- Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too little thyroid hormone. As a result, the metabolism slows down. Hypothyroidism is treated by medication called levothyroxine sodium. You will have to take a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone, T4. The medication is designed to raise the levels of thyroid hormone to normal. It may be difficult to find the proper dosage, but your doctor can administer blood tests to test hormone levels and adjust the dosage. According to National Women's Health Resources, in most cases you will need to take this medication for the rest of your life.
- Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much hormone. As a result, the metabolism speeds up. Hyperthyroidism is more difficult to treat than hyperthyroidism. Treatments include antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine and surgery. Radioactive iodine is used to destroy a part of the thyroid gland in order to reduce the amount of hormone produced. Surgery also removes a part of the thyroid in order to reduce hormone production. Antithyroid medications include methimazole and propylthiouracil. The medications are designed to interfere with production of thyroid hormones.
- Thyroid nodules are not a thyroid disorder but are indicative of an underlying thyroid problem. Some nodules are harmless cysts, some put pressure on the windpipe, and others (about 10 percent) turn out to be cancerous. Nodules require no treatment if they are benign and do not interfer with breathing functions. If the nodule may be cancerous, the thyroid gland may need to be removed.
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