1. Use Beta Blockers to Treat a Racing Heart
Treat Graves' disease, a form of hyperthyroidism, with beta blockers if your heart feels like it's racing. A common symptom of an overactive thyroid is a very fast heartbeat, which in turn can cause tremors and a feeling of nervousness. A class of medications called beta blockers (propranolol is often used) slows down your heart to a normal pace, and can get you on the road to feeling better.
2. Take Medication to Prevent Hormone Production
Drugs like propylthiouracil and methimazole are classified as anti-thyroid medications, and are used to prevent your thyroid from producing too much of the hormone called throxine. Some people take this kind of medicine for a year or so, and then find that their hyperthyroidism is no longer a problem. Other people have continuing issues with throxine production, and will need another round of medication or a more aggressive form of treatment.
3. Shrink the Thyroid with Radioactive Iodine
If your body is not responding to medication, your doctor may decide that radioactive iodine is the appropriate treatment for your Graves' disease. Taking doses of this radioactive element destroys the thyroid cells that are over-producing hormones. The thyroid gland itself shrinks and does not function up to par anymore. You'll most likely need to take synthetic throxine for the rest of your life to make up for the function you've lost.
4. Explore Surgical Options
Surgically removing your thyroid is another option for treating Graves' disease. A thyroidectomy is generally done if you're not responding well to anti-thyroid medication or radioactive iodine. Some people prefer not to ingest radioactive materials, and decide to have their thyroid removed instead. Discuss this matter with your doctor when weighing your treatment options. If you do have a thyroidectomy, you will need to take synthetic hormones for the remainder of your lifetime.
5. Address Graves' Ophthalmopathy if Needed
There are a number of simple lifestyle changes you can make to get relief from Graves' ophthalmopathy, a condition in which your eyes may appear to bulge out of their protective orbits. This is caused by a swelling of the muscle and tissue behind your eyes. Radioactive iodine can help protect your eyes from this uncomfortable condition. If you choose to forgo iodine treatments, keep your dry eyes comfortable with lubricating drops and a cool compress. You may be more sensitive to light, which can be easily remedied by wearing a pair of sunglasses (even indoors). Reduce the internal pressure on your eyes by elevating the head of your bed.
