How is hyperthyroidism treated?

Hyperthyroidism treatment is usually determined by the cause of the increased thyroid hormone. People who have the autoimmune condition called Graves' disease are treated with medications to decrease the production of thyroid hormone, with surgery to remove the thyroid, or with radioactive iodine. In the setting of cancer the treatment usually involves surgery to remove the thyroid.

The three main treatments for hyperthyroidism are: 1) medical therapy, 2) surgery, and 3) RAI ablation. The best treatment depends on a number of factors and the treatment plan should be made with the help of experts in thyroid disease including endocrinologists and surgeons. In general, the first treatment that is usually tried once a diagnosis is made is usually antithyroid medications. If medical therapy does not work, then a more definitive therapy such as surgery or RAI ablation is considered. The choice between surgery and RAI ablation will depend on the expertise and experience of the patient's doctors. Both have equal success rates and low risks of complications.