There are various treatments available to treat patients with hyperthyroidism. A physician can help determine the best course of treatment based on a patient's condition and other factors.

Radioactive iodine can be taken in pill or liquid form to shrink the thyroid gland, reducing symptoms. Normally, thyroid cells take up iodine when creating thyroid hormone. When radioactive iodine is introduced, the thyroid cells take up this type of iodine as well, resulting in destruction of these cells and reduced production of thyroid hormone. More than 70 percent of adults with hyperthyroidism are treated with radioactive iodine, according to the American Thyroid Association. Among the hundreds of thousands of people who have been treated with radioactive iodine, there have been no reports of serious complications, according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.

There have been cases of patients who received radioactive iodine setting off radiation detectors at airports weeks after the treatment. Patients who get this treatment may wish to ask their physician to write an explanatory letter for security personnel.

Though this therapy often is effective, over time it shrinks the thyroid so significantly that patients eventually produce too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism). When this occurs, patients are required to take thyroid hormone replacement medicines for the rest of their lives.

Antithyroid medications also can prevent the gland from producing excess amounts of hormones. In some cases, medications may be effective for a period of time before a relapse of hyperthyroidism occurs. For example, between 20 and 30 percent of patients with Graves' disease who take these medications for up to 18 months will experience prolonged remission of their illness, according to the American Thyroid Association.

Side effects with these drugs are rare but may include allergic reaction, liver damage and a potentially dangerous reduction in white blood cell counts.

Beta blockers, a class of antihypertensive medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions, can control symptoms such as rapid heart rate, tremors and nervousness. Possible side effects of beta blockers include dizziness, fatigue, insulin resistance, elevated cholesterol and sexual dysfunction. Beta blockers are typically discontinued when the hyperthyroidism is controlled by thyroid drugs, radioactive iodine or surgery.

Some patients may require thyroid surgery. This most often is recommended for patients who have large goiters that impair breathing ability or when other treatments fail to work. In these procedures, some or all (thyroidectomy) of the thyroid may be removed.

Thyroid surgery includes risk of damage to the vocal cords (which can cause hoarseness) and the parathyroid glands, which control the level of calcium in the blood. Damage to the parathyroid glands may require the patient to take medication to ensure that levels of calcium in the bloodstream remain normal. Surgery also may leave a scar on the neck.

Patients who have their thyroid removed or significantly reduced will be required to take thyroid hormone supplements for the rest of their lives.

A physician may prescribe exercise to help patients cope with fatigue and muscle weakness. Research has shown that physical activity can help people who are suffering fatigue to feel more energetic and less tired.

Patients diagnosed with Graves' ophthalmopathy may be able to treat mild symptoms with simple self-care techniques. In some cases, surgery or other treatments may be required.

Patients generally cannot prevent hyperthyroidism. However, various self-care techniques may be used to reduce symptoms. For example, patients who lose excessive amounts of weight due to their condition may benefit from a high-calorie, high-protein diet. They also can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures by making sure they receive adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D in their diets.