Yesterday’s blog I covered a bit about weight loss and an under-active thyroid and what it meant, so it’s only right that we should try and have a look at it from the other side….an over-active thyroid.
I’m not sure if I’ve ever spoke to anyone with an Over-active Thyroid but I have heard that individuals struggle to put weight on and I guess it makes sense as an under-active thyroid is the opposite way round
So after doing some research on this, this is what I have found….
Overview
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) occurs when your thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate your body’s metabolism, causing unintentional weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Several treatments are available for hyperthyroidism. Doctors use anti-thyroid medications and radioactive iodine to slow the production of thyroid hormones. Sometimes, hyperthyroidism treatment involves surgery to remove all or part of your thyroid gland. Although hyperthyroidism can be serious if you ignore it, most people respond well once hyperthyroidism is diagnosed and treated
Symptoms:
Hyperthyroidism can mimic other health problems, which can make it difficult for your doctor to diagnose. It can also cause a wide variety of signs and symptoms, including:
- Unintentional weight loss, even when your appetite and food intake stay the same or increase
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) — commonly more than 100 beats a minute
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Pounding of your heart (palpitations)
- Increased appetite
- Nervousness, anxiety and irritability
- Tremor — usually a fine trembling in your hands and fingers
- Sweating
- Changes in menstrual patterns
- Increased sensitivity to heat
- Changes in bowel patterns, especially more frequent bowel movements
- An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), which may appear as a swelling at the base of your neck
- Fatigue, muscle weakness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Skin thinning
- Fine, brittle hair
Older adults are more likely to have either no signs or symptoms or subtle ones, such as an increased heart rate, heat intolerance and a tendency to become tired during ordinary activities
So if someone with an over-active thyroid is burn more calories even while at rest due to the fact of your body producing to much hormones I can understand the struggle it can bring with putting weight on, but there is treatment out there that could help.
Hyperthyroidism is an abnormal state for your body. Treatment brings your body back to its normal state. Because of this, when you lose weight from hyperthyroidism, you might gain some weight back after you start treatment. Your body starts making less thyroid hormone than it was before.
Some weight gain from treatment is usually fine, especially if you lost a lot of weight before treatment. If you’re concerned, talk to your doctor. You may need to readjust your calorie intake as your treatment takes effect. If the side effects of treatment, including weight gain, are intolerable to you, your doctor can help you find a new treatment.
When To See The Doctor?
In most cases, weight gain with hyperthyroidism is probably nothing to worry about, especially if you previously lost a lot of weight due to your initially untreated condition. However, if you’re gaining a lot of weight or have other uncomfortable symptoms, it might indicate a new problem. Talk to your doctor about finding the right course of treatment for you. Weight gain alone is generally not a sign of a thyroid problem. But weight gain alongside the following symptoms can indicate hypothyroidism:
- Fatigue
- Achiness
- Depression
- Dry Skin
- Constipation
See a doctor if you develop any of these symptoms. If you’re gaining weight and have symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as nervousness, increased sweating, and trouble sleeping, it’s still a good idea to see your doctor. They can help you find the right diagnosis and treatment.
Summary:
It’s not often I have people come to me for weight gain ( it sort of throws me a bit lol ) but when they do I will give them the same due care and attention as to those who want to lose weight. First we need to cover everything so I know what I have to deal with going forward then we’ll but come up with the best solution ( nutrition & training ) based on their own individual goal. But with every problem there’s always a solution to it, if I don’t know then I’ll do my research to find the solution so I can give my client the best possible chance of achieving their goal
Robhamill 