Expert Thyroid Treatment- Dr. S.Ramkumar

Thyroid Treatment- An Insight

Thyroid issues can often be difficult to identify, as their symptoms frequently mimic those of other medical conditions. If diagnostic tests indicate a thyroid disorder, your primary care physician might refer you to an endocrinologist—Dr.S. Ramkumar, a specialist in hormonal health. The goal of thyroid treatment is to normalise thyroid function and relieve symptoms.

Treatment options vary depending on the specific disorder and can include anti-thyroid medications, hormone replacement therapy, surgical interventions, or radioactive iodine therapy. At Chennai Thyroid Clinic, we craft personalised treatment plans to reflect your unique thyroid conditions, health, and medical history, ensuring thorough and effective care to optimise your thyroid health.

Thyroid Treatments We Offer

Based on the type of thyroid disorder you have, Dr. S. Ramkumar will devise a personalised treatment plan for you. Here are some of the most common types of treatments:

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is characterised by an underactive thyroid gland, which fails to produce adequate hormones. Treatment strategies are tailored according to individual symptoms, overall health, severity of the condition, and age.

To enhance metabolism, physicians typically prescribe thyroid hormone medications, fine-tuning the dosage until hormone levels stabilise. Commonly used treatments include:

Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl): This synthetic T4 hormone is designed to normalise TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels.
Liothyronine (Cytomel): A synthetic version of the T3 hormone, it is employed in the management of myxedema coma and hypothyroidism and is often prescribed in combination with levothyroxine.

A medical professional holding thyroid gland model.

Close up view of a patient with Hyperthyroid.

Hyperthyroidism

There are multiple treatment options for hyperthyroidism, tailored to the patient's health, age, underlying causes, and severity of the condition:

Antithyroid Medications: Drugs such as Propylthiouracil (PTU) and Methimazole (Tapazole) decrease hormone production, and symptoms generally improve within weeks to months.
- Methimazole is effective in treating hyperthyroidism, toxic goitre, thyrotoxic crisis, and Graves' disease.
- Propylthiouracil (PTU) is often the preferred option in managing hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease, especially in early pregnancy, despite potential risks such as liver side effects.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy: This treatment involves using radioactive iodine to destroy overactive thyroid cells, effectively reducing hormone production.
Beta Blockers: Medications like Propranolol are used to manage acute symptoms, including tremors, anxiety, and rapid heart rate, by blocking sympathetic activity.
Surgery (Thyroidectomy): Involves the partial or total removal of the thyroid gland and is considered when other treatments prove ineffective. This approach is particularly relevant for cases involving specific thyroid conditions or thyroid cancer.

Thyroiditis

Treatment strategies for thyroiditis vary based on the specific type of thyroiditis and the symptoms presented by the individual.

Anti-inflammatory Medications: For subacute thyroiditis and acute infectious thyroiditis, the associated pain can typically be controlled with corticosteroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Thyroid Hormone Replacement: This is used in cases where thyroiditis results in hypothyroidism. It involves administering synthetic thyroid hormones to restore normal hormone levels in the body, thereby addressing the symptoms of thyroid hormone deficiency.
Beta Blockers: Beta-blockers may be used during the thyrotoxic phase of thyroiditis, which is characterised by symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

The staff performs a scan on the patient for thyroid diagnosis.

A doctor examines a patient with goiter.

Goitre

The approach to treating a goitre depends on various factors, including the goitre's size, the patient's symptoms, and the underlying cause. Here are the main treatment methods:

Levothyroxine: This medication is often prescribed when a goitre is caused by hypothyroidism or iodine deficiency. It is taken daily to help reduce the size of the goitre.
Surgery: Surgical intervention may be recommended in cases where the goitre is large enough to cause difficulties with swallowing or breathing or if there are cosmetic concerns.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy: This treatment is used for goitres associated with an overactive thyroid. Administered orally, radioactive iodine destroys thyroid cells, helping to shrink the gland and alleviate symptoms.

Get Expert Thyroid Care

Don't delay in seeking the care you need. Reach out to us today to schedule your consultation and begin your journey towards improved thyroid health.

Consult Now

A female patient undergoing an ultrasound diagnostics of the endocrine system.

A patient suffering from a bulged front neck illustrate thyroid problem.

