Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces abnormally high amounts of hormone. The three hormones produced by the thyroid gland are tetraiodothyronine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and calcitonin. These hormones are essential for the regulation of metabolism, cell growth and blood calcium levels. An overactive thyroid hypersecretes these hormones. This occurs in cases of thyroid disorders such as Graves' disease, thyroiditis and toxic adenoma. Without treatment, hyperthyroidism can lead to heart complications, eye problems and osteoporosis, according to MedlinePlus.
Antithyroid Medication
Methimazole and propylthiouracil are antithyroid drugs that are currently used in the United States, according to Jeri R. Reid, M.D., assistant clinical professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. These drugs suppress the amounts of thyroid hormone produced naturally in the body.
Methimazole is less expensive than propylthiouracil, and its use less frequently causes blood-related side effects. However, propylthiouracil is more often prescribed for use by pregnant women because methimazole has been reported to be associated with birth defects.
Radioactive Iodine
The thyroid gland collects iodine from the blood in order to manufacture tetraiodothyronine and triiodothyronine. Doctors use radioactive iodine to treat hyperthyroidism. The radioactive iodine gathers in the thyroid gland, where the radiation kills the hypersecreting cells. Gradually the gland shrinks and the symptoms of hyperthyroidism subside. MayoCinic.com notes that radioactive iodine can worsen the eye-related effects of hyperthyroidism, and for that reason this treatment option may not be suitable for some patients.
Note: The smaller gland produces less thyroid hormone. This reduction of thyroid hormone levels can result in the opposite problem: hypothyroidism. Fortunately, hypothyroidism is easier to control than hyperthyroidism. Treatment typically involves treatment with synthetic thyroid hormone to supplement the body’s natural supply.
Surgery
Medication cannot cure an overactive thyroid, it can only treat the symptoms, and some patients prefer not to receive radiation treatment. Surgery to remove the thyroid gland is another treatment option. This process, called thyroidectomy, will cause the patient to experience hypothyroidism and thus need synthetic thyroid hormone supplements to regulate metabolism.
Another option is a partial thyroid removal, wherein some of the thyroid tissue is retained. When this procedure is performed, hypothyroidism occurs in only 25 percent of patients post surgery. However, 8 percent of the patients who undergo partial thyroid removal will have a recurrence of hyperthyroidism.
