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Thyrotoxicosis- What do you need to know and doctors don't have time to tell you?
When the concentration of thyroid stimulating hormone is low but that of thyroxine normal, serum concentration of free triiodothyronine should be measured to diagnose triiodothyronine (T3) toxicosis. Thyroxine (T4) toxicosis (raised concentration of free thyroxine, normal concentration of free triiodothyronine), which is unusual, may occur with high iodine intake, treatment with amiodarone, severe intercurrent illness, or starvation. Finally, euthyroid patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy, severe non-thyroidal illness, large goitres, or those who have had recent treatment for thyrotoxicosis may have a suppressed concentration of thyroid stimulating hormone. Medical treatment Antithyroid drugs: carbimazole, methimazole and propylthiouracil constitute the thionamide group of antithyroid drugs. They inhibit the organification of iodide and coupling of iodothyronines, thus reducing production of triiodothyronine and thyroxine. Propylthiouracil also inhibits the peripheral conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine. In addition to blocking thyroid hormone biosynthesis, these drugs also lower concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibodies and increase acitivity of suppressor T cells, which suggests that they have immunosuppressive effects.3 Carbimazole is given once daily, which makes it the drug of first choice. Once patients are taking a maintenance dose, serum concentrations of free thyroxine and thyroid stimulating hormone are measured every three months. The duration of antithyroid treatment has been much studied and debated (6-24 months), but is usually 18 months.4 Blockers These are useful adjunctive agents and ameliorate some of the clinical features, such as tremor, palpitations, and anxiety. Propranolol (120-240 mg/day) is the most commonly used b blocker, although any could be used. Once a euthyroid state has been reached, the b blocker is discontinued. Summary for Thyrotoxicosis/ Hyperthyroidism
Patients should be warned of the side effects of antithyroid drugs. For more information about Hyperthyroidism check the following: Other Alternative Methods for Hyperthyroidism 5 Alternative Treatments of Hyperthyroidism 20 Possible Triggers for Hyperthyroidism/ Graves' Disease
I believe that once your symptoms are under control and your test are in normal range your eyes will start to improve. So besides treating the symptoms I would recommend treating the cause of Graves’ Disease as well. Svetla Bankova CTACC, MBA in Counseling Psychology, former Graves' Disease patient About the author: Svetla Bankova is an author of "Life Manual for Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism"- a book, based not only on her experience as a former Graves' Disease patient but also her research as a psychologist. This is only book that explains step by step how and why Graves' Disease came to your life, the cause and specific steps for alternative treatment of Graves' disease. The book provides also specific steps how to treat Thyroid Eye Disease, numerous practical exercises, recipes for herbal compresses, how to use flax seed oil and many other supplements that will improve your eyes tremendously. To get your copy today and start taking care of your Thyroid Eye Disease click here:
P.S. To see other free Articles about Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidismclick here:
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for the first 4-6 weeks 
