pharmasites logo
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. By clicking 'I Understand and Accept', you consent to our use of cookies.
I understand and accept
No, I don't want to use cookies
My Account
Control Panel
An example toast message
Do Something
Login
en
en
Pharmasites logo.
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Free Upgrade
What You Get
Pricing
About Us
Contact Us
Book a Chat
Log Out
Login
Login
en
en
Do Something
Login
en
en
Pharmasites logo.
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Free Upgrade
What You Get
Pricing
About Us
Contact Us
Book a Chat
Log Out
Login
Login
en
en
Treatment

An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) is usually treatable.

You'll usually be referred to a specialist in hormonal conditions (endocrinologist) who will plan your treatment.

The 3 main treatments are:

  • medicine
  • radioactive iodine treatment
  • surgery
Medicine

Medicines called thionamides are commonly used to treat an overactive thyroid. They stop your thyroid producing excess hormones.

The main types used are carbimazole and propylthiouracil.

You'll usually need to take the medicine for 12 to 18 months, and it may be a few months after you start taking it before you notice any benefit.

You may also be given another medicine called a beta blocker to help relieve some of your symptoms in the meantime.

Once your thyroid hormone levels are under control, your dose may be gradually reduced and then stopped. But some people need to continue taking medicine for several years or possibly for life.

Side effects

During the first couple of months, some people experience the following side effects:

  • feeling sick
  • high temperature
  • headaches
  • aching joints
  • altered taste
  • upset stomach
  • an itchy rash

These should pass as your body gets used to the medicine.

Make sure you use effective contraception while taking carbimazole. Taking carbimazole while pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Tell your doctor immediately if you’re taking carbimazole and you become pregnant.

A less common but more serious side effect is a sudden drop in your white blood cell count (agranulocytosis), which can make you very vulnerable to infections.

Contact your doctor immediately if you get symptoms of agranulocytosis, such as a high temperature, sore throat, or a persistent cough. They may arrange for a blood test to check your white blood cell count.

Radioactive iodine treatment

Radioactive iodine treatment is a type of radiotherapy used to destroy the cells in the thyroid gland, reducing the amount of hormones it can produce. It's a highly effective treatment that can cure an overactive thyroid.

You're given a drink or capsule that contains iodine and a low dose of radiation, which is absorbed by your thyroid. Most people only need a single treatment.

It can take a few weeks or months for the full benefits to be felt, so you may need to take medicine, such as carbimazole or propylthiouracil, for a short time.

The dose of radiation used during radioactive iodine treatment is very low, but there are some precautions you'll need to take after treatment:

  • avoid prolonged close contact with children and pregnant women for about 3 weeks
  • women should avoid getting pregnant for at least 6 months
  • men should not father a child for at least 4 months

Radioactive iodine treatment is not suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It's also not suitable if your overactive thyroid is causing severe eye problems.

Surgery

Occasionally, surgery to remove all or part of your thyroid may be recommended.

This may be the best option if:

  • your thyroid gland is severely swollen because of a large goitre
  • you have severe eye problems caused by an overactive thyroid
  • you cannot have other, less invasive treatments
  • your symptoms return after trying other treatments

Removing all of the thyroid gland is usually recommended because it stops the symptoms of hyperthyroidism coming back.

But removing your thyroid means your body will be unable to produce thyroid hormones so you'll need to take medicine, such as levothyroxine, for the rest of your life. Levothyroxine is often used to treat an underactive thyroid.

Last Reviewed
18 April 2023
NHS websiteNHS website
Pharmasites footer logo.
Store Hours Unavailable
No store selected for opening hours
Loading Open Hours...
With over a decade's experience working with UK pharmacies and supplying software that manages over 1,500 UK pharmacy websites, you're in safe hands with Pharmasites. Get in touch today!
Menu
Home
Free Upgrade
Pricing
Referrer Rewards
About Us
Contact Us
Book a Chat
Features
Easy Website Updates
Interactive Maps
Book NHS & Private Services
Pharmacy First
eCommerce
Built-in NHS A-Z
NHS App Integration
See more features
Pharmasites
11 Anderson Way, Lea, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 5EF
matt@pharmasites.co.uk
01904 349 316
No store selected for contacts
No contacts at this store
Pharmasites © 2024
Cookies Policy
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions