Is Thyroid Curable Completely? - Know Answer

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Written by Hexahealth Care Team, last updated on 25 April 2023
Is Thyroid Curable Completely? - Know Answer

Several patients who have been diagnosed with disorders related to the thyroid gland, have one common question, “Is thyroid curable or not?” for their medical practitioners. Although thyroid disorders bring along many health complications, they are mostly manageable with the optimum dietary and lifestyle changes. 

While you wish to know “Can thyroid be cured?” it is important to first walk you through everything you need to know about thyroid disorders. The thyroid gland is considered vital for secreting hormones involved in various bodily processes. And, the overproduction or underproduction of these hormones characterises thyroid disorders. Notably, thyroid disorders come in various forms. Read on to find out more.

About Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that produces hormones. It is situated in the front of the neck and is surrounded by the trachea (windpipe). It is divided into two lobes, the right and left, which are connected by a narrow bridge of tissues called an isthmus. 

Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are the two primary hormones produced by the thyroid gland. The hormones influence the body's metabolism and growth. Thyroid hormones are responsible for regulating the heart, protein creation by tissues, and the gastrointestinal system, as well as neurodevelopment and skeletal preservation. 

Functions of Thyroid Gland

The principal function of the thyroid gland is to produce calcitonin, T3 and T4 hormones. Calcitonin assists in calcium and bone metabolism whereas T3 and T4 hormones contribute to increasing the basal metabolic rate of the human body. The gland uses iodine to produce these hormones which affect weight, digestion, heart rate, moods and respiration.

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Thyroid Diseases: What are they?

Thyroid diseases are conditions where the thyroid gland fails to produce the appropriate amount of thyroid hormones. Excessive production or less production of thyroid hormones can lead to the following diseases:

Hypothyroidism

When the thyroid gland produces very little thyroid hormones, the condition is known as hypothyroidism. The following disorders may lead to hypothyroidism:

  1. Thyroiditis: In this condition, the thyroid gland appears swollen and inflamed. Also, its ability to generate hormones can be reduced.
  2. Thyroiditis due to Hashimoto's: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a non-painful immunological illness in which the thyroid gland is attacked and harmed by the body's cells. This illness is hereditary.
  3. Thyroiditis following delivery: After giving birth, 5% to 9% of women develop this syndrome. It normally only lasts a short while.
  4. Iodine deficiency: The thyroid gland uses iodine to make hormones and its deficiency can cause hypothyroidism.
  5. An underactive thyroid gland: In this case, the thyroid gland functions improperly from birth. 

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is characterised by excessive thyroid hormone production and accelerated energy expenditure. It may result from the following conditions:

  1. Graves' disease: An autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. With this illness, the thyroid gland as a whole may become hyperactive and generate excessive amounts of hormones. 
  2. Nodules: Hyperthyroidism may be brought on by thyroid nodules that are hyperactive. 
  3. Thyroiditis: Thyroiditis refers to inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can cause damage to the thyroid cells and disrupt the normal functioning of the gland. This condition might cause pain or no symptoms at all. With thyroiditis, hormones that were kept in the thyroid are released. 
  4. Iodine overdose: The thyroid gland overproduces thyroid hormones when there is an excessive intake of iodine.

Symptoms Related to Thyroid Disorders

If you have thyroid problems, then you could encounter a wide range of symptoms. Notably, thyroid disease symptoms closely resemble those of other illnesses. To identify thyroid disorders as early as possible, proper medical guidance is needed.  

Hypothyroidism frequently shows the following symptoms:

  1. Fatigue
  2. Weight gain
  3. Forgetfulness
  4. Heavy and frequent menstrual periods
  5. Coarse and dry hair
  6. Increased sensitivity to cold temperatures
  7. Hoarse voice

On the other hand, the following are typical signs of hyperthyroidism:

  1. Anxiety, nervousness, and irritability
  2. Trouble sleeping
  3. Weight loss
  4. Goitre or an enlarged thyroid gland 
  5. Muscle tremors and weakness 
  6. Irregular periods
  7. Increased sensitivity to heat
  8. Vision problems or eye irritation

Is Thyroid Curable Permanently?

