Although there is no cure for most thyroid disorders, there are a variety of effective treatment options available. With proper treatment and medical management, most patients with thyroid disorders can expect to lead full, active lives.

Early diagnosis and treatment of a thyroid disorder may help control the condition, sometimes even before symptoms develop. Treatment methods will depend on the type of thyroid disorder present. For example, the goal of treating hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is to restore normal levels of thyroid hormones in the body.

In most cases, treatment is achieved through the use of medications. The type of medications used will depend on the type of thyroid disorder, as well as a patient’s general health, other medical conditions present, age and severity of symptoms. Patients may have to take these medications for the rest of their lives and have their condition periodically monitored by a physician.

In many cases, once a patient finds a thyroid medication that treats the disorder, the patient usually sticks to that formulation permanently. However, there are subtle differences from one type of medication to another that may result in a need to modify the medication regimen.

Some thyroid disorders (e.g., goiters) may resolve on their own without treatment. In other cases (e.g., obstructive goiters, thyroid cancer, some cases of hyperthyroidism), surgery may be recommended to remove part or all of the thyroid gland.

Radioactive iodine therapy is a common treatment for some types of thyroid disorders. Radioactive iodine emits radiation that is harmful to thyroid cells. This type of treatment involves oral administration of the iodine, which is slowly absorbed by the thyroid gland and eventually damages the cells of the gland that make thyroid hormones. This reduces the level of thyroid hormone in the blood. It may also shrink the thyroid gland or thyroid nodules.

Radioactive iodine therapy may be used to treat hyperthyroidism or certain cases of goiter. Larger doses of I-131 may be used to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgical removal of the thyroid gland for thyroid cancer. Such removal may help prevent recurrence of the cancer.

However, any procedure that removes or damages part or all of the thyroid gland often causes hypothyroidism, which then needs to be treated with medications.

The ability to prevent thyroid disorders depends on the type of disorder. For example, some cases of goiter are caused by an iodine deficiency, though this is rare in the United States. Ensuring adequate levels of iodine can help prevent goiter. It is important that patients consult a physician about proper iodine levels, because too little or too much of the mineral may also cause thyroid problems. In addition, limiting exposure to radiation may help prevent thyroid cancer.

Although functional problems of the thyroid gland, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, may not be preventable, the symptoms may be managed and complications prevented with proper treatment and monitoring.