How do you treat hyperthyroidism?

First it's necessary to find the cause of the hypERthryoidism.

*A tumor or nodule may be removed or treated with radiation.

*Autoimmune Graves' Disease may be treated with anti-thyroid medicines (ATD's) until remission is achieved, or in some cases, after a two year trial of medicine the thyroid gland can be destroyed with radiation called I-133 or Radioactive Iodine (RAI). RAI is not indicated for patients with any eye disease however. Some physicians choose Block and Replace (B&R) for their Graves' patients - block the thyroid with ATD's and replace the missing thyroid hormones while hoping to achieve remission.

*Autoimmune Hashimoto's Thyroiditis can cause hypERthyroidism that is usually treated with anti-thyroid medicine or Block and Replace.

*Medications causing hypERthryoid symptoms may be altered or discontinued.

* Excessive iodine consumption can be lowered to a balanced level.

Additionally, in all cases Goitrogenic foods can be consistently eaten as a more holistic approach or adjunct therapy to lowering thyroid levels that are not seriously high.

Symptoms of hypErthyroidism may be treated while attempting to get the hormone levels under control. Beta blockers and other medicines to block the affects of high hormone levels are helpful until the cause is eliminated or controlled.