Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s Disease are both caused by an underactive thyroid, or the thyroid is not producing enough thyroid hormone. The most common form of treatment is replacement hormone or T4 to supplement what your body is producing. With Hashimoto’s Disease, an autoimmune disease, physicians have different opinions about the best form of treatment. Some doctors do not believe in treating the condition if hypothyroidism is a problem, as sometimes thyroid stimulating hormone levels may be normal. Other doctors will opt for iodine supplements and natural medicine.
Hyperthyroidism and Grave’s Disease both produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormone in the body, as the thyroid gland is overactive. Hyperthyroidism can be caused by viral illnesses, thyroid nodules or Grave’s Disease. Treatment options for an overactive thyroid include anti-thyroid drugs, radioiodine ablation (or radioactive iodine treatment) and surgical removal of the thyroid either partially or completely. Thyroid arterial embolization and block/replace therapies are more modern approaches that are being used more regularly, but some doctors find them controversial.
In the US, surgical thyroid removal is unusual unless the patient is a pregnant woman. Radioactive iodine treatment (RAI) is usually suggested as the first course of treatment before anti-thyroid medication. Many people who undergo RAI usually end up with hypothyroidism and then need thyroid hormone replacement therapy to increase the amount of thyroid hormone their bodies are producing afterwards.
A goiter can develop in both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. It can be very uncomfortable and make breathing and swallowing difficult, especially if it develops around the trachea. If it is not causing problems and is small, your doctor may choose not to treat it but monitor it carefully for signs of progression instead. If it needs to be shrunk, most doctors use RAI.
Sometimes nodules can form in the thyroid, and your doctor will need to perform tests first to check if they are benign or malignant. If they are cancerous there is a big chance your thyroid will have to be removed. Visiting Las vegas medical clinics can help you to find a cost-effective solution for your thyroid problem.