Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid): Therapy

General measures

  • In case of orbitopathy (protrusion of the eyeballs) – use artificial tears and tinted glasses with side shields if needed, and adopt a relatively upright sleeping position if possible; furthermore, the eyelids can be taped shut during sleep
  • During radiological examinations (e.g., CT, angiography), iodine-containing contrast medium must not be administered because of the risk of hyperthyroidism; in emergency examinations, thyroidal iodine uptake can be blocked by perchlorate before the iodine-containing contrast medium is administered.
  • Nicotine restriction (refraining from tobacco use) – smoking increases the risk of immunogenic hyperthyroidism and also promotes the progression (progression) of endocrine orbitopathy (EO, protrusion of the eyeballs.
  • Strive to maintain a normal weight! Determination of BMI (body mass index, body mass index) or body composition by means of electrical impedance analysis and, if necessary, participation in a medically supervised program for the underweight.
    • Falling below the BMI lower limit (from the age of 45: 22; from the age of 55: 23; from the age of 65: 24) → Participation in a medically supervised program for the underweight.
  • Review of permanent medication (eg, amiodarone) due topossible effect on the existing disease.
  • Avoidance of psychosocial stress:
    • Stress

Conventional non-surgical therapy methods

  • Radioiodine therapy is a procedure in which thyroid tissue is destroyed by radioactive radiation. Indications: It can be performed as initial therapy or as therapy for recurrence (recurrence of the disease) that has occurred. Another indication is the contraindication (contraindication) of surgical therapy of hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism).
  • Percutaneous sonographically guided ethanol injection therapy (PEIT) for uni/bifocal autonomy (benign nodule of autonomous thyroid tissue originating from the glandular epithelium; synonyms: hot nodule, focal autonomy, Plummer’s disease) [low-risk alternative to surgery/radioiodine therapy].

Regular check-ups

  • Regular medical checkups

Nutritional medicine

  • Nutritional counseling based on nutritional analysis
  • Nutritional recommendations according to a mixed diet taking into account the disease at hand. This means, among other things:
    • Daily total of 5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruits (≥ 400 g; 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruits).
    • Once or twice a week fresh sea fish, i.e. fatty marine fish (omega-3 fatty acids) such as salmon, herring, mackerel.
    • High-fiber diet (whole grain products).
  • Observance of the following special dietary recommendations:
    • If Graves’ disease is the cause of hyperthyroidism, the daily intake of iodine should not exceed the intake recommendations (reference value for the recommended iodine intake of the German Nutrition Society (DGE) for a healthy adult: 180-200 µg/day).
  • Selection of suitable food based on the nutritional analysis
  • See also under “Therapy with micronutrients (vital substances)” – if necessary, taking a suitable dietary supplement.
  • Detailed information on nutritional medicine you will receive from us.

Psychotherapy