Thyroid Nodules

The management of thyroid nodules is tailored according to the type of nodules. Here are the primary treatment methods:

Observation: For benign nodules, regular monitoring may be sufficient. This typically involves ultrasound imaging, physical examinations, and periodic blood tests.
Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy: This involves extracting a small sample of tissue from the thyroid gland using a fine, hollow needle. The sample is then analysed to assess the nodule cells.
Surgery (Thyroidectomy): Surgical removal is advised for nodules that are cancerous, cause symptoms of obstruction (such as difficulty swallowing or breathing ), or appear suspicious. Surgical options include Robotic Thyroidectomy, Retroauricular (scarless) Thyroidectomy, and Transoral Thyroidectomy (TOT).
Radiofrequency Ablation (RF Ablation): This minimally invasive technique uses radio waves to heat and subsequently destroy abnormal thyroid tissue.
Ethanol (Alcohol) Ablation: Primarily used for cystic thyroid nodules, this treatment involves the direct injection of ethanol into the nodule, causing it to shrink and cells to die.

Thyroid Cancer

The treatment strategy for thyroid cancer is determined based on the size of the tumour, its stage, and whether it has metastasized. Below are the primary treatments used:

Surgery: Surgery is a common treatment for thyroid cancer and involves either a partial or total thyroidectomy, depending on the stage and type of cancer.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy: This therapy decreases the risk of recurrence and treats metastatic disease. It works by destroying any remaining thyroid tissue after surgery.
Thyroid Hormone Therapy: Levothyroxine is prescribed to ensure adequate thyroid hormone levels and reduce the pituitary gland's production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
External Beam Radiation Therapy is applied in cases where the cancer is resistant to iodine treatments or has spread beyond the thyroid.
Chemotherapy: This treatment uses chemical agents to destroy cancer cells and is typically reserved for aggressive or advanced forms of thyroid cancer.

The image of a ribbon to symbolize thyroid awareness.

A doctor examines a patient for congenital hypothyroidism.

Congenital Thyroid Diseases

Treatment for conditions like congenital hypothyroidism involves thyroid hormone replacement to normalise thyroid hormone levels in the body.

Thyroid Hormone Replacement: This therapy is crucial for ensuring normal development and growth by supplementing the insufficient natural thyroid hormones.

Thyroid Disorders in Pregnancy

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is tailored to each individual's needs, especially during pregnancy when thyroid hormone levels can fluctuate.

Hypothyroidism: Pregnant women diagnosed with overt hypothyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism who are TPO antibody positive are typically prescribed oral levothyroxine. The dosage of levothyroxine is carefully adjusted to maintain thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels within the normal range.
Hyperthyroidism: In severe cases of hyperthyroidism that necessitate intervention, anti-thyroid medications are recommended. Propylthiouracil (PTU) is generally preferred during the first trimester due to its safety profile. If necessary, treatment may be switched to methimazole in later trimesters.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can dietary and lifestyle modifications aid in managing thyroid disorders?

While medications are often essential for managing thyroid disorders, incorporating a healthy diet and lifestyle can enhance thyroid function. Dr. S. Ramkumar will provide you with tailored advice on lifestyle adjustments and nutrition that can support your treatment and enhance overall wellness.

2. When will I notice an improvement in my symptoms?

The timeline for experiencing symptom relief varies from person to person and depends on the type of treatment. While some patients may see improvements within a few weeks, others might need several months. Regular consultations with our specialists ensure that your treatment regimen is effective and appropriately adjusted over time.

3. What does a fine-needle aspiration biopsy involve?

A fine-needle aspiration biopsy involves the use of a thin needle to extract a small tissue sample from the thyroid gland. This minimally invasive procedure is usually performed during a brief office visit, and results are typically available within a few days.

4. How do we treat thyroid cancer?

The treatment for thyroid cancer varies based on the cancer’s type and stage and may include options such as radioactive iodine therapy, surgery, thyroid hormone therapy, chemotherapy or external beam radiation. Dr. S. Ramkumar will create a customised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

5. Can radioactive iodine therapy be considered safe?

Radioactive iodine therapy is a well-established and safe treatment option for a few varieties of thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism, providing effective results.

6. Are thyroid medications safe during pregnancy?

Thyroid medications are generally considered safe during pregnancy, and managing thyroid levels is crucial for the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. Dr. S. Ramkumar will monitor your thyroid function closely and adjust your medication as necessary to ensure a safe pregnancy.

7.What are the risks associated with untreated thyroid disorders?

Leaving thyroid disorders untreated can lead to serious health issues, including cardiovascular problems, mood disturbances, metabolic dysfunction, and infertility. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical to avoid these complications and to maintain optimal health.

8. Can stress influence the functioning of the thyroid?

Stress can indeed affect thyroid function, altering hormone levels and potentially worsening symptoms of thyroid disorders. Adopting stress management techniques, engaging in regular physical activity, and making lifestyle adjustments can significantly support thyroid health and improve your quality of life.