The metabolism of the human body is regulated by hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Through complex regulation of hormones involving several other glands, such as the pituitary gland, the thyroid maintains the delicate balance of the metabolism. Thyroid hormone levels can become imbalanced either by the secretion of too little thyroid hormone, known as hypothyroidism, or too much thyroid hormone, known as hyperthyroidism. Mild thyroid imbalances typically cause only mild symptoms, so doctors are typically cautious in their approach to treating thyroid imbalances in order to prevent worse symptoms.
Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy
If the thyroid is not producing enough thyroid hormone, causing hypothyroidism, doctors often prescribe hormone replacement medications, explains the MayoClinic.com. The most common thyroid hormone replacement medication is a synthetically produced hormone called levothyroxine. It is usually taken as a tablet, and finding the proper dosage requires frequent visits to the doctor to check hormone levels. Once the proper dose is found, many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism often disappear. In many cases, conditions causing hypothyroidism are incurable, meaning levothyroxine must be taken for the rest of a patient's life.
Antithyroid Medications
Hyperthyroidism is caused by an overactive thyroid gland that is secreting excess thyroid hormone into the body. This condition can be harder to treat than hypothyroidism; instead of simply replacing the missing hormone, the activity of the thyroid must be decreased. This requires medications that can have unintended side effects. Antithyroid medications are usually only given if the hyperthyroidism is causing noticeable symptoms. Two types of medication, methimazole and propylthiouracil, block the thyroid from producing too much thyroid hormone. These medications, however, particularly propylthiouracil, increase the risk of liver damage. Therefore their use must be carefully monitored by a doctor, MayoClinic.com reports.
Radioactive Iodine
In cases of hyperthyroidism that do not respond to antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine treatment may be used. The thyroid removes iodine from the blood faster than other organs, meaning that orally administered radioactive iodine accumulates in the thyroid and kills thyroid cells before damaging the rest of the body. By killing some of the thyroid cells, it decreases the production of thyroid hormone, the New York Thyroid Center explains. Care must be taken not to damage the thyroid too much, or thyroid hormone replacement therapy will be necessary to make up for lost thyroid hormone.
Surgery
Surgery can be used instead of radioactive iodine to remove thyroid tissue and reduce the amount of thyroid hormone in the body. In cases of only mild thyroid hormone imbalance, however, the complications from surgery often outweigh the benefits. Surgery is usually reserved for more severe cases of thyroid imbalance.
