Hyperthyroidism: Difference between revisions

Treatment depends partly on the cause and severity of disease.<ref name=NIH2012/> There are three main treatment options: [[radioiodine therapy]], medications, and thyroid surgery.<ref name=NIH2012/> Radioiodine therapy involves taking [[iodine-131]] by mouth which is then concentrated in and destroys the thyroid over weeks to months.<ref name=NIH2012/> The resulting hypothyroidism is treated with synthetic thyroid hormone.<ref name=NIH2012/> Medications such as [[beta blockers]] may control the symptoms, and [[anti-thyroid medication]]s such as [[methimazole]] may temporarily help people while other treatments are having an effect.<ref name=NIH2012/> Surgery to remove the thyroid is another option.<ref name=NIH2012/> This may be used in those with very large thyroids or when cancer is a concern.<ref name=NIH2012/> In the United States hyperthyroidism affects about 1.2% of the population.<ref name=ATA2011/> Worldwide, hyperthyroidism affects 2.5% of adults.<ref name="Lee 2023">{{cite journal |last1=Lee |first1=Sun Y. |last2=Pearce |first2=Elizabeth N. |title=Hyperthyroidism: A Review |journal=JAMA |date=17 October 2023 |volume=330 |issue=15 |pages=1472–1483 |doi=10.1001/jama.2023.19052|pmid=37847271 |pmc=10873132 |pmc-embargo-date=April 17, 2024 |s2cid=265937262 }}</ref> It occurs between two and ten times more often in women.<ref name=NIH2012/> Onset is commonly between 20 and 50 years of age.<ref name=Clin2014/> Overall the disease is more common in those over the age of 60 years.<ref name=NIH2012/>