You may be curious and wish to know if the thyroid is curable permanently. The answer to that would be yes; hyperthyroidism can be permanently treated. Hyperthyroidism can be treated surgically by removing or managing your thyroid with medication.

However, you must undergo thyroid hormone replacement therapy after removing your thyroid. This is because your body still requires thyroid hormones, just not at the same high amounts you would have in hyperthyroidism. 

If someone wants to cure thyroid disease permanently, then figuring out the root cause is essential. These are some of the causes of thyroid diseases:

  1. Gut leakage
  2. Excessive inflammation
  3. Nutritional adequacy
  4. Poor diet
  5. Continued intake of painkillers, antacids, and antibiotics
  6. Stress toxins, such as mercury and aluminium
  7. Pesticide and plastic exposure

Ways to Cure Thyroid Diseases Permanently

Your doctor aims to get your thyroid hormone levels back to normal. Your chosen method of treatment will depend on the underlying causes of your thyroid problem. Treatment options for hyperthyroidism may include:

  1. Methimazole and propylthiouracil medications: These drugs prevent the thyroid gland from producing hormones.
  2. Beta-blockers: These drugs aid in symptom management but do not alter the level of hormones in your body.
  3. Radioactive iodine: Even if the thyroid cancer cells have moved to certain other areas of your body, the radioactive iodine from the medication is incorporated into your bloodstream and taken up by the thyroid cancerous cells during this treatment. The cancer cells are then obliterated by the radiation. The thyroid gland suffers cell damage due to this therapy, which prevents it from producing a lot of thyroid hormones.  
  4. Surgery: Your healthcare professional might surgically remove your thyroid gland as a more long-lasting method of treatment. Post-surgery, the thyroid gland won't produce hormones and you won't require any prolonged medication.

On the other hand, the main course of treatment for hypothyroidism involves:

  1. Thyroid replacement therapy: This treatment is a synthetic technique to replenish thyroid hormones in your body. You may manage thyroid disease and lead a normal life by taking the prescribed medication. Levothyroxine is one such widely used medication for thyroid replacement therapy.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Thyroid Disease

Thyroid diseases are typically caused by poor eating habits, stress, and more. The standard treatment for hypothyroidism is to take thyroxine supplements on a daily basis. However, dietary and lifestyle modifications may assist in managing thyroid issues permanently. Amongst the modifications that can aid in thyroid disorder management are:

  1. Exercise: Physical activity can assist with the thyroid treatment programme by reducing stress, lowering anxiety and depression, and keeping you healthy. Stretching helps in releasing feel-good hormones that assist with feeling better both physiologically and psychologically. Cardio workouts should be prioritised for optimal results.
  2. Meditation: Hypothyroidism is normally linked to patients struggling with mental health issues and anxious feelings. Meditation can be a useful method for dealing with one's feelings and achieving inner clarity.
  3. Gluten-free eating habits: The link between celiac disease and hypothyroidism is well documented. Gluten is a factor contributing to celiac disease. Gluten is a protein found in maize, corn, and other grain-based foods. Eliminating gluten from one's diet can alleviate the signs of celiac disease and hypothyroidism.
  4. Control your alcohol consumption: Alcohol abuse disrupts thyroid function. Having alcohol in moderation, however, causes no significant harm to the thyroid gland.
  5. Avoidable food: Eliminate soy products, cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli, high-fibre intake, refined carbohydrates, and frozen foods from the diet.
  6. Tension reduction: You might think that stress is common for every individual in general. But, to find a long-lasting treatment for thyroid diseases, you must find a solution for dealing with and reducing stress. Persistent stress increases inflammation in the body and reduces thyroid hormone production. To deal with stress effortlessly, you may simply walk outside, cook, paint, or do whatever you find comforting and soothing.
  7. Healthy diet: Our bodies cannot function without nourishment. Food quantity is vital, but so is food quality. Eating processed items or food that has been exposed to pesticides is unhealthy. Following a nutritious and healthy diet is crucial to lose weight while managing a thyroid disease.

