Hyperthyroidism, also known as overactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormones. This can accelerate the body’s metabolism, causing symptoms like unexplained weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating, nervousness, and irritability. While hyperthyroidism can be serious if left untreated, there are ways to manage the condition, such as through medication, radioiodine therapy, or thyroid surgery. Along with conventional treatment, many patients wonder if lifestyle measures like exercise can help. Specifically, is walking good for hyperthyroidism? Let’s take a closer look.
Overview of Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. It produces two main hormones that help regulate growth, development, metabolism, and other important functions:
- Triiodothyronine (T3)
- Thyroxine (T4)
These hormones circulate in the blood and affect nearly every tissue and organ. The pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain regulate thyroid hormone production through a feedback loop using thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid is overactive and produces too much T3 and T4. This causes an excess of thyroid hormones in the blood. There are several potential causes:
- Graves’ disease – autoimmune disorder in which antibodies overstimulate the thyroid
- Toxic adenomas – benign tumors that produce thyroid hormone
- Inflammation (thyroiditis)
- Excess iodine intake
- Medications like amiodarone
Women are more likely to develop hyperthyroidism, especially in middle age. Without treatment, hyperthyroidism can lead to serious complications like irregular heart rhythms, heart failure, brittle bones (osteoporosis), and thyroid storm, a dangerous spike in thyroid hormone levels.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
Some common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Unexpected weight loss despite increased appetite
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Increased perspiration
- Fatigue, muscle weakness
- Anxiety, nervousness, irritability
- Trembling hands
- Insomnia
- More frequent bowel movements
- Changes in menstrual cycles
- Bulging eyes (exophthalmos)
- Thinning skin
Symptoms can develop slowly over months or years, or come on suddenly. They may be less noticeable in older adults. Getting prompt treatment for hyperthyroidism can help prevent long-term complications.
Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism
If hyperthyroidism is suspected based on symptoms, a doctor will order blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels. These may include:
- TSH level – usually low in hyperthyroidism
- Free T4 and free T3 – elevated
- Thyroid antibody tests to check for Graves’ disease
Doctors may also order an ultrasound, thyroid scan, or radioactive iodine uptake test to evaluate the gland’s appearance and function. Treatment aims to inhibit thyroid hormone production and relieve symptoms.
Treatment Options for Hyperthyroidism
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of hyperthyroidism:
- Antithyroid medications – Methimazole and propylthiouracil (PTU) block thyroid hormone synthesis. They take several weeks to start working and must be taken for 12-18 months.
- Radioiodine therapy – Patients swallow a radioactive iodine capsule that gets absorbed by the thyroid, destroying some of the overactive cells. It usually leads to hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement.
- Surgery – Removing part or all of the thyroid (thyroidectomy) is an option if other treatments fail or aren’t tolerated.
- Beta-blockers – Help control heart rate and tremors until hyperthyroidism improves.
Lifestyle measures like stress reduction techniques, dietary changes, and moderate exercise can complement medical treatment.
Is Walking Beneficial for Hyperthyroidism?
Along with conventional treatment, light-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercise like walking may help manage hyperthyroidism. Here’s how it may benefit patients:
- Improves fatigue and muscle weakness – Many patients feel tired, weak, or exhausted from hyperthyroidism. Regular walking can help build strength and endurance when done at an appropriate pace.
- Controls weight – Brisk walking burns calories and can offset the accelerated metabolism caused by excess thyroid hormones.
- Manages anxiety and stress – Walking releases feel-good endorphins that boost mood naturally. This can relieve anxiety and irritability.
- Regulates heart rate – Aerobic conditioning from walking may help control heart palpitations and irregular heart rhythms.
- Strengthens bones – Weight-bearing exercise helps prevent bone loss that can occur with hyperthyroidism.
- Improves sleep – Regular exercise promotes better sleep quality.
However, strenuous or prolonged exercise is not recommended and could be detrimental:
- High-intensity activity places excess strain on the heart which is already working harder.
