Treatment of thyroid disease depends on the type, age, and severity of thyroid disorders. The thyroid gland is located in the lower neck in front of the trachea. This gland produces two hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triidotironina (T3), which play important roles in brain development and growth, and help regulate the body’s metabolism. The thyroid gland is controlled by the pituitary gland in the brain and production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH is released by the pituitary gland in response to T4 and T3 levels in the blood. If these levels are low, the pituitary produces more TSH to signal the thyroid gland should increase the production of these hormones. If the T4 and T3 levels are high, the pituitary makes less TSH to signal the thyroid to be decreasing the production of hormones.
Treatment for Thyroid Disorders
After identifying a thyroid problem, the patient should be referred to an endocrinologist (hormone specialist issues) for treatment. If you detect a lump or tumor, then it will be necessary to evaluate a surgeon. All types of hypothyroidism are treated with pills to be taken daily, and often the treatment is for life. In some cases compensated hypothyroidism, treatment can be interrupted when it is observed that the thyroid gland begins to produce hormones normally.
Hyperthyroidism can be treated in several different ways. In some cases medication is prescribed on a temporary basis to prevent the production of hormones. The destruction thyroid (thyroid ablation) is the elimination of hormone-producing cells in the gland by oral administration of a liquid called radioactive iodine I-131. You can also remove the thyroid gland through surgery. The specialist will determine the treatment for each patient. In some cases, treatment of hyperthyroidism can cause hypothyroidism, which should be treated by administration of a daily pill.