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The 3 Different Treatments For An Overactive Thyroid

Information about the three different treatments for an overactive thyroid

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Treatment options

Tablets: Carbimazole, propylthiouracil (PTU)

Cannot use if

You have had a severe reaction to one of these drugs

Advantages

  • Quite quick to work (4-6 weeks)
  • Sudden swings in thyroid hormone level unlikely
  • Painless

Disadvantages

  • 12-18 months course of tablets
  • Thyroid overactivity comes back in 60-70% of patients after treatment
  • 10% risk of rash or other minor side-effects
  • Very rarely stops production of white blood cells.

Radioiodine

Cannot use if

You are breastfeeding or pregnant

Advantages

  • Painless
  • Permanent – low chance of over activity coming back

Disadvantages

  • Slow action (up to 6 months)
  • Tablets may be needed during this time
  • High chance (50%-80%) of permanent thyroid under-activity requiring thyroxine tablets
  • May worsen eye problems
  • Need to avoid prolonged close contact with others for 1 to 2 weeks after treatment

Surgery

Cannot use if

You are unfit for an operation or your thyroid overactivity is not controlled first

Advantages

  • Quick (days)
  • Permanent – low chance of overactivity coming back

Disadvantages

  • Risk of general anaesthetic
  • Low risk of causing hoarse voice or damage to calcium controlling glands
  • Likely to cause thyroid under-activity requiring thyroxine tablets
  • Temporary discomfort
  • Neck scar

Who do I contact if I have any questions?

Royal Sussex County Hospital

Endocrine specialist nurse 01273 696955 Ext. 64379

Email [email protected]

Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath

Endocrine specialist nurse 01444 441881 Ext. 65660

Email [email protected]

If you have any urgent or emergency questions then your GP can advise you or they will contact the hospital on your behalf.

Patient self-help groups and further information: British Thyroid Foundation.

There is more information about thyroid treatment options available on our website.

This information is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove or Haywards Heath.

This information is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.

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