Thyroid conditions impact the function or structure of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. It plays a critical role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development throughout the body by producing hormones that control these processes.
The most common thyroid conditions include:
Thyroid conditions are diagnosed using a variety of blood tests, imaging studies, and biopsies. Medications, radioactive iodine therapy or surgery are used to treat thyroid conditions. Many are of the treatments are used in conjunction with each other for the best results.
Thyroid medications are drugs used to treat thyroid disorders, which occur when the thyroid gland produces too much or too little of the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
The most commonly prescribed thyroid medications and treatments include:
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). The most commonly used medication for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis includes:
Iodine is a mineral that is required for the successful production of thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism.
Medications used to treat the condition include:
With a non-functioning thyroid gland, the gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to hypothyroidism.
Graves’ Disease is considered an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Medications to treat the disease include:
Postpartum thyroiditis occurs when the thyroid gland becomes inflamed after giving birth, leading to either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Medications used to treat the condition include:
Thyroid nodules are growths on the thyroid gland that can be benign or cancerous. The treatment for nodules depends on whether they are cancerous or not.
Excessive iodine intake can lead to hyperthyroidism. The treatment for excessive iodine intake is to discontinue the use of iodine supplements or medications that contain iodine.
Propranolol or Atenolol – Both drugs are considered beta blockers and used to manage the symptoms of excessive iodine such as racing heartbeat and hand tremors
While medications can be effective in treating thyroid conditions, they can also have potential side effects. Here are some of the possible side effects of the medications used to treat thyroid conditions.
Levothyroxine generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience side effects such as headache, irritability, nervousness, sweating, or diarrhoea. In rare cases, levothyroxine can cause more serious side effects such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or seizures.
Antithyroid medications (methimazole or propylthiouracil) can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, itching, or rash. In rare cases, they can cause more serious side effects such as liver damage, low white blood cell count, or allergic reactions.
Beta blockers such as propranolol or atenolol often cause side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, or low blood pressure. Occasionally, the beta blockers cause more serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or irregular heartbeat.
Potassium iodide or iodine supplements may cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions, swelling of the lips or throat, diarrhoea or thyroid gland inflammation.
Thyroid conditions, even malignancies are highly treatable. If you have problems with your thyroid, you should seek medical assistance from your doctor to determine which treatment or medications will best fit your needs.