Treatment of thyrotoxicosis: medication, radioactive iodine or surgical form

Currently, there are several types of treatment for hyperthyroidism, ranging from conservative therapy to surgical.

The choice of the right treatment method depends on the cause of hyperthyroidism, age, physical condition and severity of the impairment.

Radioactive iodine

Radioactive iodine (radioiodine) is a frequently used treatment for increased thyroid function. It is a tablet that is taken orally. Radioiodine absorbed by the thyroid gland causes it to shrink.

Symptoms of the disease resolve in about a few months.

The remaining unused radioactive iodine is eliminated from the body naturally within a few weeks to months.

The disadvantage of this treatment is the induced iatrogenic hypothyroidism. This is the opposite condition, i.e. a slowing down of thyroid function. Such patients have to take a daily replacement of vital thyroid hormones in the form of tablets.

Thyrostats

Again these are conservative treatments, i.e. tablets that prevent the thyroid gland from producing high levels of hormones. Examples of such preparations are thiamazole or propycil.

The treatment lasts at least 6 months, in some cases a year or more. However, the first improvement is felt after only a few weeks.

After treatment, the disorder may be permanently eliminated and the patient completely cured.

In some cases, however, relapse occurs and patients must return to treatment or use other methods of treatment.

Possible side effects include manifestations of allergic reactions, skin rashes, rash, fever, joint pain and frequent infections.

Adjuvant treatment with beta blockers

These drugs are used to treat high blood pressure and do not affect the thyroid gland in any way.

In the treatment of hyperthyroidism, they are used to relieve so-called autonomic symptoms caused by high thyroxine levels, such as hand tremors, palpitations, irregular rhythms or rapid heartbeats.

It is a supportive therapy. It is prescribed to patients to relieve symptoms until thyroxine levels return to normal.

Beta blockers are not suitable for patients with asthma. Possible side effects include increased fatigue and sexual dysfunction.

Surgical treatment - thyroidectomy

In some cases, radioiodine treatment may not be suitable for every patient and every patient may not tolerate thyroid medication. Such a patient is a suitable candidate for thyroid surgery.

Thyroid surgery (thyroidectomy) involves removing most of the thyroid tissue.

Because the thyroid gland is located near the parathyroid glands and vocal cords, the greatest risk of the procedure is damage to these organs.

The parathyroid glands are four small glands located on the back surface of the thyroid gland.

They secrete parathyroid hormone, which is used to control calcium levels in the blood.

After this surgery, every patient needs lifelong thyroid hormone replacement, such as levothyroxine.