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Medical treatments for hyperthyroidism
It is important, as a priority, to recover theeuthyroidism, that is, the normal functioning of the thyroid as soon as possible in order to relieve the affected person and to avoid complications. Treatment with antithyroid drugs or radioactive iodine usually achieves this goal within a few months, depending on the severity of the hyperthyroidism.
If these treatments fail, thesurgical removal thyroid gland is sometimes considered.
Medical treatments for hyperthyroidism: understand everything in 2 min
Each of these solutions has advantages and disadvantages and the person should check with their doctor in order to make the decision best suited to their case.
Antithyroid drugs
These drugs (propylthiouracil or methimazole) prevent the production of new thyroid hormones without causing permanent damage. They re-establish a normal hormone levels after 2 to 4 months of treatment. Often the medication must be continued for 1 ½ years. Sometimes hyperthyroidism reoccurs.
Radioactive iodine treatment
L’radioactive iodine (at low levels) permanently destroys part of the thyroid cells, so that the thyroid gland produces less hormones. Radioactive iodine not absorbed by the thyroid gland will be eliminated by the body within a few days. The treatment allows a return to normal after about 3 to 6 months. In over 90% of cases, a single dose of radioactive iodine is sufficient (otherwise, a second dose is sometimes offered).
This treatment often causes a permanent state of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is much easier to treat than hyperthyroidism. Synthetic thyroid hormones in the form of tablets taken daily and for life can correct hypothyroidism (Eltroxin®, Levothyroid® or Synthroid®), without causing undesirable effects.
The pregnant women or who are breastfeeding cannot receive such treatment because radioactive iodine can interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland of the fetus or newborn.
Pregnancy after radioactive iodine treatment It is recommended to a woman who wishes to become pregnant to wait for 6 to 12 months after treatment with radioactive iodine before conceiving a child. Indeed, radioactive iodine can harm the development of the fetus. In addition, it is preferable that thyroid hormone levels of the mother-to-be are well controlled before pregnancy. The need for thyroid hormones usually increases from the first trimester of pregnancy (weeks 1 to 13). For pregnant women taking synthetic hormones, a daily the TSH hormone level in the blood each quarter from a family doctor or endocrinologist is necessary. After childbirth, the dosage is often lowered. For its part, a men who is receiving radioiodine treatment should wait 3 months before conception. |
Thyroid removal
The total or partial removal of the thyroid gland by surgery (thyroidectomy) may be considered, but is rarely used.
Traitements spécifiques
To relieve specific symptoms, other drugs are sometimes used as needed. To relieve heart palpitations and reduce the frequency heart and tremors, beta-blocker drugs are sometimes prescribed (eg, propranolol).
The eye disorders that accompany Graves’ disease, when severe, may require treatment with corticosteroids (to decrease inflammation behind the eye) or surgery (to reduce pressure on the eye). Smokers may respond less well to these treatments3. Moreover, it is strongly recommended not to smoke in the event of eye symptoms caused by Graves’ disease.