Hypothyroidism

• Hypothyroidism is the result of an underactive thyroid. There are several causes for this condition. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the thyroid's inability to produce a sufficient amount of hormones. Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid and is commonly seen in women after child delivery. The inflammation generally subsides within a few months of delivery. Damage to the pituitary gland or the thyroid through radiation or thyroidectomy results in reduced hormone production.
  
  

Hormone replacement

• The treatment for hypothyroidism, in most cases, is a life-long regimen of hormone replacement. The most common of these is a synthetic hormone known as Synthroid. Synthroid (or the generic equivalent Levythyroxin) comes in tablet form and is taken every morning 30 minutes to an hour before eating.
  
  

Hyperthyroidism

• This condition is characterized by an overactive thyroid. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Graves' disease, in which the thyroid no longer responds to the controlling signals of the pituitary gland and overproduces. Functioning adenoma occurs when a nodule on the thyroid begins producing hormones, independent of the thyroid gland. When several nodules produce hormones, it is referred to as toxic multinodular goiter. Hyperthyroidism can also result from excess dosage of replacement hormones, but this can be regulated through dosage adjustment.
  
  

Antithyroid drugs

• Methimazole, known as Tapazole, and propylthiouracil, known as PTU, are commonly used to treat Graves' disease. These drugs work by building up within the thyroid and blocking hormonal production. This treatment may result in low production of white blood cells in bone marrow, resulting in susceptibility to infection.
  
  

Thyroidectomy

• Surgery may be warranted in cases of functioning adenoma or toxic multinodular goiter. The hormone producing nodules are surgically removed, but this treatment has its risks. The surgery may result in hypothyroidism, requiring hormone replacement treatment.
  
  

Considerations

• Any treatment for thyroid disorder should be consistently monitored. Dosages of hormone replacement drugs need to be adjusted as the body adjusts to the drugs. Patients using antithyroid drugs need to be monitored for signs of infection and effectiveness of the treatment. If the drugs do not put the disease into remission, a thyroidectomy or radiation may be required.