How to Lower Thyroid Levels

The thyroid, a small gland in the front of the neck, produces hormones that regulate primary body functions such as metabolism, hair growth/loss, weight gain/loss, body temperature, moods and more. When the thyroid becomes overactive, it is called hyperthyroid, and it produces a too-high level of thyroid hormone throughout the body. This can be regulated with a few steps.

Things You'll Need

• Thyroid-level-lowering medication

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Instructions

• 1

  Visit a doctor or endocrinologist to test your thyroid levels. The doctor will be able to determine just how high the levels of your thyroid are with a simple blood test. He will prescribe the best course of action to lower your thyroid. Most frequently, medication is prescribed.

• 2

  Choose a medication with your doctor. The most common hyperthyroid medication is methimazole (generic name), which works to block the thyroid's functioning. When taken properly, the medication has been shown to lower thyroid levels within a few weeks.

• 3

  Take the medication as prescribed, paying attention to any requirements (such as taking the pill on an empty stomach, etc). Hyperthyroid patients require medication for the rest of their lives, but there are very few side effects.

• 4

  Return to your doctor as requested, usually every six months, for follow-up blood tests. Your doctor will track your thyroid levels to see whether the medication is helping lower the thyroid levels. Occasional adjustments in dosage may be required.

• 5

  Discuss other treatment options with your doctor. These are rare but occasionally required, and include taking a one-time iodine pill (this does not require hospitalization) or surgery to remove the thyroid gland. Each of these treatments will then require the patient to begin a course of thyroid replacement therapy, which mimics the thyroid's functioning in the body.