Ways To Treat Hyperthyroidism

The endocrine system is a collection of glands that communicate with each other and the rest of the body through hormones. The hormones signal organs and cells, allowing them to begin working on something necessary for bodily functions. While many glands make up the endocrine system, the thyroid gland is an extremely important one. When activated by the thyroid-stimulating hormone, the thyroid gland releases triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), collectively known as thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone has many functions within the body, including regulating heart rate, body temperature, and even metabolism. In most individuals, the thyroid functions just fine, but sometimes the thyroid releases too much thyroid hormone, leading to hyperthyroidism. Patients with this at first just burn through a lot of energy, but they eventually develop widespread, severe problems. Learn about the various methods of treating hyperthyroidism now.

Antithyroid Medications

Hyperthyroidism is caused by the hypersecretion, or overproduction, of thyroid hormone. In the long-term, hyperthyroidism causes a cascade of terrible things to occur due to the prolonged exposure to thyroid hormone. Endocrinologists have developed what is referred to as antithyroid medication, which is designed to block the production of thyroid hormone so the negative effects of hyperthyroidism are avoided, to control this. The two medications available in the United States are propylthiouracil and methimazole, but they both have essentially the same function. They both have side effects, so a doctor will need to decide which one is likely to work best for each patient. In rare cases, they may cause liver damage or agranulocytosis.

Understand the next option for treating hyperthyroidism now.

Radioactive Iodine

While radioactive iodine may sound incredibly dangerous, it truly is not a very dangerous treatment; in fact, it is the most common treatment for hyperthyroidism. Radioactive iodine is taken as a pill, and it works to destroy the thyroid gland in a process called thyroid ablation. While some patients do not need to continue treatment to total destruction, most do need to completely wither away the thyroid. This treatment will not lead to cancer or infertility, and it is very cost-effective. Most commonly, it will lead to hypothyroidism because it destroys the thyroid, but this is much easier to treat than the alternative. A doctor will provide specific instructions about how to handle the radioactive material so it does not damage the thyroids of friends and family around the patient.

Discover the next treatment method for hyperthyroidism now.