Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Is It Treated?Treatment DurationCan It Be Cured?Treatment RisksWithout TreatmentComplicationsOther Treatment OptionsNext in Hyperthyroidism GuideHyperthyroidism Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How Is It Treated?
Treatment Duration
Can It Be Cured?
Treatment Risks
Without Treatment
Complications
Other Treatment Options
Next in Hyperthyroidism Guide
Hyperthyroidism, often called an overactive thyroid, is when the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone, which can speed up the body’s systems and cause symptoms like fast heartbeats and weight loss.
Hyperthyroidism is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. Fortunately, there are many different ways to treat it. If you think you might have hyperthyroidism, see your healthcare provider, who can talk to you about how the condition will affect you and offer treatment options.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of treatments for hyperthyroidism. It reviews the three most effective and efficient options available and addresses strategies for regulating thyroid levels successfully.
Hyperthyroidism
Kathrin Ziegler / Getty Images
How Is Hyperthyroidism Treated?
The type of treatment you receive depends on what’s causing your hyperthyroidism and how serious it is. Your healthcare provider will consider factors such as:
Treatment options for hyperthyroidism include:
Each option has its benefits and considerations, and your healthcare provider will help guide you toward your best option.
Prescription Medications
Antithyroid Drugs
In the United States, the two common antithyroid drugs are:
Methimazole usually has fewer side effects and brings about a quicker reversal of hyperthyroidism compared to PTU, so it usually is the favored option.
The usual side effects of antithyroid drugs encompass skin rashes, fever, and joint issues. Should a fever develop, seeking prompt medical attention is essential, as it could indicate a rare blood disorder calledagranulocytosis.
Additional Medications
For cases in which an overactive thyroid causes irregular or fast heartbeats, abeta-blocker(often propranolol) might be prescribed.Individuals with bulging eyes resulting fromGraves' diseasecan also benefit from steroid treatment.
Ablation
Radioactive Iodine Ablation
Patients receiving radioactive iodine ablation can often go home on the same day unless a higher dose than typical is needed, which might require a hospital stay for monitoring. You’ll either swallow capsules or liquid containing the radioactive iodine, which your thyroid absorbs. The nuclear medicine team might perform scans to track iodine’s absorption. Here are a few points to remember about this therapy:
Thyroidectomy Surgery
Another treatment for hyperthyroidism can involve surgery to remove the overactive thyroid gland or nodules. The entire thyroid might be removed depending on the condition, while only half could be removed for certain toxic nodules.
Before surgery, it’s important to control hyperthyroidism using medications like ATDs (thionamide antithyroid drugs), beta-blockers, and sometimes a special iodine liquid for Graves' disease.
Surgical removal of the thyroid is generally safe. Possible complications include:
You will need hormone replacement if the entire thyroid gland is removed since your body can’t produce thyroid hormones without it. Normal thyroid levels are reestablished with daily thyroid hormone replacement. In cases of partial thyroid removal, your healthcare provider will assess the need for thyroid hormone replacement after surgery.
How Long Does Hyperthyroidism Treatment Take?
If you take antithyroid drugs likemethimazoleorpropylthiouracil, treatment usually lasts one to two years. During this time, your healthcare provider will monitor your thyroid levels regularly to adjust the dosage and ensure your thyroid function returns to normal. Some patients stay on these medications long term.
If you opt for radioactive iodine treatment, the timeline can vary. Some people start to feel better within a few weeks, but it might take four to 12 weeks or longer for the treatment to have its full effect. Additionally, you might need more than one dose of radioactive iodine to fully normalize thyroid function.
Surgery (Thyroidectomy)
Recovery from thyroid surgery typically takes a few weeks, but the treatment might span several months. This includes presurgical preparation, the surgical procedure, and the postoperative follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and thyroid hormone levels.
Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers help control rapid heart rate and anxiety. These medications work quickly to manage hyperthyroidism symptoms and are often used as a short-term solution.
Can Hyperthyroidism Be Cured?
