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to make a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism the level of T3 and T4 hormones must be elevated while the level of TSH must be below the normal range. He should also do an iodine uptake scan. This test is performed by giving the patient a small dose of radioactive iodine that is taken orally on an empty stomach. Over a short period of time, usually a few hours, the iodine is passed in the urine and concentrated in the thyroid gland. The amount of iodine "taken up" by the thyroid gland is then measured. A thyroid scan test should be done at the same time as the iodine uptake scan because it also requires the ingestion of radioactive iodine. Gamma rays given of by the radioactive iodine are then used to form a picture of the thyroid gland.

If a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is made from information obtained by these tests then treatment should begin. Only after the cause of the disorder is determined and the severity of symptoms defined should a treatment option be decided on.

Treatment Options:
Radioactive iodine treatment is usually the first consideration when the hyperthyroidism is brought on by Graves' disease. For obvious reasons this treatment cannot be used for pregnant women or if the patient is breastfeeding. In this treatment radioactive iodine tablets are taken orally. The over active thyroid cells take up the radioactive iodine and are damaged. This causes the thyroid to shrink and return to the production of normal amounts of hormones. The major side effect of this treatment is that the majority of patients become hypothyroid wich means that the levels of hormone production fall below the required level. These patients then need to undergo lifelong hormone replacement therapy. Another treatment is the use of antithyroid drugs.
Side effects from the use of antithyroid drugs may include joint pains, fever, jaundice, and skin rashes.These drugs are used to reduce the production and release of the thyroid hormones. They work by preventing the uptake and use of iodine by the thyroid which in turn reduces the hormone production levels. Sometimes drugs known as beta adrenergic blocking agents are employed. These drugs are used to block the action of the thyroid hormone on the heart. This helps to relieve certain heart related symptoms. The final solution that is used in the most severe of cases is a procedure called a thyroidectomy, a surgery that removes the thyroid gland from the body. A patient who undergoes this procedure will have to use replacement thyroid hormone therapy for the remainder of their lives.
If you suspect you may have thyroid problems you should not hesitate to see your doctor. The earlier a diagnosis is made, as is the case with most disorders, the better the chance of recovery, a reduction in treatment time, and the severity of the symptoms.

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