Treatments of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland over secretes the thyroid hormones and hence, the body experiences some of the typical symptoms such as tremor and palpitations. This is because excess presence of thyroid hormone acts on the cardiac and nervous systems. The treatments for hyperthyroidism and such condition includes medications called as ‘beta-blockers’. Such drugs block the effect of the hormone that is excessively present in the bloodstream. However, such drugs cannot directly work on the thyroid gland itself and hence the results are limited.

The drug acting for neutralizing the thyroid hormones in the bloodstream does not decrease the amount of the thyroid hormone that is continuously being produced by thyroid gland. It is therefore, some of the drugs such as methimazole and propylthiouracil (PTU) interfere with the thyroid gland ability to produce hormones. These drugs are termed as anti-thyroid drugs and they are to be taken strictly under medical supervision.

One of the most effective and widely accepted therapies to treat hyperthyroidism is something called ‘Radioactive iodine’ treatment. This is considered as permanent cure for hyperthyroidism. It works on one particular theory that thyroid cells are the only cells in the body that have capability to absorb iodine. By getting radioactive form of the iodine gets these cells a poisonous environment and hence, these cells die when they try to consume radioactive iodine. The main benefit for this therapy is since the iodine cannot be even glanced by any other cells except thyroid cells, there are very less chances to affect other cells that can otherwise be harmed with radioactive rays. In addition, radioactive medicines can be taken by mouth and there is no need to get hospitalized. The treatment may last long for month or so.

Another treatment includes surgical removal of the thyroid gland or nodule. This is a surefire for treating hyperthyroidism but it is not frequently used. This is because in majority of the cases, hyperthyroidism is the result of Grave’s Disease and for that radioactive iodine works wonderfully. However, surgery becomes mandatory in many cases such as intolerance to radioactive medicine, huge nodule etc.

Out of all, radioactive iodine therapy is preferred method. However, radioactive iodine therapy cannot be used in some of the cases wherein the patient is younger than 20 year. If you are pregnant or you are planning to become pregnant within six months of treatment then too such treatment becomes contraindicated. Radioactive iodine therapy is also contraindicated if the woman is breast-feeding mother. Some of the experts also put the case as contraindicated in which, a patient has thyroiditis or any other kind of hyperthyroidism that is often temporary and not the permanent one.

Some of the naturopaths suggest going for acupuncture or acupressure as an effective treatments for treating various health ailments that involves endocrine systems of the body including hyperthyroidism. Some of the natural herbs such as ginseng, Spirulina, Indian gooseberry, Terminalia, Kanchnar (Ayurvedic herb) works specifically on the thyroid gland and restores its functions.

Read more about Home Remedies for Hyperthyroidism

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