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Treatment for hyperthyroidism should be indicated by the general practitioner or endocrinologist according to the levels of hormones circulating in the blood, the person's age, severity of the disease and intensity of symptoms, and the use of medication, treatment with radioactive iodine or performance of surgery to remove the thyroid.
Hyperthyroidism is caused by a disturbance in the functioning of the thyroid gland, which causes it to function in an exaggerated way, releasing hormones to the body in a much greater amount than expected. It is important that hyperthyroidism is identified and treated in order for the person to improve symptoms and have a better quality of life. See more about hyperthyroidism.
1. Remedies for Hyperthyroidism
The use of medicines corresponds to the first line of treatment for hyperthyroidism since they act directly in the regulation of hormonal levels, and which can inhibit T4 synthesis and block its conversion to T3, thus decreasing the amount of thyroid hormones circulating in the blood.
The main remedies recommended by the doctor to treat hyperthyroidism are Propiltiouracil and Metimazole, however the dose will depend on the levels of circulating hormones, response to treatment over time and side effects. Thus, during treatment it may be necessary to adjust the dose over time, and the doctor may maintain, increase or decrease the dose of the medicine.
To assess whether the drug is in the right dose and if it is having the desired effect, blood tests will be ordered to assess levels of the hormones TSH, T3 and T4 in the body, and the right dose of medication can be achieved within 6 to 8 weeks. treatment.
Learn more about remedies for hyperthyroidism.
2. Radioactive iodine treatment
Treatment with radioactive iodine, also known as iodotherapy, consists of ingesting a capsule containing this substance, being indicated when treatment with drugs is not effective. This method promotes intense inflammation of the thyroid cells, resulting in decreased hormone production.
Often, just 1 dose of radioactive iodine can be enough to treat hyperthyroidism, but there may be cases where it is necessary for the doctor to prolong the treatment for some time.
This type of treatment is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and it is recommended that the pregnancy be postponed by 6 months after the end of treatment, in the case of women who are planning to become pregnant.
Understand how iodotherapy for hyperthyroidism works.
3. Thyroid removal surgery
Thyroid removal surgery, also called thyroidectomy, is a definitive treatment that consists of reducing thyroid tissue in order to decrease hormone production. However, due to the fact that part of the thyroid is removed, this type of surgery is also associated with a greater chance of developing hypothyroidism. Therefore, it is important that the person is followed regularly by the doctor.
This surgery is indicated in cases where the other treatments did not work or when there is the presence of nodules, an excessive enlargement of the thyroid or cancer, and, according to the severity of the disease, it can be total or partial, that is, if all or part of the thyroid is removed.
Recovery from surgery is quite simple, after which it is only recommended to avoid making efforts so as not to cause swelling or bleeding at the cut site. See how thyroid surgery is done.
See also what you can eat on a daily basis to control hyperthyroidism in the following video: