Thyroid disease: Long-term management of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism

Background Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are commonly encountered in clinical practice. General practitioners have a central role the long-term management of these conditions. Objective The aim this review is to provide an overview causes thyroid function disorders guidance on management. Discussion Optimal hypothyroidism relies understanding potential risks benefits therapy versus observation. If levothyroxine (LT4) replacement commenced person with subclinical basis presence possibly relevant hypothyroid symptoms, consideration should be given ceasing LT4 if no symptomatic benefit observed. Thyroid stimulating hormone levels below reference range associated atrial fibrillation osteoporosis, avoided. Treatment modalities for include antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine thyroidectomy. Each satisfactory, but none ideal. A patient-centred choice treatment modality individualised, taking into underlying pathology, age, sex, patient preference availability expert surgical care. Long-term patients requires careful likely outcomes including risk hypothyroidism.