How is the thyroid gland treated?

The treatment of thyroid diseases depends on the specific condition. Common methods include medication, surgery, and iodine-131 therapy. 1. **Medication**: Commonly used antithyroid drugs such as methimazole are employed to inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormones and are suitable for patients with mild hyperthyroidism. For hypothyroidism, hormone replacement therapy is typically administered using medications like levothyroxine sodium. 2. **Surgery**: This is suitable for more severe conditions such as goiter, thyroid nodules, or thyroid cancer. Surgical options include partial or total thyroidectomy. Postoperative care is important to prevent complications. 3. **Iodine-131 Therapy**: This involves using radioactive iodine-131 to destroy part of the thyroid tissue, thereby reducing thyroid hormone production. It is suitable for treating hyperthyroidism and certain types of thyroid cancer. The specific treatment plan should be determined by a physician according to the patient's condition. If you experience symptoms related to thyroid disease, seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment.