How is hyperthyroidism treated?
There are many treatment options for hyperthyroidism. Depending on the cause of your hyperthyroidism, some options may be better for you. Your healthcare provider will discuss each option with you and help you determine the best treatment plan. Treatment options for hyperthyroidism include: Antithyroid drugs methimazole (Tapazole) or propylthiouracil (PTU): These drugs block the ability of your thyroid to make hormones. They offer rapid control of your thyroid. Radioactive iodine: Radioactive iodine is an oral medication that your overactive thyroid cells absorb. The radioactive iodine damages these cells and causes your thyroid to shrink and thyroid hormone levels to go down over a few weeks. This usually leads to permanent destruction of the thyroid, which will cure hyperthyroidism. The amount of radiation delivered by this medication is different from the amount used for the radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test and scan for diagnosis. Most people who receive this treatment have to take thyroid hormone drugs for the rest of their lives to maintain normal hormone levels. Surgery: Your healthcare provider may remove your thyroid gland through surgery (thyroidectomy). This will correct your hyperthyroidism, but it will usually cause hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), which requires lifelong thyroid supplements to keep hormone levels normal. Beta blockers: These drugs block the action of thyroid hormones on the body. They do not change the level of hormones in your blood, but they can help manage symptoms like rapid heartbeat, nervousness and shakiness that are caused by hyperthyroidism. This treatment isn’t used alone and is usually paired with another option to treat hyperthyroidism over the long term.