Thyroid diseases are on the rise. For problems with the thyroid gland stemming excess or insufficient hormones, you may want to restore hormonal balance and maintain good health.
Generally, when thyroid disease is talked about, hyperthyroidism, the overproduction of thyroid hormone is what comes to mind. However, hypothyroidism, or underproduction of the thyroid, is equally problematic. It is essential to go through a routine blood test to determine the level of the thyroid before treating it.
1. Thyroid blood tests
A blood test measures hormones from the gland directly as well as from the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH is a chemical, which the pituitary gland releases to trigger thyroid.
When you have hypothyroidism, the TSH level is higher as the body is telling the thyroid gland to make adequate hormones. On the other hand, in the case of hyperthyroidism, TSH levels are lower than normal. The level of thyroid hormones is higher.
2. Antithyroid medications
For a patient suffering from hyperthyroidism, the sustained form, like Grave’s disease, antithyroid drugs are the best. With these drugs, doctors aim to prevent the thyroid gland from producing more hormones.
Some of these medications target the thyroid gland and reduce T3 and T4 hormone production drastically.
Sometimes, physicians may prescribe beta-blockers to patients, especially for those taking other medications for arrhythmia or hypertension.
3. Radioactive iodine treatment
Radioactive iodine is commonly recommended for permanent hyperthyroidism treatment. As thyroid cells are the only body cells that absorb iodine, this treatment works for almost everyone.
Oral radioactive iodine medication works by destroying the thyroid hormone to reduce the symptoms of the disease. Treating thyroid disease with this therapy also has very little side effects.
However, the fact is that radioactive iodine kills too many thyroid cells which prevent the remaining cells from producing adequate hormones. This leads to hypothyroidism.
People undergoing prolonged treatment may need thyroid hormone replacement therapy to replenish the lack of thyroid hormones.
4. Surgery
Surgery is the final course of action to remove the thyroid gland partially or fully. It is called a thyroidectomy. When performed by experienced surgeons, it is safe and quite effective as well.
However, surgery is not a frequently used method. It is a last resort when all other treatment options fail to provide relief to patients.
Doctors recommend surgery for a few types of hyperthyroidism, such as Grave’s diseases with changes in the eye, and large nodular thyroid goiters.
As with any other surgery, there are certain risk factors of thyroidectomy. It can potentially damage the parathyroid glands and vocal cords.
5. Alternative medicine
Even though most doctors prescribe synthetic thyroxine, some alternative natural options are also available. For example, natural extracts with thyroid hormone derived from pigs’ thyroid glands are effective. These products have both thyroxine as well as triiodothyronine, whereas synthetic thyroid contains thyroxine only.
6. Nutrition and diet
Protein, magnesium, calcium, and iodine benefits thyroid functions. Ensure you are getting enough vitamin A, B, and C.
Choose the treatment method after understanding and discussing all the risk factors, benefits, and side effects with a specialist. Each treatment option has its benefits and risks. Your ultimate goal should be to treat thyroid and control the level of hormones.