How Is Hyperthyroidism Treated?
The goal of treatment for
hyperthyroidism is to return thyroid hormone levels to normal. This can prevent long-term complications and ease uncomfortable symptoms.
- Medications
- Radioiodine therapy
- Surgery.
Before recommending a particular treatment plan, healthcare providers will consider what is causing the hyperthyroidism, how severe the symptoms are, how old the person is, and what other conditions they might have (such as
heart disease or pregnancy).
Medications Used to Treat Hyperthyroidism
The two main types of medicines used for hyperthyroidism treatment are antithyroid medicines and
beta blockers.
Antithyroid Medicines
Antithyroid drugs decrease the amount of thyroid hormone the body makes. These medicines block the way the thyroid gland uses iodine to make thyroid hormone.
Two examples are
methimazole (
Tapazole®) and
propylthiouracil (
PTU). Methimazole is often preferred because it is taken once a day versus three times a day for propylthiouracil. However, pregnant women should not take methimazole. This drug can cause scalp problems in infants whose mothers took it during pregnancy.
Women who are breastfeeding should take only very small doses of either drug.
Most people start to feel better after a couple of weeks on the antithyroid medicines, although it may take several weeks or months for the thyroid hormone levels to move into the normal range. The average treatment time for antithyroid medicines is about one to two years. About 30 percent of people have their symptoms disappear completely following treatment.
Some people can relapse years later, which is one reason why healthcare providers consider radioactive therapy and surgery more permanent options for treating hyperthyroidism.
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