When to Consult a Doctor?

The decision of when to consult a doctor can often be tricky. There can be several circumstances that call for a recommendation to an endocrinologist who is a hormone expert. When you or somebody important to you is identified with a thyroid issue and you find yourself in one of the following circumstances, then you should request a recommendation from your primary care physician:

  1. You're attempting a pregnancy or are already pregnant
  2. You have nodules or an expanded thyroid gland
  3. You have Graves' syndrome or any other form of hyperthyroidism
  4. Your hypothyroidism is brought on by a pituitary gland issue
  5. You are affected by thyroid eye illness
  6. You have cancer of the thyroid gland
  7. Despite receiving treatment, you don’t feel any improvement

Takeaway

Thyroid disease is typically a long-term medical condition that needs constant attention. Thyroid disorders can result in a wide range of undesirable symptoms, including dry skin, persistent fatigue, memory loss, and an increased risk of heart disease. Almost all thyroid disorders, including Hashimoto's, which accounts for 90% of cases of hypothyroidism, can be permanently cured for many patients.

It is advisable to visit your healthcare professional if you have symptoms related to thyroid disorders so that he/she can examine you and recommend suitable medication or therapy. Your physician will monitor your therapies and adjust them as per the requirement. If you've already received a diagnosis for thyroid disorders, then you'll probably need to visit your doctor frequently to ensure your treatment is effective.

In case you need any additional assistance, like finding a suitable doctor or a clinic near you, feel free to contact us at HexaHealth. The experts here will guide you through the process and help you find the treatment you are seeking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is thyroid completely curable?

Yes, hyperthyroidism can be permanently cured. It can be treated permanently by surgically removing your thyroid gland or using medications.

Can thyroid be cured naturally without surgery?

The production of thyroid hormones cannot be altered naturally. Before trying out any natural remedy for hypothyroidism treatment, take suggestions from a healthcare professional.

Is thyroid cancer curable?

Yes, thyroid cancer is curable, but the type and severity of your thyroid disorders, your general health, and your preferences will decide the timeline. With proper therapy, most patients have a very good prognosis.

What factors and stages decide whether the thyroid is curable?

The most significant element of thyroid diseases is that there are effective treatments that can bring thyroid function back to normal. All individuals diagnosed with thyroid disorders require lifetime medical monitoring to ensure their thyroid function stays within the ideal range.

How long does it take to cure a thyroid disease?

Many a time, two weeks after commencing thyroid replacement therapy, hypothyroidism symptoms start to improve. However, those who experience more severe symptoms, particularly muscle ache and weakness, can need several months of therapy to fully recover.

Can any natural remedies or lifestyle changes cure thyroid diseases?

While eating a certain diet and exercising regularly won't cure thyroid disorders, they can be beneficial in the long run. Diet definitely won't reduce hypothyroidism complications alone because it is an autoimmune condition, but it may have positive impacts for someone who has been diagnosed.

Can medication alone cure thyroid disease?

The majority of thyroid diseases can be successfully treated with medication. Medical practitioners usually advise patients on taking their medications properly, inform them about new and existing medications, and promote medication adherence.

Is surgery necessary to cure thyroid diseases?

Surgery may be the only option for the patients in some cases, and the doctor might suggest it if the thyroid gland is overactive or has grown large in size. Also, if the patient is prone to be detected with cancer due to the overgrowth of cysts, surgery may be the only option for him/her.

What are the long-term outcomes of thyroid treatment?

Levothyroxine therapy is the most effective treatment related to thyroid disorders. Doctors usually prescribe it for thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism. However, this therapy may sometimes cause several side effects such as heart diseases, osteoporosis, sudden changes in the menstrual cycle and fractures in the long run.