Hyperthyroidism can often be effectively treated and managed, and in some cases, it can be considered cured. The outcome depends on the underlying cause of hyperthyroidism, the chosen treatment method, and how well your body responds to the treatment.
Here are a few scenarios:
With proper treatment and monitoring, thyroid function can return to normal with antithyroid medications. The condition can be so well-managed that it might be considered “cured.” However, these medications are often taken long term, and people may experience relapse after discontinuing the medications.
Radioactive iodine treatment can lead to long-lasting or permanent normalization of thyroid hormone levels. In some cases, this treatment can essentially “cure” hyperthyroidism, but it’s important to note that it might also result inhypothyroidism(underactive thyroid), which requires lifelong thyroid hormone replacement.
Surgery
A thyroidectomy can be a cure for hyperthyroidism, especially in cases of Graves' disease or toxic nodules. However, this approach also carries the risk of postsurgical hypothyroidism and requires lifelongthyroid hormone replacement.
What Are the Treatment Risks?
Here are some side effects associated with different hyperthyroidism treatment options:
Antithyroid medication risks include:
Radioactive iodine ablation risks include:
While not an immediate side effect, radioactive iodine treatment can lead to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) over time.
Thyroid surgery risks include:
Beta blocker risks include:
It’s important to remember that not everyone will experience these side effects. Your healthcare provider will help you understand the potential side effects of the chosen treatment and how to manage them. Regular communication with your healthcare team is essential to address any concerns and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
What Happens If Hyperthyroidism Is Left Untreated?
Neglecting to treat hyperthyroidism can result in significant health issues, including:
Are There Complications From Hyperthyroidism?
Athyroid stormis an extremely rare but life-threatening condition that occurs when the thyroid gland suddenly releases a massive amount of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. This surge in hormones leads to severe hyperthyroidism.
A thyroid storm is considered a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment, as it can rapidly affect various body systems and lead to serious complications.
Possible complications may include:
Symptoms of a thyroid storm include:
Other Hyperthyroidism Treatment Options
Research has shown that the anti-thyroid medication propylthiouracil is a safer alternative to methimazole for treating hyperthyroidism during the first trimester of pregnancy.Healthcare providers will switch to methimazole in the second and third trimesters because it has less liver toxicity.
Hyperthyroidism is less commonly found in children and adolescents; however, treatment options are generally similar as they are for adults.
Summary
19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Hyperthyroidism.National Institute of Diabetes and DIgestive and Kidney Disorders.Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).MedlinePlus.Methimazole.MedlinePlus.Propylthiouracil.Up to Date.Patient education: Antithyroid drugs (beyond the basics).Carvalho R, Henriques C, Fernandes M, et al.A case report on metamizole-induced agranulocytosis: is the benefit worth the risk?Cureus. 2023;15(1). doi:10.7759/cureus.34467Up to Date.Beta blockers in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.American Thyroid Association.Graves' disease.MedlinePlus.Radioiodine therapy.American Thyroid Association.Hyperthyroidism.RadiologyInfo.org.Radioactive iodine (I-131) therapy for hyperthyroidism.American Family Physician.Hyperthyroidism: Diagnosis and treatment.British Thyroid Foundation.Antithyroid drug therapy to treat hyperthyroidism.MedlinePlus.Thyroid gland removal.American Cancer Society.Radioactive iodine (radioiodine) therapy for thyroid cancer.MedlinePlus.Propranolol (cardiovascular).MedlinePlus.Thyroid storm.Liu Y, Li Q, Xu Y, Chen Y, Men Y.Comparison of the safety between propylthiouracil and methimazole with hyperthyroidism in pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.PLOS ONE. 2023;18(5):e0286097. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0286097American Thyroid Association.Hyperthyroidism in children and adolescents.
