Thyroid Treatment

What is Thyroid Disease?

The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that produces thyroid hormones, which affect metabolism and many important body functions. Diseases and dysfunction of the thyroid can cause excessive or inadequate thyroid hormone secretion (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism). Hyperthyroidism is usually caused by Graves disease, nodules in the thyroid, thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland) or excessive iodine intake. Hypothyroidism also results from thyroiditis, including a hereditary condition known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Iodine deficiency can also cause hypothyroidism, and occasionally babies are born with a non-functioning thyroid gland.

What Are the Symptoms?

Since the thyroid gland is intimately involved in metabolism, disruptions typically cause metabolic effects. People with hypothyroidism (low thyroid) often complain of fatigue, intolerance to cold, and dry, coarse skin and hair. Women may have excessive or frequent menstrual periods. People with hypothyroidism may also have difficulty with thinking and tend to gain weight despite eating normally. In hyperthyroidism, common symptoms include irritability and nervousness, insomnia, sensitivity to heat and muscle tremors or weakness. Women are likely to report infrequent menstrual periods.

How is Hypothyroidism Treated?

Medications are usually required to treat hypothyroidism. A synthetic hormone called hyperthyroxine (brand names Levothroid, Synthroid), is the medication most commonly used. People who prefer an alternative to the synthetic medication may choose thyroxine and triiodothyronine, thyroid hormones derived from pigs. Glandular extracts are another available alternative treatment but are not regulated by the FDA. Hypothyroidism requires daily medication and life-long treatment.

How is Hyperthyroidism Treated?

Treating hyperthyroidism is a balancing act. Patients need some thyroid, so treatment is aimed at reducing thyroid hormone production, but not too much. Propylthiouracil and methimazole are medications that can suppress the thyroid permanently, although treatment must continue for months to a year, and sometimes longer. Radioactive iodine may be used to disable the thyroid, or part of the thyroid gland may be surgically removed. Medications called beta blockers may be used to manage symptoms like a rapid pulse. Occasionally, hyperthyroid treatment actually results in low thyroid and must be treated with medications.