Can hyperthyroidism be cured? When to have surgery?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Do Xuan Chien - Head of Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.
Normally, the thyroid gland produces the hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (levothyroxine) that regulate the body's metabolism. When the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, it leads to hyperthyroidism. When you have hyperthyroidism, the patient will have symptoms such as: shaking hands, fast heart rate, increased blood pressure, sweating a lot, weight loss, fatigue... So can hyperthyroidism be cured, hyperthyroidism surgery is that Okay?

1. Can hyperthyroidism be cured?

Hyperthyroidism has some typical symptoms such as: increased sweating, heat intolerance, increased bowel movements, trembling hands, anxiety, irritability, rapid heart rate, weight loss, fatigue, decreased concentration.. Treatment methods for hyperthyroidism include symptomatic treatment due to excessive thyroid hormone, drugs to treat tachycardia, antithyroid drugs...
After 1 - 2 years of treatment, the cure rate is about approx. 40 - 70%. When the disease is cured, the thyroid gland does not grow larger, treatment with antithyroid drugs is not necessary. Recent studies also show that the combination of thyroid hormone pills with diet often has a high cure rate.
When stopping treatment, the patient will continue to see the doctor every 3 months for the first year because the disease may recur during this period. If the disease recurs, then antithyroid drugs or radioactive iodine can be resumed, or surgical treatment can be considered. Patients should go for regular check-ups at a hospital specializing in endocrinology for proper monitoring and treatment guidance.

2. Can hyperthyroidism go away on its own?

For the most part, hyperthyroidism won't go away on its own if left untreated. The goal of treatment is to return the patient to a euthyroid state and maintain it for a period of time. At the same time, prevention and treatment of complications if any. There are three basic treatment methods, including: medical treatment with drugs, thyroid surgery, or radiation therapy. If euthyroid status is maintained continuously during antithyroid drug therapy, it can be completely stopped after 18 to 24 months.

3. Should I have surgery if I have hyperthyroidism?

Patients with hyperthyroid goiter are mainly treated with synthetic antithyroid drugs, cardiovascular drugs, the patient will recover quickly and return to a normal state. The duration of treatment is about 12-18 months, often giving very good results for hyperthyroidism in which the goiter is diffuse grade 1 or the thyroid gland is normal in size.
However, for hyperthyroid disease with nodular goiter or large thyroid gland grade 2 - 3, after medical treatment is stable (gain weight, no shaking hands, no palpitations, normal heart beat, pulse stops) fast) should be combined with surgery for better treatment results.
In addition, some cases will be indicated for surgery: taking drugs with limited results, or recurrence, goiter too large, pregnant women (months 3 - 4) and during lactation or no medical treatment conditions. The doctor will remove nearly the entire thyroid gland leaving 2-3g in each lobe to avoid cutting the parathyroid gland.

4. Where is the prestigious place to examine and treat hyperthyroidism?

Endocrinology - General Internal Medicine Department of Vinmec Times City International General Hospital is a reliable address to examine hyperthyroidism. The Department of Endocrinology belongs to the field of internal medicine, undertaking examination, diagnosis and treatment, based on disease characteristics - chronic diseases related to dysfunction of the endocrine system and hormones.
Specializes in applying new techniques in disease treatment: treating benign thyroid nodules with high-frequency ablation (avoiding thyroid surgery for patients). Especially, there is a team of well-trained and experienced medical doctors:
Associate Professor, Doctor, Doctor Nguyen Thi Hoan Associate Professor, Doctorate, Doctor Chu Hoang Van Master, Doctor Pham Thi Thu Huong Master, Doctor Bui Minh Duc Doctor Nguyen Ngoc Son Doctor, Doctor Pham Thi Hong Hoa Master, Doctor Nguyen Thi Cam Tu

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.