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About Thyroid Health
How Is Hyperthyroidism Treated?
Hyperthyroidism is easily treated.
With treatment, you can lead a healthy life. Without treatment, hyperthyroidism can lead to serious heart problems, bone problems and a dangerous condition called thyroid storm.
If your symptoms bother you, your doctor may give you pills called beta-blockers. These can help you feel better while you and your doctor decide what your treatment should be. Even if your symptoms do not bother you, you still need treatment, because hyperthyroidism can lead to more serious problems.
Radioactive iodine and anti-thyroid medicine are the treatments doctors use most often. The best treatment for you will depend on a number of things, including your age. Some people need more than one kind of treatment.
After treatment, you will need regular blood tests. These tests check to see if your hyperthyroidism has come back. They also check to see if you are making enough thyroid hormone. Sometimes treatment cures hyperthyroidism but causes the opposite problem—too little thyroid hormone. If this happens, you may need to take thyroid hormone pills for the rest of your life.
With treatment, you can lead a healthy life. Without treatment, hyperthyroidism can lead to serious heart problems, bone problems and a dangerous condition called thyroid storm.
If your symptoms bother you, your doctor may give you pills called beta-blockers. These can help you feel better while you and your doctor decide what your treatment should be. Even if your symptoms do not bother you, you still need treatment, because hyperthyroidism can lead to more serious problems.
Radioactive iodine and anti-thyroid medicine are the treatments doctors use most often. The best treatment for you will depend on a number of things, including your age. Some people need more than one kind of treatment.
After treatment, you will need regular blood tests. These tests check to see if your hyperthyroidism has come back. They also check to see if you are making enough thyroid hormone. Sometimes treatment cures hyperthyroidism but causes the opposite problem—too little thyroid hormone. If this happens, you may need to take thyroid hormone pills for the rest of your life.
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As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.
SOURCES: WebMD's Medical References: "Understanding Thyroid Problems: The Basics." "Thyroid and Menopause: Confusing the Symptoms." "Thyroid Storm." WebMD's Medical Information from Healthwise: "Hypothyroidism." "Hypothyroidism Cause." "Thyroid hormone medications for hypothyroidism." "Hyperthyroidism."
