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February 10, 2012
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Thyroid Medications

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Thyroid Problems Overview

The thyroid gland is located on the front part of the neck below the thyroid cartilage (Adam's apple). This gland produces thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism. Thyroid hormones regulate the body's energy, use of other hormones and vitamins, and the growth and maturation of body tissues.

Diseases of the thyroid gland include:

Thyroid Medications

Many thyroid medications can be used to treat the various thyroid disorders. This article will review the following therapies:

  • Thyroid hormone replacement to treat hypothyroidism (not enough thyroid hormone) or thyroid cancer

  • Medicines to treat hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone)

  • Other treatments for hyperthyroidism

  • Radioactive iodine treatment
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Thyroid Medications

Thyroid Overview

The thyroid is an organ that is considered part of the endocrine, or hormone, system. It is located in the neck below the Adam's apple. The thyroid's main purpose is to produce thyroid hormones. These hormones then travel through the bloodstream to all the other tissues and organs to help control metabolism in adults and growth, development, and metabolism in children.

  • The thyroid is shaped like a butterfly. The two "wings" of the butterfly are the right and left lobes of the thyroid, with lie on both sides of the trachea or main breathing tube. The connection between the wings is called the isthmus.
  • The two hormones that the thyroid produces are L-thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3).
  • The thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3) hormones regulate your body's metabolic functions such as heat generation, and the utilization of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. In children, thyroid ...

Read the Thyroid Facts article »


Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Thyroid Disease »

The thyroid gland plays an important role in tissue metabolism and development.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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