What medication is given for overactive thyroid?

Have you ever felt like your thyroid gland is going rogue on you, making you feel jittery and anxious all the time? If so, you might have an overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism. But fret not because we’ve got a medication guide that will make treating your condition as easy as pie!

What Causes an Overactive Thyroid?

Before diving into medication options, let’s first talk about what causes this pesky little problem. Sorry to burst your bubble, but being bitten by a radioactive spider isn’t one of them (we wish it was though!). The root cause of hyperthyroidism can be traced back to issues with the immune system or nodules in the thyroid gland. These factors can lead to excessive production of hormones responsible for regulating various body functions such as metabolism.

Fun fact: Did you know that over 200 million people worldwide suffer from some form of thyroid disease? That’s more than the population of Russia!

Symptoms You Just Cannot Ignore

Just like taking selfies after discovering a new filter on Instagram is inevitable, ignoring symptoms signaling an overactive thyroid is impossible too (jk). Here are some signs that should ring alarm bells:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Weight loss
• Anxiety
• Tremors
• Mood swings

Think twice before saying “Oh I’m just someone who always has butterflies in their stomach” because these symptoms shouldn’t be taken lightly!

Fun fact: Some experts believe Princess Diana suffered from undiagnosed hyperthyroidism which could explain her rapid weight loss and prominent eye bulging during public appearances.

High Temperature on Your Meter? Beta-blockers Are Here to Help!

If elevated heart rate and palpitations are disrupting your peace then beta-blocker drugs should become your BFFs! They work by blocking adrenaline producing receptors thus reducing any excess activity in the heart while dampening your overall fight-or-flight response. The most common beta-blockers prescribed to combat hyperthyroidism include:

Fun fact: Beta-blocker medications were first introduced in the 1960s and soon became a popular choice for calming symptoms associated with stage fright!

When Overachieving Thyroids Need Antithyroid Drugs

Aw snap! Your thyroid gland is producing too much of its main hormones causing hormonal chaos in your body, which means it’s time to switch things up. Enter antithyroid drugs that are specifically designed to slow down or halt excessive hormone production.

The two main types of antithyroid drugs physicians commonly prescribe include Thiourea compounds (like Methimazole) or Propylthiouracil. These medications work by preventing the formation of new hormones while lowering levels of existing ones within your system.

A high degree of compliance is necessary when taking these medications because they can take several weeks before showing positive results.

Fun fact: Radioactive iodine treatment was once widely used as an option for treating hyperthyroidism until concerns about radiation exposure led medical personnel to explore alternative treatments.

Surgery Is Not Always Last Resort

If medication doesn’t help alleviate uncomfortable symptoms due to overactive thyroid then surgery might be recommended as another effective course of action! A complete removal (total thyroidectomy) may only be necessary if you have noncancerous nodules otherwise partial excision could also relieve problems plaguing you everyday life.

Just imagine never having the urge again to keep checking whether a starting dog has hugged his owner tighter than last week after surgery— blissful right?

Fun Fact: Leonardo da Vinci was the one who first discovered the thyroid gland in 1500.

The Wrap Up

If you experience any symptoms that are consistent with hyperthyroidism, it’s important to seek medical attention. Treatment options exist and can be tailored according to each patient’s individual need. Beta-blockers, antithyroid drugs, or surgery all involve varying degrees of risk and benefits which should be carefully evaluated before choosing a particular course of treatment.

Just remember that taking care of yourself both physically and mentally is key when managing overactive thyroid!

Fun fact: Freddy Mercury suffered from an overactive thyroid in his twenties but went on to become one of music legends we still love today!

Dane Raynor

Hey there, I’m Dane Raynor, and I’m all about sharing fascinating knowledge, news, and hot topics. I’m passionate about learning and have a knack for simplifying complex ideas. Let’s explore together!