Diabetes Care | Care of People with Metabolic Problems: Diabetes | Endocrine and Metabolic - Managing a Patient with Hyperthyroidism in Primary Care

Managing a Patient with Hyperthyroidism in Primary Care
Session Overview
Description
This session describes the causes, initial investigation and treatment options for patients who present to a general practitioner with hyperthyroidism.

This session was reviewed by Khyati Bakhai and last updated in February 2020.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Describe the natural history of Graves’ disease
• Differentiate the causes of hyperthyroidism
• Describe the two commonly used medications to treat hyperthyroidism
• Describe when to refer patients to secondary care
• Recognise the implications and complications of radioactive iodine treatment

In Europe, thyrotoxicosis affects around 1 in 2,000 people annually.

This session covers the causes, initial investigation and treatment options for patients who present with hyperthyroidism.

Recommendations for the initiation of commonly used medical therapies are provided, together with information on cautions and side effects.

The pros and cons of radioactive iodine and surgery are also included to provide a comprehensive outline of the immediate and longer term management of hyperthyroidism.