There are thyroid treatments which are singular to the disease for which they are needed. Some people have hypothyroidism which is usually treated by medication. Since people do not all respond to the same medicine regimens, there are several different combinations which can be used. All of the medications act to increase certain hormones that are not being secreted by the thyroid. After some experimentation, the right combination is usually found. Of all of the different thyroid problems, hypothyroid is one of the easiest to treat. Be sure to find out from the doctor what side effects, if any, to expect and what to watch out for. Most often, this information is provided to the patient by the pharmacy when they distribute the medication to the patient.

Hyperthyroidism, unfortunately, isn’t as easy to treat and it can cause some very serious health problems. For most American doctors, RAI, or Radioactive iodine is the first course of action. If they do not use this, they normally opt for surgery to remove part of the thyroid. The problem with both of those options is that ultimately, they lead to hypothyroidism and medication must then be taken for that. There are medications for hyperthyroidism and most European doctors make every attempt to treat hyperthyroidism with medication first. It is not known why there is such a drastic approach to treatment between American and European doctors.

If you have a regular physician that you feel comfortable with, talk it over with him. Normally, an Endocrinologist will be the one to treat thyroid problems but your general practitioner may know of a doctor who leans toward one method more than another. It may be very difficult to find a doctor who will try medications, but occasionally, they can be found especially if they are doctors who believe in the team approach to medicine. Your fears and concerns should never be dismissed. Should it be decided that surgery or RAI be used to combat the hyperthyroidism, find out all you can about the procedure and what to expect afterwards.

Most doctors are willing to listen to your concerns but they do have the education and experience to come to the ultimate conclusion or decision. As a patient, one can either accept this decision or deny it and seek another opinion. You are certainly within your rights to do so.

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Filed under: Thyroid

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