Radioactive iodine will be administered, and, using a scanning camera, he or she will observe just how the thyroid gland uses iodine. How much radioactive iodine the thyroid gland uses will help the doctor to get a clear picture of whether or not Graves’ disease is the cause of hyperthyroidism. An ultrasound and various imaging tests may also be ordered.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Graves' Disease
If you are diagnosed with Graves’ disease, your doctor will begin treatment as soon as possible. His or her goal will be to regulate thyroid hormones to eliminate hyperthyroidism.
One method of treatment that he or she may use is radioactive iodine therapy. This method of therapy eradicates overactive thyroid cells. Consequently, the thyroid will become smaller. This method of treatment takes somewhere between a few weeks and a few months, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is important to note that this treatment is not recommended for pregnant women.
The doctor will probably prescribe anti-thyroid medications. These medications keep the body from using iodine to produce excess amounts of hormones. Beta-blockers may also be used. These medications can block hormonal effects and help to alleviate symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid surgery also may be performed. In this case, your doctor would remove the thyroid. After surgery, medications will be used to act in the same way a thyroid would.
In addition, it will be important to eat right and exercise to manage Graves’ disease. And you will want to avoid stress to the greatest extent possible because stress can be a trigger.