Hyperthyroidism Health Article

Surgery

Some patients may undergo surgery to treat hyperthyroidism. Most commonly, patients treated with thyroidectomy, in the form of partial or total removal of the thyroid, suffer from large goiter and have suffered relapses, even after repeated attempts to address the disease through drug therapy. Some patients may be candidates for surgery because they were not good candidates for iodine therapy, or refused iodine administration. Patients receiving throidectomy or iodine therapy must be carefully monitored for years to watch for signs of hypothyroidism, or insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which can occur as a complication of thyroid production suppression.

Alternative treatment

Consumption of foods such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, rutabagas, spinach, turnips, peaches, and pears can help naturally suppress thyroid hormone production. Caffeinated drinks and dairy products should be avoided. Under the supervision of a trained physician, high dosages of certain vitamin/mineral combinations can help alleviate hyperthyroidism.

Prognosis

Hyperthyroidism is generally treatable and carries a good prognosis. Most patients lead normal lives with proper treatment. Thyroid storm, however, can be lifethreatening and can lead to heart, liver, or kidney failure.

Prevention

There are no known prevention methods for hyperthyroidism, since its causes are either inherited or not completely understood. The best prevention tactic is knowledge of family history and close attention to symptoms and signs of the disease. Careful attention to prescribed therapy can prevent complications of the disease.

BOOKS

The Burton Goldberg Group. Alternative Medicine. Puyallup, WA: Future Medicine Publishing Inc., 1994.

PERIODICALS

Lazarus, John H. "Hyperthyroidism." The Lancet 340 (1 Feb. 1997): 339-342.

ORGANIZATIONS

The Thyroid Foundation of America. 350 Ruth Sleeper Hall RSL 350, Parkman St., Boston, MA. 02114. (800) 832-8321. <http://www.clark.net/pub/tfa>.

OTHER

"Endocrine Disorder and Endocrine Surgery." Endocrine Web Page. <http://www.endocrineweb.com>.

Teresa Norris

KEY TERMS

Goiter—Chronic enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Gonads—Organs that produce sex cells—the ovaries and testes.

Palpitations—Rapid and forceful heartbeat.

Radioisotope—A chemical tagged with radioactive compounds that is injected during a nuclear medicine procedure to highlight organ or tissue.

Thyroidectomy—Removal of the thyroid gland.