How to Treat Graves' Disease

There are three standard ways to treat Graves' disease. Explore all of these options with your doctor to determine which one is best for your circumstances.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Thyroid Replacement Drugs
• Thyroid Suppressant Drugs
• Endocrinologists

1. Take anti-thyroid drugs to block the production of active thyroid hormone. This is usually prescribed for 12 to 18 months.
2. Realize that this is the simplest form of treatment but that it's effective for only 20 to 30 percent of patients.
3. Undergo iodine radiation treatment if the drugs don't solve the problem. This treatment, which is used by about 70 percent of all patients with hyperthyroidism, destroys all or part of the thyroid gland so it no longer produces the hormone.
4. Ask your doctor about the side effects of this form of treatment, since it's a type of radiation and must be taken seriously.
5. Take steps to protect yourself and your family. For instance, you'll be unable to share utensils for a week afterward and will be asked to avoid pregnant women and children so they don't get affected.
6. Have your thyroid gland completely removed if the other two options are not viable.
7. Understand that this is major surgery.
8. Take medication beforehand to get your thyroid in the normal range first, to reduce your risk of complications during surgery.
9. Remember that after hyperthyroidism is treated, you'll likely experience hypothyroidism as a result and will need to take thyroid replacement therapy for life.
10. Ask your doctor to also prescribe medications that will reduce symptoms, such as an increased heart rate and nervousness, until the treatment has a chance to work completely.

Tips & Warnings

• No matter which treatment you choose, realize that you'll need to have follow-up blood tests to monitor your thyroid levels for the rest of your life.
• If Graves' disease is left untreated for an extended period of time, it could lead to serious health problems, such as a weakened heart muscle or osteoporosis.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.