Understanding TSH Elevation: Treatment Options & Management

Many treatments are available for patients with elevated levels of TSH, or thyroid stimulating hormone. From daily maintenance through prescription medication to surgery, hyperthyroidism is often easily treated and its symptoms managed.

Medications

• Prescription medications can help patients manage the symptoms that accompany hyperthyroidism. The two most common are propylthiouracil and methimazole. Treatment may be short-term (as little as six weeks), but some patients may require longer treatment.

Iodine

• Oral radioactive iodine is effective in shrinking the thyroid gland, thereby easing symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Some patients then require a daily medication to help replace thyroxine, whose production is sometimes repressed with iodine treatment.

Beta Blockers

• Best known for treating hypertension, beta blockers have proven helpful in patients with hyperthyroidism. Beta blockers work to reduce rapid heartbeats, which are a common symptom among hyperthyroid patients.

Surgery

• Patients who don't benefit from other conservative treatments may be candidates for a thyroidectomy, in which a portion of the thyroid is removed. Because the thyroid function is then compromised, daily oral medication is often required for the rest of the patient's life.

Graves' Disease Patients

• Patients with Graves' disease can manage their symptoms by using prescription eye drops and specific eye gels. Some patients may require steroid treatment to alleviate swelling behind the eyes. And for some patients, surgery may be recommended to ease compression or to correct muscles in the eye.