Hyperthyroidism & Graves' Treatment in Seomyeon, Busan

What is hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism (갑상선 기능 항진증) means the thyroid produces too much hormone, speeding up the body's metabolism. Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition in which antibodies stimulate the thyroid, is the most common cause and can also affect the eyes. Other causes include overactive nodules and temporary inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis), such as after pregnancy, which is managed differently.

Symptoms and when to see a doctor

Palpitations, fast heartbeat and tremor
Weight loss despite good appetite
Heat intolerance, sweating and anxiety or irritability
Frequent bowel movements and poor sleep
Swelling in the neck; gritty, bulging or red eyes in Graves' disease

Seek emergency care (call 119) for very fast heartbeat with high fever, confusion, vomiting or severe agitation, which may be a thyroid storm, or for chest pain or fainting.

What happens at the clinic

Blood tests: TSH, free T4 and sometimes T3, plus TSH receptor antibodies to confirm Graves' disease.
Ultrasound or scan: to assess the gland and nodules; nuclear uptake scans may be used to distinguish causes.
Baseline checks: blood count and liver tests before antithyroid medicine.
Treatment start: methimazole is commonly used; propylthiouracil is preferred in early pregnancy. A beta-blocker may ease symptoms.
Monitoring: thyroid tests every 4–6 weeks initially to adjust the dose.

Treatment outlook

Antithyroid medicine controls hormone levels in most patients within weeks to a few months. In Graves' disease, a long course is typically given, and some patients achieve remission after stopping, though relapse is common. Radioactive iodine or surgery offer more definitive treatment and usually lead to lifelong levothyroxine replacement. Stopping smoking is important, especially for Graves' eye disease.

Risks and side effects

Antithyroid medicines can cause rash, itching, joint pain and, rarely, liver injury or agranulocytosis, a serious drop in white blood cells. Stop the medicine and get an urgent blood count if you develop fever, sore throat or mouth ulcers. Radioactive iodine can worsen eye disease in some patients and is not used in pregnancy.

Choosing a clinic for hyperthyroidism care in Seomyeon

Choose an endocrinologist experienced in Graves' disease management.
Ask how quickly blood test results are available during dose adjustment.
Ask for written warning signs of medicine side effects.
If you have eye symptoms, ask about referral to an ophthalmologist.
If planning pregnancy, discuss timing and medicine choice in advance.

Regular checks

Frequent blood tests in the first months are easier at a clinic close to Seomyeon Station, where Lines 1 and 2 meet.

What causes hyperthyroidism?

The most common cause is Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition. Others include overactive thyroid nodules and thyroiditis, which can cause temporary hyperthyroidism, sometimes after pregnancy or a viral illness.

How long do I take antithyroid medicine?

For Graves' disease, treatment usually lasts 12 to 18 months or longer, after which some people achieve remission. Your doctor monitors blood tests to guide timing.

What side effects should I watch for on methimazole?

Watch for fever, sore throat or mouth ulcers, which can signal a rare but serious drop in white blood cells. Stop the medicine and get an urgent blood test. Also report yellowing skin or dark urine.

Is radioactive iodine safe?

It has been used for decades and is considered safe for most adults, but not during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It often leads to an underactive thyroid requiring lifelong hormone tablets.

Can Graves' disease affect the eyes?

Yes. Graves' eye disease can cause gritty, red, bulging eyes or double vision. Stopping smoking and seeing an eye specialist are important. Seek urgent care for reduced vision.

Seomyeon.Clinic

Hyperthyroidism (Graves') Treatment in Seomyeon, Busan