Hyperthyroidism is a chronic condition in which the thyroid gland produces too many hormones. These hormones, which include T3 and T4, have numerous responsibilities, the main of which is regulating your metabolic rate. When the thyroid releases too many T3 and T4 hormones, the metabolic rate increases too much, leading to a number of issues including an overactive metabolism, elevated heart rate, hand tremors, and sleeping problems.
Because of the potentially dangerous issues that hyperthyroidism can cause, it is important to have the condition diagnosed and treated as early as possible. While there is no permanent cure for hyperthyroidism, it is a very manageable condition as long as you receive the correct treatment.
The most common treatment for hyperthyroidism is taking antithyroid medications. Antithyroid medications, such as methimazole and propylthiouracil, suppress the thyroid and keep it from producing a surplus of hormones. Depending on how effective these medications are, they can potentially hold the thyroid in check permanently, but results vary from person to person.
The downside of anti-thyroid medications is that they often work too well. By keeping the thyroid in check and preventing a surplus production of hormones, these medications can prevent the production of thyroid hormones altogether. When this happens, you will need to begin hormone replacement therapy.
Although beta-blockers, such as atenolol and bisoprolol, are not a cure for hyperthyroidism and do not treat the condition at all, they may be necessary to treat its symptoms. Beta-blockers help to slow down the heart rate and metabolism, which can help with sweating, weight loss, overactive appetite, elevated heart rate, and other symptoms.
Radioiodine therapy is another popular treatment for hyperthyroidism. It is similar to radiation therapy for cancer treatments but much safer. With this treatment, you swallow a capsule containing radioactive iodine. The iodine then attacks the overactive thyroid and causes it to shrink, which can lead to it releasing normal amounts of hormones. As with antithyroid medications, radioiodine therapy can permanently destroy the thyroid, which means you will need hormone replacement therapy.
In some cases, hyperthyroidism is caused by thyroiditis inflammation of the thyroid gland. Therefore, you may need corticosteroids, medications that reduce inflammation. If your hyperthyroidism is caused by thyroiditis, steroids, such as prednisone and budesonide, could cure the problem.
If medications and radioiodine therapy are not successful at treating your hyperthyroidism, you may require surgery. This procedure, known as a thyroidectomy, is where all or part of the thyroid gland gets removed. If your hyperthyroidism is being caused by toxic nodule goitre, only the affected nodule has to be removed. However, if your problem is more widespread and the gland as a whole is producing too many hormones, the entire gland may need to be removed.
Depending on which treatment is necessary to manage or cure your hyperthyroidism, you may need hormone replacement therapy. For instance, if your entire thyroid gland is removed via surgery or medications suppress hormone production too much, your thyroid cannot produce any essential hormones. Therefore, you will need to go on lifeline hormone replacement therapy treatments to make up for the loss.
If you suspect that you have hyperthyroidism, it is essential to see a doctor for diagnosis. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are similar to many other diseases, so you cannot self-diagnose symptoms alone. As long as you receive a proper diagnosis and start prompt treatment, you can keep your hyperthyroidism under control and live a mostly normal life. You may, however, have to undergo hormone replacement therapy, depending on the treatment you choose.