What is an Overactive Thyroid, and how does it affect health?

Treatment Options

Treatment options for an Overactive Thyroid can vary depending on its underlying cause, along with the severity of the condition, and the overall health of the patient. In most cases the goal of treatment is to reduce the production and release of thyroid hormones to a normal level, allowing alleviation of the symptoms.

1. Antithyroid Medication: Medication such as Methimazole or Propylthiouracil can help to block the production of thyroid hormones, antithyroid medications are often prescribed for several months to a year, depending on how the individual is responding to treatment.
2. Radioactive Iodine: This treatment involves taking radioactive iodine pills or liquid, that the thyroid gland then absorbs, the radiation levels in the iodine destroys the thyroid cells that produce thyroid hormones, which then reduces the production of these hormones.
3. Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to remove all or part of the thyroid gland, although, this is usually reserved for cases where medication or iodine treatment are not effective, or if there is a large enough goiter that is causing breathing of swallowing difficulties.
4. Beta-Blockers: Beta-blockers are medications that help to alleviate symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, tremors, and anxiety, by blocking the effects of thyroid hormones on the body. Beta-blockers do not reduce the production of the thyroid hormones, however, they provide symptomatic relief while other treatments take effect.

As with all treatment of health conditions, treatment of an overactive thyroid can be effective in reducing symptoms and returning hormone levels to normal, but it can also have potential side effects and other risks, therefore treatment should be tailored to each individual.