- Excessive activity can exacerbate muscle wasting and weight loss.
- Fatigue following workouts may exacerbate thyroid-related exhaustion.
Tips for Walking with Hyperthyroidism
Here are some tips for walking safely and effectively with hyperthyroidism:
- Get medical clearance, especially if you have heart complications.
- Start slowly and gradually increase duration. Start with 10-15 minutes daily.
- Monitor your heart rate and keep it in your target zone. Don’t exceed 70-75% of your maximum heart rate.
- Walk at an easy, comfortable pace. You should be able to carry a conversation.
- Avoid walking outdoors in very hot, humid weather which can raise body temperature excessively.
- Stay well hydrated before, during, and after walks.
- Listen to your body and rest when fatigued. Decrease your pace or take walk breaks as needed.
- Schedule walks for times when you have the most energy, like morning or early evening.
- Engage in other complementary exercise like yoga, which can help manage stress.
Aim for 30-60 minutes of walking most days, but start low and go slow especially when first diagnosed or if your hyperthyroidism is uncontrolled. You may need to modify your exercise routine during periods of unstable thyroid levels.
Precautions for Exercising with Hyperthyroidism
It’s important to take some safety precautions with exercise if you have hyperthyroidism:
- Avoid exercising if your hyperthyroidism is severe, uncontrolled, or causing significant heart complications. Prioritize stabilizing your thyroid levels first.
- Stop exercising and call your doctor if you experience chest pain, heart palpitations, excessive shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, or other concerning symptoms.
- Monitor your heart rate and don’t exceed your target training zone.
- Avoid intensive strength training which can aggravate muscle wasting.
- Drink enough fluids before, during and after exercise to prevent dehydration.
- Allow sufficient rest between workouts.
- Wear sun protection outdoors as hyperthyroidism can increase sun sensitivity.
- Check with your doctor before taking any supplements like iodine.
The Takeaway on Exercise and Hyperthyroidism
In summary, walking and other mild-to-moderate exercise can benefit hyperthyroidism when done safely and in moderation. Regular walking may help relieve fatigue, control weight, stabilize heart rate, reduce anxiety, and strengthen bones in those with overactive thyroid. However, it’s important not to overdo activity until the condition is under control. Checking with your doctor for exercise guidelines tailored to your individual case is recommended. While not a standalone treatment, staying moderately active along with proper medical treatment and self-care can assist in managing hyperthyroidism symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should you walk if you have hyperthyroidism?
Aim for 30-60 minutes of walking per day at a relaxed pace if you have hyperthyroidism. Start with just 10-15 minutes and gradually increase as tolerated. Don’t push yourself excessively. Spread out exercise sessions throughout the week rather than doing prolonged activity in one session.
Should you avoid exercise with hyperthyroidism?
Light exercise is usually safe and beneficial, while vigorous activity should be avoided until thyroid levels normalize. Check with your doctor about appropriate exercise based on your individual health status. Completely avoiding activity can lead to muscle wasting and weakness.
What happens if you exercise too much with hyperthyroidism?
Exercising excessively with uncontrolled hyperthyroidism can place too much strain on the heart, worsen muscle wasting due to the accelerated metabolism, and exacerbate fatigue. Listen to your body and don’t overexert yourself. It’s better to start with brief, gentle walks and slowly increase over time.
Can exercise help regulate thyroid levels?
Exercise alone cannot regulate thyroid hormones, but it can assist in controlling some hyperthyroidism symptoms. However, focusing on proper medical treatment through medications, radioiodine, or surgery is necessary to get thyroid levels into normal range in hyperthyroidism. Always check with your doctor about the appropriate role of exercise in managing your condition.
Should you take thyroid medication before or after exercise?
It’s generally best to take any thyroid medication first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30-60 minutes before eating or exercising. This ensures maximum absorption. However, check with your doctor about the right timing of your medication in relation to your workouts or other daily activities.
