Antithyroid medications are prescribed to treat symptoms associated with a variety of thyroid conditions, including:

• Hyperthyroidism. Results from overactivity of the thyroid gland, which secretes hormones that regulate a person’s metabolism (the physical and chemical processes necessary for the maintenance of life). Patients experience the release of too much thyroid hormone into the bloodstream, causing processes in the body to speed up. Symptoms can include thyroid enlargement (goiter), rapid heart rate and sudden, unexplained weight loss.
  
  The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder. Some people with Graves’ disease may experience variations that affect the eyes (Graves’ ophthalmopathy) or the skin on the shins and the top of the feet (Graves’ dermopathy).
  
  
• Thyroid nodules and tumors. Growth of tissue in the thyroid that is usually benign (noncancerous). Rarely are malignant (cancerous) nodules associated with hyperthyroidism.
  
  
• Thyroiditis. Inflammation of the thyroid gland. There are several types that may cause either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Although “subacute” thyroiditis can cause hyperthyroidism, in general neither propylthiouracil or methimazole is used to treat this type of condition. On the other hand, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a common cause of hypothyroidism.

Thyroid hormone medications are used primarily to treat hypothyroidism.

Radioactive iodine therapy may be used to treat hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, goiter and thyroid nodules.

The many uses of beta blockers include relieving symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as rapid heartbeat, tremors and anxiety.