14/11/2025
How to Treat Hyperthyroidism With Acupuncture
Changes in mood, appetite, hair, and skin? Wondering whether these could be signs of menopause; or could it be a thyroid problem? The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are often similar to what we think of as typical signs of menopause.
Hyperthyroidism, sometimes called “overactive thyroid,” refers to a set of various disorders in which the thyroid gland produces excess hormones. This leads to thyrotoxicosis, a condition in which there is too much thyroid hormone in the body. Sometimes this is indicated by a visible swelling of the thyroid gland in the front of the neck, known as a “goiter.”
Thyroid disorders are much more common in women than in men, and they often develop in young adulthood, between the ages of 20 and 40. However, people of any age can show signs of hyperthyroidism. In older adults, the symptoms of an overactive thyroid can be subtle, and easily confused with those of other hormonal imbalance conditions such as perimenopause symptoms and diabetes. It can often be difficult and take years for patients to be diagnosed with a thyroid disorder, and then to find the right treatment to solve their problem. Hyperthyroidism can have different root causes, and treating it effectively requires finding the correct source of the problem.
Top 5 Causes of Hyperthyroidism
Several different factors can lead to enlargement or inflammation of the thyroid and the overproduction and output of thyroid hormones. Some causes of hyperthyroidism include:
1.Hyperthyroidism can develop due to nodules or a multinodular goiter on the thyroid gland, which causes it to secrete extra hormones.
2.Thyroiditis, swelling of the thyroid gland, can linger after a viral infection. Some thyroid problems are caused by autoimmune disorders.
3.Graves’ disease causes antibodies to mistakenly attack the tissue of the thyroid, causing inflammation and overproduction of thyroid hormones.
4.The thyroid gland uses the mineral iodine to make thyroid hormones, so sometimes hyperthyroidism is linked with too much iodine in the diet, often due to the use of certain supplements.
5.Sometimes people are prescribed hormone replacement medications, and taking too much of them leads to hyperthyroidism.
Hashimoto disease also attacks the thyroid gland, but in that case, it causes the thyroid to stop producing enough hormones, leading to hypothyroidism.
Top 10 Signs of an Overactive Thyroid
Nervousness or anxiety, a “hyperactive” restless feeling
Fast or irregular heart rate
Irritability
Unexplained weight loss, constant thirst and hunger
Having to urinate frequently and/or loose bowels
Difficulty sleeping
Itchiness or “twitching”
Sensitivity to temperatures, excessive sweating, red hands
Swelling in the neck
Loss of libido
As you can see, many of these are often associated with menopausal symptoms: feeling hot and sweaty (hot flashes), low libido (va**nal atrophy or dryness), irritability/sensitivity, sleep problems, etc.
When hyperthyroidism is caused by an autoimmune disorder, there is often noticeable bulging or protrusion of the eyes. This is called Graves’ ophthalmopathy, Graves’ eye disease, or Thyroid Eye Disease (TED). This happens because some of the tissues around the eye are chemically similar to those of the thyroid gland, and the immune system is attacking those cells, resulting in inflammation around the eye. This can cause blurry vision, dryness because the lids can’t close fully over the eyeball, and headaches because of pressure behind the eyes. Changes in hair texture or loss of hair are another sign of Graves’ disease.
How does TCM view Thyroid Disorders?
In the case of an overactive thyroid, the constant striving of Yang energy creates a deficiency of Yin, and the overall Qi energy is also weakened. The hyperactive energy of hyperthyroidism is interpreted through TCM as being related to heat, and especially too much fiery energy from the liver. We view blockages as being related to stagnation of Qi, or blood, or phlegm. In this case, phlegm stagnation is impeding the flow to and from the thyroid gland.
Liver heat causes symptoms like: redness of the skin, itchiness, irritability, hunger and high metabolism, and a quickened pulse.
Weakness of Qi and Yin causes: trouble breathing, trouble sleeping, sweating, and dryness of the eyes and mouth.
Phlegm stagnation is considered the reason for the swelling of the thyroid gland itself.
TCM treatment for hyperthyroidism uses acupuncture and individualized herbal formulations to clear heat and phlegm, strengthen Qi and Yin, and cool down liver fire and overworked Yang.
How Acupuncture helps with thyroid issues
Acupuncture is a common TCM treatment in Singapore that is used to treat thyroid problems. Acupuncture involves inserting tiny needles into the skin at specific blocked meridian points to stimulate sensory nerves and muscles to improve energy flow so that connected organs will receive the nourishment they require to stay healthy.
Acupuncture works well in strengthening a patient’s immunity to fight against thyroid diseases and reduce the chance of recurrence. If patients can complement TCM treatments with a healthy diet, regular exercise and enjoy a less stressful lifestyle, the process of recovery will be more effective.
Seek TCM treatment @ Joy TCM Clinic for Hyperthyroidism
Disorders of the thyroid and the endocrine system in general, especially those that are related to autoimmune disorders, can be very challenging to manage. At Joy TCM Clinic, the TCM approach offers a highly personalized course of treatment for hyperthyroidism, which can be a valuable adjunct to conventional medicine. If you or someone you know suspects they may have an overactive thyroid, consider consulting with our experienced physician as part of your health care plan.
Kindly whatsapp 91900257 for more information and book an appointment today!
