Hyperthyroidism is a thyroid problem marked by hyperactivity of the thyroid gland — or an overactive thyroid — as a result of which the body starts producing excessive thyroid hormones that in turn start affecting every cell of the body. Common thyroid symptoms are anxiety, fatigue, sweating, and feeling hot.
There is no specific treatment available for hyperthyroidism. This is because several factors decide which therapy will be chosen by the practitioner in order to treat the disease. These include the age of the patient, severity, degree of the disease, and the associated symptoms. Three principle ways have been identified to treat hyperthyroidism. These include:
1. Drug Therapy: Methimazole and propylthiouracil (PTU) are the most common thyroid medications that are useful in controlling hyperthyroidism. These are established antithyroid drugs. These drugs reduce the addition of Iodine to an important chemical involved in the synthesis of T3 & T4 hormones. As a result, the blood levels of these hormones decrease.
2. Radioactive Iodine Therapy: This therapy is given especially when the drug treatment fails. In this treatment, radioiodine is administered to the patient. Radioiodine gets absorbed in overactive thyroid cells and damages them, causing the thyroid to shrink. As a result, the blood levels of thyroid hormones return to normal.
3. Surgery - Thyroidectomy: This option to treat hyperthyroidism is generally used for people having a large goiter or for those patients in whose case radioiodine is not useful. Before choosing surgery as a treatment for an overactive thyroid, all pros and cons should be discussed with the doctor.
For more information about hyperthyroidism, see below:
Hyperthyroidism: Top 5 Drugs
Hyperthyroidism: Top Natural Supplements for Treatment
Hyperthyroidism: The Latest Medical Breakthroughs
Hyperthyroidism: How Your Diet Plays a Role
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