Can thyroid diseases recur after treatment?

Most patients recover fully from treatment, but follow-up care is crucial. In case of thyroid tumours, they grow slowly and can reappear even 10 to 20 years after the first treatment.

What are the common complications associated with thyroid diseases after being cured?

Thyroid eye illness is a condition that some people with hyperthyroidism experience. It occurs more frequently in smokers and the muscles and other tissues around the eyes are affected by this illness.

How often do patients need to be monitored after thyroid treatment?

Patients sometimes need to be monitored after thyroid treatment once a year or more frequently if your doctor recommends it. Also, you should get a blood test done if:

  1. You have a thyroid condition
  2. You've previously undergone treatment for an overactive thyroid

What factors affect the prognosis of thyroid diseases?

Thyroid diseases are chronic medical ailments that require ongoing therapy for treatment. Finding the best course of action and controlling your hormone levels may take some time, but once they have been started, patients with these diseases typically lead quite unrestricted lives. The prognosis of thyroid diseases may be affected by the patient's lifestyle and overall diet.

Can diet and exercise help in the cure of thyroid diseases?

Although hypothyroidism cannot be cured by diet or exercise alone, it may, however, have some positive impacts on your life. You will start to experience the positive effects of a healthy lifestyle if you indulge in a nutritious diet, regular exercise, time for relaxation, and 7-9 hours of sleep every night.

What is the role of radioactive iodine in treating thyroid diseases?

Several thyroid diseases are treated with radioactive iodine which is administered by nuclear medicine experts. You might be able to undergo this surgery and go home the same day, depending on the dosage. With greater doses, however, you may have to be admitted to the hospital for a night while doctors continuously monitor the radioactive iodine in your urine.

Are there any alternative or complementary therapies to help cure thyroid diseases?

Complementary and alternative medicine refers to the medical system or practices not typically considered standard care for a certain disease. Tyrosine, iodine, selenium, zinc, and copper are nutrients required to synthesise thyroid hormones. So, as a part of the alternative or complementary therapy for thyroid diseases, checking your diet to see if you have any nutritional deficiencies and then adding those elements to your diet may help with hypothyroid treatment.

Is it possible for thyroid diseases to cause permanent damage to the thyroid gland?

Thyroid gland can be permanently damaged in cases of silent thyroiditis which is a temporary state of excess hormone release causing mild hyperthyroidism which may permanently damage the gland and reduce hormone production from the thyroid gland. Additionally, if hyperthyroidism remains undetected for a long time and the thyroid cells are affected, then the thyroid gland may be damaged permanently.

Can stress affect the treatment or cure of thyroid diseases?

Thyroid diseases may get even worse under stress. Your body releases the hormone cortisol during stressful situations. A high cortisol level can make it more difficult for the thyroid gland to produce enough hormones, which can cause interference with thyroid hormone production.

Is it necessary to monitor thyroid function even after completely curing a thyroid disease?

Almost all hypothyroidism patients might require long-term thyroxine treatment. Also, thyroid function should be checked every 6 to 12 months or more frequently as needed, even after a thyroid disease has been completely cured.

References

All the articles on HexaHealth are supported by verified medically-recognized sources such as; peer-reviewed academic research papers, research institutions, and medical journals. Our medical reviewers also check references of the articles to prioritize accuracy and relevance. Refer to our detailed editorial policy for more information.


  1. NHS Choices. Treatment - Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). NHS. 2019. link
  2. Medical New Today. Hypothyroidism: Causes, symptoms, and treatment. link
  3. Disorders of the Thyroid. link

Updated on : 25 April 2023

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HexaHealth Care Team

HexaHealth Care Team brings you medical content covering many important conditions, procedures falling under different medical specialities. The content published is thoroughly reviewed by our panel of qualified doctors for its accuracy and relevance.

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