The Ultimate Guide to Hyperthyroidism Treatment in India

Hyperthyroidism Treatment in India

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that is caused by the over-functioning thyroid gland; typical symptoms include heat intolerance, rapid pulse, and weight loss among others. The different treatment therapies for hyperthyroidism as practiced in India are:

Antithyroid Medications: Some drugs known as carbimazole and methimazole also suppress the secretion of thyroid hormones. Carbimazole is metabolized within the body into methimazole. These are commonly used in the management of the condition as they are usually the initial treatment one is likely to receive. 

Radioactive Iodine Therapy: Is a form of treatment whereby radioactive iodine is taken orally and is easily absorbed into the thyroid gland and as a result causes the destruction of the overactive thyroid cells. This therapy is useful in the slow down of the level of thyroid hormones in the body. 

Thyroidectomy: In some cases, where all medical treatment with antithyroid drugs and radioactive iodine is not useful or not feasible, surgical operation to remove a part or the whole of the thyroid gland may be done. This is also used when one wants to get a rapid control of thyroid function or in cases where there is a possibility of thyroid cancer.

Treatment of Thyrotoxic Crisis

Thyrotoxic crisis or thyroid storm, which results from severe hyperthyroidism, is dangerous and poses significant threat to the patients. This calls for urgent management or the condition leads to heart failure, multi organ dysfunction, and death.

Emergency Treatment Approach

ICU Admission

• Continuous monitoring of vitals (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels).
• Oxygen during the presence of respiratory distress.

Medications to Block Thyroid Hormone Production

• High-dose antithyroid drugs (ATDs)
• Propylthiouracil (PTU) – more favored because it inhibits new hormone synthesis as well as the conversion of T4 to T3.
• Methimazole is the other recommended medication if PTU cannot be obtained.

Iodine Solution (After Antithyroid Drugs)

• Potassium Iodide (SSKI) – This is a potent antibacterial agent that is usually administered one hour after PTU in order to inhibit further release of the hormone.

Beta-Blockers (To Control Symptoms)

• Propranolol or Esmolol – helpful in controlling the rate of heartbeat, blood pressure and less the tremors.
• Beta-blockers, if patient’s condition does not respond well to nitrates or calcium channel blockers, specifically Diltiazem is prescribed in this case.

Corticosteroids (To Reduce Inflammation and Prevent Adrenal Insufficiency)

• Hydrocortisone or Dexamethasone – It aids in reducing the amount of hormone produced as well as the body’s response the stress hormone.

Supportive Care

• Intermittent ice packs, gel pads, and other measures of heat reduction Acetaminophen to bring down the fever level in a particular patient.
• IV fluids: Prevent dehydration and correct electrolyte imbalances.
• As a result of hyperthyroidism, you have high metabolism and you tend to get hypoglycemia which means low blood sugar levels and glucose infusion is given to increase the blood sugar levels of the patient.

Treat Underlying Causes

• Infection (antibiotics if needed).
• Withdrawal from antithyroid medication.
• Recent surgery or trauma.

Definitive Treatment After Stabilization

• Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI) – long-term solution to destroy overactive thyroid cells.
• Surgical Thyroidectomy – in severe or recurrent cases.

Can Hyperthyroidism be cured?

Yes, hyperthyroidism can be cured to an extent depending with the cause and type of treatment that is administered in treatment of the condition.

Hyperthyroidism Management

Hyperthyroidism properly diagnosed and after careful examination and elaborate tests, is treatable through medications as well as other remedies that may take a long term action. It is to limit excessive thyroid hormones and their impact on the body and body’s systems.

Medical Treatment

Antithyroid Medications (First-line treatment)

• Methimazole (MMI) – Preferred due to fewer side effects.
• Propylthiouracil (PTU) – Preferred in pregnancy (first trimester).
• Treatment course usually takes 12-18 months; there is a possibility of a remission in 30-50% of cases.

Beta-Blockers (Symptom control)

• Propranolol, Atenolol, or Metoprolol – Reduces heart rate, tremors, and anxiety.
• This medication does not reduce the production of thyroid hormones, yet easies the manifestations of the disease.

Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI-131) (Permanent solution)

• Destroys overactive thyroid cells over weeks/months.
• Most common long-term treatment.
• May lead to hypothyroidism that will need a constant use of Levothyroxine.

Surgery (Thyroidectomy) – Permanent Cure

• For large goitres, severe hyperthyroidism, or failed medication therapy.
• Requires lifelong thyroid hormone replacement.

