Treating hyperthyroidism with medication

An overproduction of the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine is typical of hyperthyroidism (in medicine: hyperthyroidism). The causes of hyperthyroidism can be very different. Graves’ disease can cause hyperthyroidism. It is also possible that the thyroid gland produces hormones on its own – this is known as thyroid autonomy. Other causes such as inflammation, tumours or certain forms of thyroid cancer are rather rare causes of hyperthyroidism. Statistically speaking, thyroid disease is not a rare phenomenon. Around 20 in 1,000 women and 2 in 1,000 men are affected.

Endocrinologist (Mainz): thyroid gland is under constant stress with hyperthyroidism

‘When the thyroid gland is overactive, the organ is under constant stress. Patients are nervous, suffer from sleep disorders, are shaky, suffer from sweating, hair loss and palpitations. Significant weight loss, weakness and listlessness can also be the result,’ says endocrinologist Prof Dr Christian Wüster, who is based in the state capital of Mainz.

Thyroid dysfunction is often detected during a laboratory test. For example, if the value of the TSH control hormone is too low, this is an indication that either the thyroid gland is producing too much hormone or the pituitary gland is producing too little.

Medication should help to inhibit hormone production

The Mainz-based endocrinologist Prof Wüster focuses on treatment that is as targeted and gentle as possible. Treating hyperthyroidism with medication – thyrostatic drugs have different effects:

• They can inhibit iodine uptake and therefore hormone production.
• They can reduce the release of hormones into the bloodstream.
• They can reduce the production of thyroid hormones.

The specialised endocrinologist decides which medication is administered in which dosage and for how long based on the constantly updated laboratory values and thyroid sonography.

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