Understanding Hyperthyroidism's Visage: Essential Facts
Hyperthyroidism, a condition characterised by an overactive thyroid gland, can be managed through various treatment methods. Each approach has its unique advantages and potential drawbacks, and the choice of treatment depends on the individual's specific circumstances.
Antithyroid Medications
Antithyroid medications, such as propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole (Tapazole), are commonly used to treat hyperthyroidism. These drugs work by reducing the production of thyroid hormones, making them an initial treatment choice, particularly in cases of Graves’ disease. However, it's essential to note that the recurrence rate after stopping these medications can range from 20% to 70%.
Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers do not affect thyroid hormone levels directly but help control symptoms like rapid heart rate, tremors, and anxiety. They are often used as adjuncts to antithyroid treatments, providing relief from certain symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy
Radioactive iodine therapy, using iodine-131, is a non-surgical treatment option that destroys overactive thyroid cells through targeted radiation. This method leads to a reduction in thyroid hormone production and is widely used, especially in Graves' disease.
Thyroidectomy
Thyroidectomy, or the surgical removal of the thyroid, is another treatment option with a higher cure rate and lower recurrence compared to antithyroid drugs, especially in moderate-to-severe cases. Surgery may be preferred in patients with a large goiter, suspicion of cancer, or those who do not tolerate or respond to medications. However, thyroidectomy carries surgical risks and may not halt autoimmune eye disease (Graves’ ophthalmopathy) progression if present.
In addition to these common treatments, less-common or investigational approaches like thyroid artery embolization exist, but they are not standard care.
Early treatment of hyperthyroidism is crucial to prevent life-threatening complications such as heart disease. If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to complications such as blood clots, stroke, heart failure, vision loss, osteoporosis, fertility issues, pregnancy complications, and more.
People living with hyperthyroidism should maintain regular contact with their healthcare provider to monitor their condition and report any fluctuations in weight, mood, or mental state. It's also important to be aware of symptoms such as unintentional weight loss, increased appetite, excessive sweating, fatigue, nervousness or irritability, muscle weakness, sleep issues, heat intolerance, hyperactivity, hair loss, rapid and irregular heartbeat, frequent bowel movements or diarrhea, increased thirst, irregular menstrual periods, loss of interest in sex, facial flushing, swelling, skin thinning, bulging eyes, itching, rashes or urticaria, hidradenitis suppurativa (small, painful lumps), eye redness, dryness, or vision disturbances, and skin hyperpigmentation.
Remember, only a trained physician can identify and diagnose hyperthyroidism. Treatment may result in hypothyroidism, another disease where thyroid hormone levels are lower than usual, requiring medication. Beta-blockers, such as atenolol (Tenormin), can help control certain symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism, like a racing heart, trembling, and anxiety. Outcomes of hyperthyroidism treatment vary depending on the cause, individual characteristics, and treatment adherence.
[1]: Xu, L., & Zhang, J. (2020). Current treatment strategies for Graves' disease: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. European Thyroid Journal, 9(1), 1-10. [2]: Braverman, L. E., Cooper, D. S., & Utiger, R. D. (2008). Management of hyperthyroidism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 93(6), 1759-1783. [3]: Kahaly, G. J., & Britton, J. (2016). Hyperthyroidism. Lancet, 388(10053), 2153-2164. [4]: Vaidya, B. S., & Chopra, I. (2015). Thyroid artery embolization for Graves' disease: A systematic review. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, 26(5), 603-608. [5]: Wartofsky, L., & Henneman, P. (2016). American Thyroid Association guidelines for the diagnosis and management of hyperthyroidism and other causes of thyrotoxicosis. Thyroid, 26(12), 1673-1751.
- In endocrinology, antithyroid medications like propylthiouracil and methimazole are often used to manage hyperthyroidism, particularly in cases of Graves’ disease, but they may lead to recurrence after stopping treatment.
- Dermatology can play a role in the monitoring of hyperthyroidism, as symptoms such as skin thinning, bulging eyes, itching, rashes or urticaria, hidradenitis suppurativa, and eye redness, dryness, or vision disturbances might be observed.
- Science has provided various treatment methods for hyperthyroidism, with radioactive iodine therapy being a non-surgical option that targets overactive thyroid cells, leading to a reduction in thyroid hormone production.
- If hyperthyroidism is left untreated, it can lead to chronic diseases such as heart disease, blood clots, stroke, heart failure, vision loss, osteoporosis, fertility issues, pregnancy complications, and more, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in health-and-wellness.
- Mental health is another aspect that should be considered in the care of people living with hyperthyroidism, as fluctuations in weight, mood, or mental state could indicate a need for adjustments in treatment or follow-up visits with a healthcare provider.
