What Are the Treatments for Graves' Disease?

Graves' disease causes hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid produces too much of the thyroxine hormone. The disease stems from a malfunction in the immune system that causes it too mistakenly attack the thyroid. The increased hormone activity causes the body's metabolic rate to be much faster than normal. Symptoms of Graves' disease include weight loss, fatigue, sweating, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, fast heartbeat, hand tremors and heat sensitivity. Treatments range from medicine to surgery.

Anti-Thyroid Medications

• Prescription medications such as methimazole, propylthiouracil and methimazole prevent the thyroid from manufacturing excessive amounts of thyroxine. These medications may be taken for one to two years and are generally discontinued when an individual goes into remission from Graves' disease. Of these two medications, the Mayo Clinic says that methimazole is safer; however, both have been linked to liver damage.

Radioactive Iodine Treatment

• Taking an oral form of radioactive iodine over time will kill the overactive cells in the thyroid and help shrink the thyroid. Symptoms improve over several weeks or months. This treatment is generally not recommended for individuals with eye problems linked to Graves' disease.

Beta Blockers

• Beta blockers such as nadolol, metoprolol, atenolol and propranolol ease some symptoms of Graves' disease and may partially block thyroxine's actions within the body. Beta blockers help with tremors, nervousness and rapid heart rate.

Thyroidectomy

• Individuals who are unable to take powerful anti-thyroid medications or tolerate radioactive iodine therapy may need to have their thyroid surgically removed. Thyroxine treatment will be needed after the surgery to regulate thyroid hormones within the body.

Graves' Ophthalmopathy Treatments

• Some individuals with Graves' disease experience problems with their eyes. Treatments for Graves' ophthalmopathy include prednisone to reduce swelling behind the eyes. In more severe cases, eye surgery may be required.