What treatment options are available for hyperthyroidism?
August 29, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Tobias Klein
Dear doctor,
My name is Leonie Kohlstein and I have been suffering from an overactive thyroid for some time now. It started about six months ago with increased sweating, heart palpitations, and weight loss. At first, I thought it was due to stress or an unbalanced diet, but the symptoms kept getting worse. My primary care physician then conducted a blood test and found that my thyroid levels were significantly elevated.
Since then, I have tried various medications to treat the hyperthyroidism, but none of them have really helped so far. I am worried that the symptoms could not only be unpleasant but also have long-term health consequences. I constantly feel exhausted and my heart often beats so strongly that it scares me.
Therefore, I would like to know from you what treatment options are available for hyperthyroidism. Are there alternative therapies that I should consider? How long does it usually take for symptoms to improve? And what risks and side effects are associated with the different treatment options?
I would be very grateful for your expert assessment and recommendation, as I am currently in a very distressing situation. Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Leonie Kohlstein
Dear Mrs. Kohlstein,
Thank you for your detailed description of your situation and your open questions regarding your hyperthyroidism. It is understandable that you are concerned about your health and are looking for solutions to alleviate your symptoms.
In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms such as sweating, palpitations, and weight loss, as you described. The treatment options depend on the cause of the overactivity, but in most cases, the following therapies are used:
1. Medication therapy: Beta-blockers are often prescribed to control symptoms such as palpitations and tremors. Additionally, antithyroid drugs like carbimazole or propylthiouracil may be used to inhibit the production of thyroid hormones.
2. Radioiodine therapy: In this treatment method, radioactive iodine is taken orally, which kills the overactive thyroid cells. This can result in permanent hypothyroidism, which then needs to be substituted with thyroid hormones.
3. Surgical removal of the thyroid gland: In severe cases, surgery may be considered to remove part or all of the thyroid gland.
It is important to note that each patient should be considered individually, and treatment should be adjusted accordingly. The choice of therapy depends on various factors such as the severity of the overactivity, the patient's age, and any accompanying conditions.
Regarding alternative therapies, there are some approaches that can be considered as complementary measures, such as taking certain supplements like selenium, or incorporating relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation to reduce stress.
The duration until improvement of symptoms can vary from patient to patient. Generally, it takes several weeks to months for thyroid levels to stabilize and symptoms to gradually improve. It is important to be patient and undergo regular follow-up examinations to monitor the course of the condition.
In terms of risks and side effects of the different treatment options, it is important to discuss this with your treating physician, as each patient responds individually to medications and may have specific risks and side effects. Possible side effects of medications include liver problems, skin rashes, or changes in blood counts.
In conclusion, I want to emphasize the importance of having an open and honest dialogue with your treating physician to find the treatment option that is right for you. I wish you all the best on your path to recovery and am available for any further questions.
Best regards,
Tobias Klein
