Other medical treatments

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Radio-iodine

This involves taking a drink, or swallowing a capsule, which contains radioactive iodine. The main use of iodine in the body is to make thyroxine. Therefore, the radioactive iodine builds up in the thyroid gland. As the radioactivity is concentrated in the thyroid gland, it destroys some thyroid tissue which reduces the amount of thyroxine that you make. The dose of radioactivity to the rest of the body is very low and is not dangerous.

Thyroid replacement therapy

It can be difficult for a doctor to judge just the right dose of carbimazole, or just the right amount of radio-iodine, to give in each case. Too much treatment may make the thyroxine level go too low. Not enough treatment means the level remains higher than normal. Regular blood tests are needed to check on the thyroxine level.

One option is to deliberately take a high dose of carbimazole each day, or to take a one-off high dose of radio-iodine. This will stop your thyroid gland making any thyroxine. But, you can take a daily dose of thyroxine tablets to keep your blood level of thyroxine normal. This 'over-treatment' and then taking replacement thyroxine ('block and replace') is a popular option.

Surgery

This involves removing part of the thyroid gland. It may be a good option if you have a large goitre (thyroid swelling) which is causing problems in the neck. If too much of the thyroid is removed it is not usually a problem as you can take thyroxine tablets to keep the thyroxine level normal. It is usually a safe operation, although as with all operations there is a small risk.

Treatment for eye problems

You may need to see an eye specialist if you develop the eye problems of Graves' disease. Relatively minor symptoms affect the eyes in about half of people with Graves' disease. Measures such as artificial tears, sunglasses, and eye protectors whilst you sleep may be sufficient to help.

However, about 1 in 20 people with Graves' disease have severe eye changes. Treatment can then be more difficult and may include surgery, radiation treatment, or steroid tablets.

Beta-blocker medicines

Some people take a beta-blocker medicine (for example, propranolol, atenolol, etc) for a few weeks whilst the level of thyroxine is reduced gradually by one of the above treatments. Beta-blockers can block some of the effects of a high level of thyroxine. In particular they help to reduce the symptoms of tremor, palpitations, sweating, agitation, and anxiety.