What is the best treatment for hyperthyroidism: radioactive treatment or surgery?

Question

Is radioactive treatment actually safe? What are the side affects - temporary or lasting, and what are the benefits? I know people that have had thyroid surgery and have done fine afterwards. Also, since it takes a while for the thyroid gland to shut down, wouldn't surgery be better if you want to be back to normal sooner? P.S. My doctor is pushing radioactive treatment. But first he wants me to go on an anti-thyroid medication. What is the success rate of anti-thyroid medication. I don't like putting poison into my body.

Answer 1

The best treatment of hyperthyroidism depends on few factors such as the age, the general physical condition and the extent of the disorder.

Usually an oral anti-thyroid medication are tried first. It prevents the secretion of excessive hormones by the thyroid glands thus improving the symptoms in 6-12 weeks period. The treatment could take a year or longer. Many responded to such treatment and permanently resolved the problem however a relapse ia also possible to occur.

An oral radioactive iodine is the other treatment option. It is absorbed by the thyroid gland causing it to shrink thus decreasing its activity so the symptoms would subside in 3-6 months.Due to the slowing down of the thyroid activity, a daily medication will be required to replace the "thyroxin". The side effects of "radioactive" elements in your body are usually temporary.

For those who cannot tolerate anti-thyroid medicines or those who refuses the radioactive iodine, the last option would be surgery termed as thyroidectomy where most of the parts of the thyroid glands are removed. The risk on such surgery would be damage to the vocal cords and parathyroid glands. Lifelong treatment with a medicine levothyroxine would be required afterwards to supply the body with the normal amount of thyroid hormones. Supposing the parathyroid gland is also removed, a medication to keep the calcium level normal will also be required.

You may give the oral medication a try if your doctor recommends it...many had been successful with it. However, the decision is always for you to make, think over it.

Answer 2

Making dietary changes is your first line of defense in treating hypothyroidism. Learn here https://tr.im/Gd6du

Many people with hypothyroidism experience crippling fatigue and brain fog, which prompts reaching for non-nutritional forms of energy like sugar and caffeine. I’ve dubbed these rascals the terrible twosome, as they can burn out your thyroid (and destabilize blood sugar).

1. Just say no to the dietary bungee cord. Greatly reduce or eliminate caffeine and sugar, including refined carbohydrates like flour, which the body treats like sugar. Make grain-based carbohydrates lesser of a focus, eating non-starchy vegetables to your heart’s content.

2. Up the protein. Protein transports thyroid hormone to all your tissues and enjoying it at each meal can help normalize thyroid function. Proteins include nuts and nut butters; quinoa; hormone- and antibiotic-free animal products (organic, grass-fed meats, eggs, and sustainably-farmed fish); and legumes.

Answer 3

The iodine treatment is a very good option and will work although can be expensive.