How do you treat an overactive thyroid?
Hyperthyroidism is a common problem for women in the UK, with an estimated one in 50 women (compared to one in 500 men) developing it at some point in their lives. It occurs when the thyroid gland, which sits in the throat between the trachea and the larynx, is overactive, thus speeding up the body's metabolism. It is commonly manifested in symptoms such as weight loss, anxiety or nervousness, body tremors, tiredness, swollen eyes and double vision. Doctors can diagnose hyperthyroidism through a range of techniques, including blood tests, radioisotope scans and ultrasound scans. And while there are several ways in which it can be treated, many people remain confused about what each treatment entails.
The main way in which many doctors choose to treat an overactive thyroid is through medication. Two well-known anti-thyroid medicines are carbimazole and propylthiouracil and these aim to reduce the production of the two thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Anti-thyroid medicines, however, need to be carefully monitored since when taken over a long time they may stimulate an under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism). Usually, these medicines are prescribed for between 12 and 18 months. Some doctors may also recommend the intake of beta blockers to fight the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, but this is not seen as a long-term solution.
Alternatively, a doctor may prescribe radioiodine treatment for hyperthyroidism, though this is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Essentially, radioiodine is iodine that has been made radioactive. When swallowed, the substance is absorbed by the thyroid gland and the radioactivity slowly kills the thyroid tissue. This should return thyroid hormone production to normal levels. If the correct amount of radioiodine is administered, a portion of the thyroid gland can be completely destroyed so that hyperthyroidism is unlikely to occur again, but this is often difficult to achieve. However, it is also possible to take a dose of radioiodine that stops all thyroid activity completely, with thyroxine replacement medicines being prescribed so that hypothyroidism does not set in.
Another option for treating an overactive thyroid is a thyroidectomy, a surgical procedure that removes the entire or part of the thyroid gland from your body. This is not often the first way in which doctors choose to treat hyperthyroidism but is favoured if you are unable to take anti-thyroid medicines or have not responded to previous treatments. Sometimes, patients that undergo a thyroidectomy are required to take thyroxine replacement medicines for life in order to combat the development of hypothyroidism.
The author of this article is a part of a digital blogging team who work with brands like Bupa. The contents of this article are of a general nature only and do not constitute specific advice. This article does not take into account your circumstances or needs and must not be relied upon in place of appropriate professional advice.
The main way in which many doctors choose to treat an overactive thyroid is through medication. Two well-known anti-thyroid medicines are carbimazole and propylthiouracil and these aim to reduce the production of the two thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Anti-thyroid medicines, however, need to be carefully monitored since when taken over a long time they may stimulate an under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism). Usually, these medicines are prescribed for between 12 and 18 months. Some doctors may also recommend the intake of beta blockers to fight the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, but this is not seen as a long-term solution.
Alternatively, a doctor may prescribe radioiodine treatment for hyperthyroidism, though this is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Essentially, radioiodine is iodine that has been made radioactive. When swallowed, the substance is absorbed by the thyroid gland and the radioactivity slowly kills the thyroid tissue. This should return thyroid hormone production to normal levels. If the correct amount of radioiodine is administered, a portion of the thyroid gland can be completely destroyed so that hyperthyroidism is unlikely to occur again, but this is often difficult to achieve. However, it is also possible to take a dose of radioiodine that stops all thyroid activity completely, with thyroxine replacement medicines being prescribed so that hypothyroidism does not set in.
Another option for treating an overactive thyroid is a thyroidectomy, a surgical procedure that removes the entire or part of the thyroid gland from your body. This is not often the first way in which doctors choose to treat hyperthyroidism but is favoured if you are unable to take anti-thyroid medicines or have not responded to previous treatments. Sometimes, patients that undergo a thyroidectomy are required to take thyroxine replacement medicines for life in order to combat the development of hypothyroidism.
The author of this article is a part of a digital blogging team who work with brands like Bupa. The contents of this article are of a general nature only and do not constitute specific advice. This article does not take into account your circumstances or needs and must not be relied upon in place of appropriate professional advice.
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