19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Hyperthyroidism.National Institute of Diabetes and DIgestive and Kidney Disorders.Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).MedlinePlus.Methimazole.MedlinePlus.Propylthiouracil.Up to Date.Patient education: Antithyroid drugs (beyond the basics).Carvalho R, Henriques C, Fernandes M, et al.A case report on metamizole-induced agranulocytosis: is the benefit worth the risk?Cureus. 2023;15(1). doi:10.7759/cureus.34467Up to Date.Beta blockers in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.American Thyroid Association.Graves' disease.MedlinePlus.Radioiodine therapy.American Thyroid Association.Hyperthyroidism.RadiologyInfo.org.Radioactive iodine (I-131) therapy for hyperthyroidism.American Family Physician.Hyperthyroidism: Diagnosis and treatment.British Thyroid Foundation.Antithyroid drug therapy to treat hyperthyroidism.MedlinePlus.Thyroid gland removal.American Cancer Society.Radioactive iodine (radioiodine) therapy for thyroid cancer.MedlinePlus.Propranolol (cardiovascular).MedlinePlus.Thyroid storm.Liu Y, Li Q, Xu Y, Chen Y, Men Y.Comparison of the safety between propylthiouracil and methimazole with hyperthyroidism in pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.PLOS ONE. 2023;18(5):e0286097. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0286097American Thyroid Association.Hyperthyroidism in children and adolescents.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Hyperthyroidism.National Institute of Diabetes and DIgestive and Kidney Disorders.Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).MedlinePlus.Methimazole.MedlinePlus.Propylthiouracil.Up to Date.Patient education: Antithyroid drugs (beyond the basics).Carvalho R, Henriques C, Fernandes M, et al.A case report on metamizole-induced agranulocytosis: is the benefit worth the risk?Cureus. 2023;15(1). doi:10.7759/cureus.34467Up to Date.Beta blockers in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.American Thyroid Association.Graves' disease.MedlinePlus.Radioiodine therapy.American Thyroid Association.Hyperthyroidism.RadiologyInfo.org.Radioactive iodine (I-131) therapy for hyperthyroidism.American Family Physician.Hyperthyroidism: Diagnosis and treatment.British Thyroid Foundation.Antithyroid drug therapy to treat hyperthyroidism.MedlinePlus.Thyroid gland removal.American Cancer Society.Radioactive iodine (radioiodine) therapy for thyroid cancer.MedlinePlus.Propranolol (cardiovascular).MedlinePlus.Thyroid storm.Liu Y, Li Q, Xu Y, Chen Y, Men Y.Comparison of the safety between propylthiouracil and methimazole with hyperthyroidism in pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.PLOS ONE. 2023;18(5):e0286097. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0286097American Thyroid Association.Hyperthyroidism in children and adolescents.
MedlinePlus.Hyperthyroidism.
National Institute of Diabetes and DIgestive and Kidney Disorders.Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
MedlinePlus.Methimazole.
MedlinePlus.Propylthiouracil.
Up to Date.Patient education: Antithyroid drugs (beyond the basics).
Carvalho R, Henriques C, Fernandes M, et al.A case report on metamizole-induced agranulocytosis: is the benefit worth the risk?Cureus. 2023;15(1). doi:10.7759/cureus.34467
Up to Date.Beta blockers in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.
American Thyroid Association.Graves' disease.
MedlinePlus.Radioiodine therapy.
American Thyroid Association.Hyperthyroidism.
RadiologyInfo.org.Radioactive iodine (I-131) therapy for hyperthyroidism.
American Family Physician.Hyperthyroidism: Diagnosis and treatment.
British Thyroid Foundation.Antithyroid drug therapy to treat hyperthyroidism.
MedlinePlus.Thyroid gland removal.
American Cancer Society.Radioactive iodine (radioiodine) therapy for thyroid cancer.
MedlinePlus.Propranolol (cardiovascular).
MedlinePlus.Thyroid storm.
Liu Y, Li Q, Xu Y, Chen Y, Men Y.Comparison of the safety between propylthiouracil and methimazole with hyperthyroidism in pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.PLOS ONE. 2023;18(5):e0286097. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0286097
American Thyroid Association.Hyperthyroidism in children and adolescents.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
