieving the symptoms. It is often prescribed together with anti- thyroid medication.

28. Elevated blood pressure (not always)

29. Chronic sinus infections. I haven’t experienced such, but some people do have them.

30. Swelling or redness of eyes or eyelids/eyelid retraction.Sensitivity to light. Again, related with Thyroid Eye Disease.

31. Difficulty conceiving/infertility/recurrent miscarriage

32. Lumpy, reddish skin of the lower legs (pretibial myxedema)

You may have a few hyperthyroidism symptoms, or just one. There is no common rule. With most people, after their thyroid test results get within the normal ranges, the symptoms disappear as well after some time.