Treatments for Thyroid Disease

By Mary Shomon, About.com Guide to Thyroid Disease

Recommended thyroid treatment approaches depend on the type of thyroid disease you have, and in some cases, the severity of the condition. This article provides an overview of the treatment approaches for key thyroid conditions -- hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, autoimmune thyroid disease, Hashimoto's, Graves' disease, thyroiditis, nodules, goiter, and thyroid cancer -- as well as information on the specific treatments.

1. Hypothyroidism Treatment
2. Hyperthyroidism / Graves' Disease Treatment
3. Autoimmune Thyroid Disease Treatment

4. Goiter/Thyroid Nodules Treatment
5. Thyroid Cancer Treatment
6. Alternative and Holistic Approaches to Thyroid Treatment

Hypothyroidism Treatment

Hypothyroidism is treated by replacing the missing hormone, a hormone that is essential to the body’s key functions.

• Hypothyroidism Treatment, with Dr. Ted Friedman
• 15 Ways to Feel and Live Well With Hypothyroidism
• Is Your Hypothyroidism UNDERtreated?

Hyperthyroidism / Graves' Disease Treatment

Hyperthyroidism is treated by reducing the excess hormone levels, which is accomplished in various ways.

• Radioactive Iodine Treatment (RAI)
• Antithyroid Drug Therapy (ATD)
• Surgery / Thyroidectomy
• Thyroid Arterial Embolization

Autoimmune Thyroid Disease Treatment

Autoimmune thyroid disease includes Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and Graves' disease. Autoimmunity is usually indicated by the presence of antibodies.

• Thyroid Antibodies
• Treatment Can Help Those Who Test Positive for Thyroid Antibodies
• Do You Need Preventative Thyroid Treatment? Treating Antibodies When TSH is Norm

Goiter/Thyroid Nodules Treatment

Doctors may decide to monitor -- rather than treat -- some small goiters or nodules. Some are treated with thyroid hormone replacement drugs to slow, stop, or shrink the growth. Physically or cosmetically problematic goiters are usually treated with radioactive iodine (RAI) or surgery.

• Thyroid Nodules/Lumps and Goiter (Enlargement)
• Thyroid Surgery
• Percutaneous Ethanol Injection (PEI) for Nodules
• High-Intensity Ultrasound Beam Technology

Thyroid Cancer Treatment

There are four different types of thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic. The treatments are based on the type of cancer, and in some cases, the staging -- how far the cancer has spread to other parts of the body -- as well as if it’s a new cancer or a recurrent cancer.

• Thyroid Cancer Treatment Approaches
• Surgery for Thyroid Cancer
• Anaplastic Cancer Treatment

Alternative and Holistic Approaches to Thyroid Treatment

There are a number of alternative, holistic and integrative ways to approach thyroid disease treatment.

• Thyroid Disease: A Natural/Herbal Perspective
• Can Your Hypothyroidism Be Treated Naturally?
• The Top Five Supplements for Thyroid Support
• Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements for Thyroid Disease
• South American Medicinal Herbs for Hormones

• The Yin and Yang of Thyroid: Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Metabolic Detective: A Look at Nutrition for Your Thyroid
• Natural Hormones for Hypothyroidism
• Armour Thyroid and Thyrolar: Alternatives to Synthroid and T4-Only Drugs
• Yoga