Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is overactive and makes excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is an organ located in the front of your neck and releases hormones that control your metabolism (the way your body uses energy), breathing, heart rate, nervous system, weight, body temperature, and many other functions in the body. When the thyroid gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism) the body’s processes speed up and you may experience nervousness, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, hand tremor, excessive sweating, weight loss, and sleep problems, among other symptoms.
Essentials for TCM Diagnosis
(1) The main clinical manifestations are aversion to heat, polyhidrosis, irritability, increased appetite, emaciation, diarrhea, tachycardia, ocular proptosis and thyroid enlargement. Tremor and murmur can be found on the gland.
(2) Laboratory examination reveals increase of total T3 and T4. Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH) stimulation test shows no increase of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The iodine intake rate of thyroid increases with an early peak. Immunologic examination can find abnormity of anti-thyroid globulin antibody, anti-microsome antibody and immune globulin.
(3) Radioactive nuclein CT scanning can exclude thyroid adenoma and other causes of thyroid enlargement.
Four syndromes of hyperthyroidism categorized in TCM diagnosis
Syndrome of Qi and Phlegm Stagnation
Syndrome of Liver Fire Attacking the Stomach
Syndrome of Deficiency of Both Oi and Yin
Syndrome of Deficiency of Heart Yin and Liver Yin