Lifestyle Management

Dietary Modifications

• Do not consume large amounts of iodine in one’s food (such as seaweed, iodized salt or shellfish).
• Include more products containing antioxidants (fruits, nuts, whole-grained products).
• Such solutions as decreasing foods containing caffeine, minimizing processed sugar can effectively lower palpitations related to anxiety.
• Maintain hydration to support metabolism.

Stress Management

• Yoga, meditation, deep breathing, etc, play a role of managing thyroid glands.
• Pleasant weight management requires 7 to 9 hours of sleep as it helps maintain a proper balance of the hormones in the body.

Regular Monitoring

• Their TSH level, T3, T4 tests at least once in few months.
• Specifically, one needs to monitor possible signs of hypothyroidism while taking RAI or after thyroid surgery.

Long-Term Monitoring & Prevention

• Attending weekly appointments with the endocrinologist for the purpose of modifying the doses of medications.
• Other basic examinations (Hyperthyroidism makes women more prone to osteoporosis).
• Monitoring the PC, such as checking pulses and blood pressure, with the application they will get maximum benefits while minimizing the risk of atrial fibrillation or palpitations.

Cure for Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism can be permanently cured with the right treatment. The choice depends on the cause, severity, and patient condition.

Permanent Cure Options

Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI-131) – Most Common Cure

• How it Works: Taking a small oral dose of radioactive iodine to selectively kill the overactive thyroid cells.
• Effectiveness: Permanent cure in most cases within 6–18 weeks.
• There is a poor outcome of the treatment with a majority of the patients developing hypothyroidism and having to be on Levothyroxine for life.
• Best for: Graves' disease, toxic multinodular goitre, and toxic adenoma.

Thyroid Surgery (Thyroidectomy) – Immediate Cure

• It is Thyroid Gland Surgery, which can either be a total thyroidectomy, which means the removal of the entire gland or a partial or lobectomy, which is the removal of part of the gland.
• Effectiveness: Permanent cure with instant hormone reduction.
• Outcome: The person needs Levothyroxine for a lifetime if the majority of his/her thyroid was removed.

Best for:

• Large goitres causing breathing/swallowing issues.
• Hyperthyroidism when there is no response from medicine or radioactive iodine.
• Pregnant women or patients cannot take RAI in following cases.

Treatment for Hyperthyroidism Medication

Another common treatment of hyperthyroidism includes the use of antithyroid medications, beta-blockers and other supplementation. Selection of the treatment is based on the severity, kind of ophthalmopathy, and other associated comorbidities, the patient may have like Graves’ disease or toxic nodules.

Antithyroid Drugs (ATDs) – First-Line Treatment

• These medicines suppress production of thyroid hormones and are utilised in cases of short-term management or remission purposes.

Beta-Blockers – Symptom Control

• It does not lower thyroid hormones but can manage the conditions such as rapid heartbeat, shaking, anxiety, and sweating.

Corticosteroids (For Severe Cases)

• It is used in thyroid storm or graves’ orbitopathy.
• Dexamethasone or Hydrocortisone is useful in reducing inflammation and the recombinant form of T4 to T3.

Iodine Solutions (Used in Specific Cases)

• Lugol’s solution is also referred to as saturated solution of potassium iodide (SSKI).
• Expected to put a stop to thyroid hormone release 1 hour after administration of ATDs.
• Can be employed before the patient is taken to surgery or in thyroid storm to give quick relief.

Best Hospitals for Hyperthyroidism Treatment

• Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon
• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
• Max Hospital, Saket
• Apollo Hospital, Delhi

Best Doctors for Hyperthyroidism Treatment

• Dr. Dheeraj Kapoor
• Dr. Rajesh Rajput
• Dr. Nitin Gupta
• Dr. Ambrish Mithal
• Dr. Chandar Mohan Batra

Why Choose GetWellGo for Hyperthyroidism treatment in India?

Get Well Go is regarded as a leading supplier of healthcare services. We help our foreign clients choose the best treatment locations that suit their needs both financially and medically.

We offer:

• Complete transparency
• Fair costs.
• 24 hour availability.
• Medical E-visas
• Online consultation from recognized Indian experts.
• Assistance in selecting India's top hospitals for hyperthyroidism treatment.
• Expert endocrinologist with a strong track record of success
• Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
• Language Support
• Travel and Accommodation Services
• Case manager assigned to every patient to provide seamless support in and out of the hospital like appointment booking
• Local SIM Cards
• Currency Exchange
• Arranging Patient’s local food